The best cycling routes in Down

Embark on the Slievenaman loop from Newcastle, a challenging touring bicycle route that spans 34.4 miles (55.3 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 2319 feet (707 metres). This difficult ride, estimated to take 3 hours and 42 minutes, offers continuous vistas of the majestic Mourne Mountains, including Slieve Donard, as you cycle through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will experience spectacular coastal and mountain views, with the highlight being the dramatic sight of the mountains sweeping down to the sea at Bloody Bridge.

This demanding route requires good fitness due to its sustained climbs and steep sections; novice cyclists may find parts of the journey very strenuous and might need to dismount. Parking is generally available in Newcastle, which serves as a convenient starting point for your exploration of the Mournes. Plan to begin your ride with ample time to complete the full loop before dusk, especially given the route's difficulty and length.

The Slievenaman loop is situated within the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its unique geological and cultural significance. As you cycle, you will pass through picturesque areas like Tollymore Forest Park, offering a diverse landscape beyond the rugged mountain terrain. This route provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and challenging cycling conditions that define this renowned region.

This difficult touring cycling route offers a challenging ride through the diverse landscapes of the Mourne AONB. You will cover 23.5 miles (37.8 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1554 feet (474 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete. As you pedal, you'll experience sweeping views of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay, often escaping the more crowded areas. The route takes you past the picturesque Tollymore Forest Park and the prominent Lough Island Reavy Reservoir, providing a mix of natural beauty and open road.

The route conveniently begins and ends in Newcastle, making it easy to access. Since the entire journey is on smooth public roads, you should be prepared for traffic, particularly when entering and leaving Newcastle and Castlewellan. Planning your ride to avoid peak times can enhance your experience. Consider starting early in the morning to enjoy quieter roads and a more peaceful touring cycling adventure.

This route stands out for its blend of coastal and mountain scenery within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Beyond the natural beauty, you will also pass the historic Maghera Round Tower, adding a touch of cultural heritage to your ride. It's an excellent option if you are an experienced cyclist seeking a demanding workout combined with varied vistas, from tranquil bays to impressive mountain backdrops.

Embark on the Kilclief to Ardglass Harbour loop, a moderate touring cycling route that takes you along the scenic coast of Strangford & Lecale. This 18.1-mile (29.2 km) journey offers picturesque coastal views, blending natural beauty with historical landmarks. You will cycle past the dramatic scenery of Ballyhornan Coastal Path and the unique coastal heath of Killard Nature Reserve. Keep an eye out for Kilclief Castle, a historic tower house that adds to the region's rich past. With an elevation gain of 504 feet (154 metres), you can expect to complete this ride in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, enjoying the fresh sea air and varied landscapes.

Planning your touring bicycle adventure is straightforward for this loop. The route is mostly paved, making it ideal for touring bikes, but be ready for some unpaved sections and possibly rougher terrain along the way. You can usually find general parking near the starting point in Kilclief, which provides easy access to the entire loop. Consider starting your ride in the morning to make the most of the daylight and avoid busier times, especially during peak seasons.

This route stands out for its unique blend of natural coastal beauty and significant historical sites within the Strangford and Lecale AONB. As you cycle, you are not just enjoying the views but also tracing a path through an area rich in heritage, marked by ancient tower houses like Kilclief Castle. The presence of the coastal heath at Killard Nature Reserve highlights the diverse ecosystems you will encounter. This loop offers a compelling way to experience both the scenic charm and the historical depth of this captivating region.

Embark on the St John's Point Lighthouse loop from Newcastle for a moderate touring cycling experience across the scenic Lecale Peninsula. This route covers 38.7 miles (62.2 km) with an elevation gain of 1181 feet (360 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 51 minutes to complete. You will enjoy picturesque coastal scenery, including expansive views of Dundrum Bay and Killough Harbour, as you cycle predominantly on paved surfaces.

This moderate route is suitable for cyclists with good fitness, yet it remains generally accessible to all skill levels. The mostly paved terrain makes for a smooth ride, allowing you to focus on the stunning coastal paths and vistas of the Irish Sea. Plan for a half-day adventure to fully appreciate the journey and its surroundings.

The highlight of your ride is the iconic St. John's Point Lighthouse, a strikingly tall tower with vibrant yellow and black bands, standing as the tallest onshore lighthouse on the Irish coast. This historical landmark, operational since 1844, offers breathtaking ocean views. The area also provides access to the nearby Strangford Lough, known for its outstanding natural beauty, and the lighthouse itself is even mentioned in Van Morrison's song 'Coney Island'.

Embark on the Newcastle to Clough Castle loop, a touring bicycle route spanning 20.2 miles (32.5 km) with an elevation gain of 1014 feet (309 metres). This moderate ride typically takes around 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete, offering a challenging experience through hilly to mountainous terrain. As you cycle, you'll be treated to spectacular views of the majestic Mourne Mountains, the coastline of Dundrum Bay, and the Irish Sea. The route often passes through charming villages and alongside natural attractions like Tollymore Forest Park, Northern Ireland's first designated forest park, and Lough Island Reavy Reservoir, providing a diverse and engaging landscape.

While there isn't one single formally designated trail for this specific loop, the region allows you to combine sections of existing routes to create this touring experience. Be prepared for significant climbs and descents, as parts of the journey, especially the return sections towards Newcastle, can be quite steep. It's wise to check your brakes before setting out, and if you are a novice cyclist, you might find yourself needing to dismount on some strenuous sections, such as those leading to Ballygreehan Road. The area's cycling routes are known for their challenging nature, so plan your visit with this in mind.

The Mourne Mountains East region, where this route is located, is recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO Global Geopark. This designation highlights its unique natural environment, featuring granite mountains, scenic coastal roads, and natural woodlands. The area is notable for its panoramic vistas and diverse landscapes, offering a mix of serene forest cycling, challenging mountain ascents, and picturesque coastal stretches. You can also encounter historic sites like Dundrum Castle, which is situated near Clough, adding a cultural dimension to your ride.

Embark on the Delamont to Ardglass Harbour loop, a moderate touring bicycle route spanning 32.1 miles (51.7 km). You will experience a rewarding ride with 1112 feet (339 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 3 hours and 5 minutes. The trail offers diverse and picturesque scenery, starting with tranquil views across Strangford Lough from Delamont Country Park. As you cycle, you will enjoy panoramic vistas of the water and the distant Mourne Mountains, especially from Strangford & Lecale Beach. The route then leads you to the charming coastal atmosphere of Ardglass Harbour, a historic fishing village, before looping back. You will find the experience engaging and varied, perfect for a day out on two wheels.

For your convenience, Delamont Country Park serves as an excellent starting point for this route, offering ample parking facilities. If you prefer, Ardglass Harbour also provides parking options, allowing you to begin or end your journey there. The area is generally accessible for touring cyclists, making it easy to plan your visit. Consider starting early to make the most of the daylight and enjoy the coastal views at a leisurely pace. Always check local conditions before you head out, especially regarding weather, to ensure a pleasant ride.

This route is nestled within the beautiful Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, highlighting its significant natural appeal. The journey showcases the unique blend of coastal landscapes and rural charm that defines this region. Ardglass Harbour itself is a notable landmark, steeped in history as a working fishing port. The trail offers a fantastic opportunity to explore this distinctive part of Northern Ireland, combining active cycling with cultural and scenic discovery. It is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the local environment and heritage.

Embark on the Twelve Arches to Tollymore Forest Park loop, an easy touring cycling route spanning 10.1 miles (16.3 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 294 feet (90 metres). You can expect to complete this scenic ride in about 58 minutes. The trail guides you through diverse terrain, offering views of the majestic Mourne Mountains and the tranquil Shimna River, often reflecting the ancient stone arches, including the notable Twelve Arches Bridge.

While specific access details for this exact loop are limited, routes in the Tollymore Forest Park area often start from nearby towns like Newcastle. It is advisable to check local signage for parking availability and any specific regulations before your visit. The area is generally accessible, but some routes can be hilly, so ensure your fitness level matches the ride. Always plan your visit during daylight hours to fully enjoy the natural beauty.

This route is set within the Mourne Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing a dramatic backdrop to your cycling adventure. Tollymore Forest Park, Northern Ireland's first state forest park, is a highlight, known for its diverse woodlands, gothic stone arches, and the Shimna River, which is crossed by 16 bridges. The park also gained fame as a filming location for *Game of Thrones*, adding a unique historical and cultural layer to your ride.

Embark on the Saint John's Point loop from Downpatrick, a moderate touring bicycle route spanning 39.0 miles (62.8 km) with an elevation gain of 1460 feet (445 metres). This journey, typically completed in about 3 hours and 46 minutes, offers captivating coastal views of Dundrum Bay and Killough Harbour. You will cycle past the historic St. John's Point Lighthouse, a key highlight, and enjoy scenic vistas of Strangford Lough, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, along with the Irish Sea and distant Mourne Mountains.

This loop is generally suitable for all skill levels, though a good level of fitness is recommended for its moderate difficulty. The terrain is predominantly paved, following minor rural roads and coastal lanes with low gradients and short rises over rounded hills. Starting from Downpatrick, the route is part of a wider network of cycling trails, suggesting good access to the area. Plan your ride to make the most of the varied landscape, which includes tidal mudflats, charming small harbors, and tranquil coastal roads.

The Saint John's Point loop is nestled within the broader Strangford & Lecale National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty celebrated for its distinctive drumlin hills, diverse marine life, and rich early Christian and maritime heritage. The area also connects to the Lecale Way, a 49-mile walking route, and the larger Strangford Lough Cycle Trail, which features attractions like Delamont Country Park and Inch Abbey. This makes the loop an excellent way to explore the region's natural and historical treasures.

Embark on the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail, a moderate touring bicycle route that guides you through the scenic Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This journey spans 35.2 miles (56.7 km) and involves a total elevation gain of 1458 feet (444 metres). You can expect to complete the entire loop in about 3 hours and 26 minutes, enjoying panoramic views of Strangford Lough, the Irish Sea coast, and the distant Mourne Mountains as you pedal.

As you plan your visit, know that the trail primarily uses quiet country roads with some traffic-free sections in towns. While generally considered an easy ride, be prepared for constant, gentle ascents and descents as you traverse drumlin country. The route is well-signposted in many areas, which helps with navigation, allowing you to focus on the beautiful surroundings.

This route offers a diverse and engaging ride, winding through picturesque coastal landscapes and rolling farmland. You will find plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way. The trail also passes through charming harbour towns and historic sites, providing a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural interest that makes it a notable touring experience in the region.