The best cycling routes around Gortanewry
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Touring cycling around Gortanewry, located in County Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, offers routes through a landscape characterized by rolling hills and scenic countryside. The region is nestled within the Sperrin Mountains, providing varied terrain for cyclists. This area features a mix of rural roads and paths, suitable for exploring the natural environment.
Best touring cycling routes around Gortanewry
- The most popular touring cycling route is Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, a 17.4 miles (28.07 km) trail that takes 1 hour 43 minutes to complete. This easy route follows the shores of Lough Neagh.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is View of the River Bann β Toome Lock loop from Magherafelt, a moderate 30.5 miles (49.07 km) path. This route offers views along the River Bann.
- Local touring cyclists also love the St Lurach's Church Ruins loop from Magherafelt, a 24.8 miles (39.96 km) trail leading through countryside and passing historical ruins, often completed in about 2 hours 21 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Gortanewry is defined by rolling hills, scenic countryside, and routes within the Sperrin Mountains. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging ascents.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 6 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Gortanewry's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
1
riders
28.1km
01:43
140m
140m
Cycle the easy 17.4-mile Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, enjoying Lough Neagh views and the ancient Ardboe High Cross.
120km
07:18
1,030m
1,030m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
49.1km
02:56
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
40.0km
02:22
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Gortanewry
Tips from the Community
Beaghmore (Bheitheach MhΓ³r), meaning βbig place of birch treesβ. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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Contained within the ruins is a sculpture of the crucifixion, which is thought to date from the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest in Ireland. St Lurach founded an important church here in the 6th century. It was plundered by Vikings in 832 and burned in 1135. Following the 12th-century ecclesiastical reforms this was the seat of a bishop from the mid 12th to the mid 13th century, then served as parish church until the new church across the road was built in the early 19th century. This long history is reflected in the much patched and altered fabric, and the big uneven graveyard.
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Near the banks of Lough Neagh stands Ardboe High Cross. Take a close look at the carvings on the cross which represent both the Old and New Testament. A monastery was founded here in the 6th century by St Colman and legend has it that it was created by the milk of a magic cow. Ardboe means hill of the cow, so who knows!
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A little waterside detour will take you to visit The Battery, a marina on Lough Neagh. You can grab at drink at the Battery Bar or take a seat on one of the many picnic benches and breathe in the peace and calm.
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There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
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National Trust owned water powered mill, originally used in the manufacture of Linen. Well worth stopping off for a look around.
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Beaghmore is a complex of early Bronze Age megalithic features, stone circles and cairns, 8.5 miles north west of Cookstown, on the south-east edge of the Sperrin Mountains. There are seven low stone circles of different sizes, six of which are paired, twelve cairns and ten stone rows. The circles are between 10 and 20m in diameter, and are associated with earlier burial cairns and alignments of stone rows lead towards them. The stones are small with few more than 0.5m in height and the circles are distorted, suggesting they are related to kerbs surrounding some megalithic tombs.
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This a National Trust property that I believe has limited opening hours. It is well worth a visit and taking the free guided tour which gives lots of info about the place the mill had in the linen manufacturing industry (beetling being part of the finishing of the linen cloth). As part of the tour the water powered mill machinery will be stated up and you see the linen cloth being processed as it would when the mill was open.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Gortanewry?
There are several touring cycling routes around Gortanewry, with at least 3 featured in this guide. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy loops to more challenging ascents within the scenic Sperrin Mountains.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Gortanewry's cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes around Gortanewry are characterized by rolling hills and scenic countryside. As the region is nestled within the Sperrin Mountains, you can expect varied terrain, including both gentle stretches and some challenging climbs, offering a diverse experience for cyclists.
Are there routes suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, the routes cater to various skill levels. For an easier ride, consider the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, which is 17.4 miles long and follows the shores of Lough Neagh. More experienced cyclists might enjoy the challenging Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey β Sperrins, which covers nearly 75 miles with significant elevation gain.
What natural landmarks can I see while cycling around Gortanewry?
While cycling, you can encounter several natural landmarks. The Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop offers views of Lough Neagh. Other notable natural features in the broader area include Lough Fea and various viewpoints like Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit and View from Slieve Gallion, offering panoramic vistas of the landscape.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest along the routes?
Yes, some routes incorporate historical elements. For instance, the St Lurach's Church Ruins loop from Magherafelt leads through countryside and passes historical ruins. Additionally, the challenging Beaghmore Stone Circles loop takes you past the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, a significant archaeological site.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Gortanewry?
The Sperrin Mountains region, where Gortanewry is located, offers beautiful scenery year-round. However, for touring cycling, the milder months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally provide the most pleasant weather conditions, with longer daylight hours and less chance of rain, making for a more enjoyable experience.
Are there any long-distance touring routes available?
Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey β Sperrins is a difficult route spanning nearly 75 miles (119.5 km) with over 1000 meters of elevation gain, offering a substantial touring experience.
Can I find family-friendly cycling options in the Gortanewry area?
While specific 'family-friendly' designations for all routes aren't provided, the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop is an easy route that follows the shores of Lough Neagh, making it a good option for families looking for a less strenuous ride. The varied terrain of the region means there are options for different abilities.
Is parking available near the cycling routes in Gortanewry?
While specific parking details for each route start point are not listed in the guide, Gortanewry is situated within a rural area. It is advisable to check local information for designated parking areas near the start of your chosen route, especially in towns like Moneymore or Magherafelt, which serve as common starting points for tours in the region.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Gortanewry?
Cyclists who have explored Gortanewry often appreciate the region's diverse landscape, characterized by rolling hills and scenic countryside within the Sperrin Mountains. The routes offer a mix of rural roads and paths, providing opportunities to immerse oneself in the natural environment and discover both natural beauty and historical sites.
Are there any routes that offer views of rivers or lakes?
Yes, the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop directly follows the shores of Lough Neagh, offering beautiful waterside views. Additionally, the View of the River Bann β Toome Lock loop from Magherafelt provides scenic views along the River Bann.
Can I find routes that are considered moderate in difficulty?
Absolutely. Two moderate routes are featured in the guide: the View of the River Bann β Toome Lock loop from Magherafelt, which is 30.5 miles long, and the St Lurach's Church Ruins loop from Magherafelt, covering 24.8 miles. Both offer a good balance of challenge and scenic beauty.
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