The best road cycling routes around Knocks

There are over 25 road cycling routes around Knocks, offering a variety of experiences. These routes cater to different skill levels, from easy scenic loops to more challenging rides with greater elevation.

The Knocks area is characterized by rolling hills, serene loughs, and quiet country roads. You'll find varied terrain, including gentle ascents and descents, stretches alongside lakes, and paths through rural villages. The broader County Mayo region, where Knocks is located, offers everything from dramatic coastal scenery to mountainous and bogland areas.

Yes, Knocks offers several easy road cycling routes. For example, the Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones is a 26.3-mile (42.3 km) trail with gentle climbs. Another easy option is the Kilgarrow Lough – Killymackan Lough loop from Clogher, which is 30.1 miles (48.4 km) and offers views of several loughs.

For those seeking a moderate challenge, the Lough Narye – Lough Barry loop from Cloghagaddy is a 33.5-mile (53.8 km) trail leading through an area dotted with lakes, featuring more significant elevation gain. The region also has routes that incorporate parts of the Westport Gran Fondo, known for demanding sections like the Sheeffry Pass, though these are typically further afield in County Mayo.

Road cycling routes around Knocks often feature beautiful loughs (lakes) and quiet rural landscapes. The wider County Mayo region offers diverse natural beauty, including dramatic sea cliffs and Atlantic coastlines, mountainous terrain like the Nephin Beg Mountains, and expansive boglands within the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park. You might also encounter woodland areas and rivers.

Yes, some routes pass by historical sites. For instance, the Clones Round Tower – Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Clones takes you past the Clones Round Tower and Clones 'Wee' Abbey. Other attractions in the broader area include Crom Estate Castle Ruins and various scenic viewpoints like Carnmore Lough.

The best time for road cycling in Knocks, and County Mayo generally, is typically during the warmer and drier months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, you can expect more favorable weather conditions, though it's always wise to be prepared for changeable Irish weather.

Many of the road cycling routes around Knocks are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Newbliss and Rockcorry Loop from Clones and the Kilgarrow Lough – Lough Narye loop from Clogher.

Knock is a central location in County Mayo, and while specific public transport links directly to trailheads might be limited, bus services connect Knock to larger towns like Westport and Castlebar. From these towns, you might find local transport options or cycle directly to nearby routes. For detailed public transport information, it's best to check local bus schedules.

While the immediate Knocks area features quiet country roads, for dedicated family-friendly, traffic-free cycling, the wider County Mayo region offers excellent options. The Great Western Greenway, for example, is a multi-award-winning off-road trail from Westport to Achill Island, built along an old railway line, featuring mild gradients and breathtaking views, ideal for families.

Many road cycling routes around Knocks start from villages or towns like Clones or Clogher. You can typically find public parking in these areas. It's advisable to check specific starting points for available parking facilities before your ride.

Road cyclists using komoot often praise the varied terrain, the presence of serene loughs, and the quiet country roads that define the Knocks area. The region offers a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging routes, making it appealing to a wide range of abilities.