The best road cycling routes around Sandholes
4.8
(4)
128
riders
20
rides
Road cycling around Sandholes, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, offers routes through a landscape characterized by rolling hills, agricultural land, and numerous loughs. The terrain typically features gentle to moderate ascents and descents, making it suitable for various skill levels. Road cyclists can expect to navigate quiet country roads, often passing by small villages and natural features. The region's network of roads provides opportunities for both shorter, flatter rides and longer routes with more significant elevation changes.
Best road cycling routesβ¦
Last updated: July 12, 2026
1
riders
40.6km
01:49
250m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
10
riders
48.4km
01:59
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Sign up for free
8
riders
53.8km
02:17
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
54.4km
02:22
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
57.2km
02:24
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Sandholes
Tips from the Community
Forming part of the Kingfisher Cycle Trail, this country lane is lovely and quiet with good views of Round Lough
1
0
Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
1
0
The round tower in Clones was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although it would once have stood at 75 feet (23 m), the top part is now missing. Nonetheless, it is still a prominent feature on Clones' skyline. There would once have been four storeys, including a bell storey. St Tierney's graveyard, which surrounds the tower, is also an interesting place to explore with many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.
1
0
Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling around Sandholes?
Road cycling around Sandholes, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, features a landscape of rolling hills, agricultural land, and numerous loughs. The terrain generally includes gentle to moderate ascents and descents, making it suitable for various skill levels. You'll primarily navigate quiet country roads, often passing through small villages and natural features.
How many road cycling routes are available in the Sandholes area?
There are over 20 road cycling routes available around Sandholes, offering a diverse range of options for cyclists. These include 8 easy routes, 12 moderate routes, and 2 more challenging routes.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners or casual rides?
Yes, Sandholes offers several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Scotshouse, Redhills and Belturbet loop is an easy 40.6 km trail with gentle climbs through rural landscapes. Another great option is the Kilgarrow Lough β Killymackan Lough loop from Clogher, an easy 48.4 km path offering scenic views of loughs.
What are some of the longer or more challenging road cycling routes near Sandholes?
For those seeking a longer or more challenging ride, the Lough Narye β Lough Barry loop from Cloghagaddy is a moderate 53.8 km trail leading through loughs and rolling hills. Another moderate option is the Clones 'Wee' Abbey β Clones Round Tower loop from Clogher, which covers 57.1 km with significant elevation changes.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I see along the road cycling routes?
The routes around Sandholes often pass by tranquil loughs and agricultural scenery. You can also explore historical sites and viewpoints. Notable attractions include the Clones 'Wee' Abbey, the Clones Round Tower, and the Old Crom Castle Ruins.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots along the cycling routes?
Yes, many routes offer scenic views of the loughs and surrounding countryside. The Old Crom Castle Ruins is a specific viewpoint you might encounter, offering picturesque vistas of the area.
What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Sandholes?
The road cycling routes in Sandholes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 3 reviews. Over 120 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the quiet country roads and scenic lough views.
Is Sandholes suitable for family-friendly road cycling?
Given the presence of 8 easy routes with gentle climbs and quiet country roads, Sandholes can be suitable for family-friendly road cycling, especially on the shorter, flatter loops. Always check the specific route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's ability.
Are there any loop routes available for road cycling in Sandholes?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Sandholes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Scotshouse, Redhills and Belturbet loop and the Kilgarrow Lough β Killymackan Lough loop from Clogher.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Sandholes?
While specific seasonal conditions are not detailed, the region's landscape of rolling hills and loughs suggests that spring and summer would offer the most pleasant weather for road cycling. Autumn could also be beautiful with changing foliage, though conditions might be cooler and wetter.
Are there any historical sites to visit near the road cycling routes?
Yes, the area around Sandholes is home to several historical sites. Cyclists can visit the Clones 'Wee' Abbey and the Clones Round Tower, both offering a glimpse into the region's past.
Most popular routes around Sandholes
Most popular attractions around Sandholes
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.
