The best cycling routes around Gortaree

Gortaree and its immediate surroundings offer several dedicated touring cycling routes. Our guide features 5 distinct routes, catering to various skill levels, from easy to difficult.

Yes, there are a couple of easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride. The Knockninny loop from Derrylin is an easy 12.2-mile trail with gentle gradients. Another option is the shorter Old Crom Castle Ruins – Crom Estate Castle Ruins loop from Old Crom Castle (Ruins), which is just under 5 miles and also rated easy.

Cycling around Gortaree offers a diverse range of landscapes. You'll encounter the eastern foothills of Slieve Rushen mountain, featuring varied terrain including wind-swept bog mountain trails and forest paths. The region also provides access to the broader Fermanagh Lakelands, known for its serene waterways, ancient woodlands, and geological formations.

For those seeking a more challenging ride, the Ballinamore, Foxfield and Garadice Lake loop from Ballyconnell is a difficult 42.5-mile route with significant elevation gain, offering a rewarding experience for seasoned touring cyclists.

Several routes pass by notable attractions. You can explore the historic Old Crom Castle Ruins and the Crom Estate Castle Ruins. The area also features natural beauty spots like Annagh Lough, and man-made structures such as Ballyconnel Lock 2 and the charming Crom Castle Boathouse.

Yes, most of the touring cycling routes in our guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Knockninny loop from Derrylin and the Shannon–Erne Waterway Lock – The Anglers Rest loop from Derrylin.

Gortaree is well-positioned to access sections of the renowned Kingfisher Cycle Trail. This long-distance route winds through the Fermanagh Lakelands on minor country roads, offering a mix of canal-side paths, lake-land tracks, and rolling hills.

The Fermanagh Lakelands region, including Gortaree, is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant weather for cycling, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, ideal for enjoying the scenic waterways and woodlands.

Given Gortaree's location within the Fermanagh Lakelands and its proximity to ancient woodlands and loughs like Annagh Lough, there are good opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for local birdlife and other animals, especially in quieter, more natural sections of the trails.

Absolutely. The Shannon–Erne Waterway Lock – The Anglers Rest loop from Derrylin specifically follows waterways, providing scenic views of the Fermanagh countryside and its aquatic features. Annagh Lough, a peaceful lake, is also connected to the Slieve Rushen mountain biking loop, offering serene lakeside scenery.

The terrain around Gortaree is quite varied. You'll find a mix of paved roads, minor country lanes, and some routes that incorporate unpaved sections, including forest paths and wind-swept bog mountain trails, particularly around Slieve Rushen. This variety ensures a diverse cycling experience.