The best cycling routes around Lurgan

There are over 9 touring cycling routes around Lurgan documented on komoot, offering a diverse range of experiences from easy park loops to challenging long-distance rides.

The terrain around Lurgan varies. You'll find mostly flat or gently rolling paths within urban parks like Lurgan Park and around the Craigavon Lakes. Further afield, routes can include fast-rolling gravel forestry roads, such as on the Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop, and more challenging paths with significant elevation gain through wilder landscapes.

Yes, Lurgan offers several easy options ideal for beginners and families. Lurgan Park features 5 km of pathways around a lake, with mostly smooth surfaces. The routes around Craigavon Lakes, such as the 'Craigavon Lakes – Craigavon Balancing Lakes loop', are also easy and mostly paved, suitable for all skill levels. The nearby Lagan and Lough Cycle Way, while requiring travel to access, is also a traffic-free, level path perfect for family cyclists.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like The Quarry – View of Lough Nabrickboy loop from Blacklion offer extensive riding over 113 km with significant elevation changes. The Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop also presents a moderate challenge with 330m of elevation gain over 38.6 km, featuring fast-rolling gravel forestry roads.

Cycling around Lurgan allows you to explore diverse natural features. You can enjoy the tranquil lake and woodlands of Lurgan Park, the green spaces and waterside views of Craigavon Lakes, and the scenic shores of Lough Neagh at Oxford Island Nature Reserve. Further afield, routes like Aghanaglack Prehistoric Tomb – View of Lough Nabrickboy loop from Belcoo offer views of loughs and wild landscapes.

Yes, for those interested in natural attractions, the Cladagh Glen Waterfall and Pollnagollum Cave and Waterfall are notable highlights in the wider region that can be incorporated into longer touring cycling trips.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can visit historical sites such as Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave and Cavan Burren Park Megalithic Stones. Additionally, attractions like Brownlow House and Estate, with its historic building and walled garden, and Tannaghmore Gardens, featuring a lake, maze, and animal farm, provide pleasant destinations for a stop during your ride.

Yes, many routes around Lurgan are designed as loops, offering convenient circular tours. Examples include the pathways within Lurgan Park and the 'Craigavon Lakes – Craigavon Balancing Lakes loop'. For more adventurous riders, the Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop is also a popular circular option.

Parking is generally available at key access points for cycling routes. For instance, Lurgan Park has parking facilities, and areas around Craigavon Lakes also offer parking. For routes further afield, you might find designated parking areas like the Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park, depending on your chosen starting point.

While direct public transport options with bike carriage to all specific trailheads in Lurgan might be limited, the town itself is accessible by public transport. For regional routes like the Lagan and Lough Cycle Way, which is a significant regional amenity, you would typically need to travel to access points in Lisburn or Belfast, which have better public transport links.

The best time to go touring cycling in Lurgan is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder, and daylight hours are longer. This allows for more comfortable riding and better enjoyment of the scenic landscapes.

Many outdoor areas in Lurgan, including Lurgan Park and the trails around Craigavon Lakes, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. However, it's always advisable to check specific regulations for each trail or nature reserve, such as Oxford Island, as rules can vary, especially in protected wildlife areas.