The best MTB trails around Tollymore

There are over 10 mountain bike trails around Tollymore, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community.

Yes, Tollymore offers several family-friendly mountain bike trails, including easy fire roads suitable for less experienced riders. For example, the Castlewellan Lake – Bunkers Hill loop from Castlewellan is an easy 10-mile (16.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to complete, leading through varied forest and lakeside scenery.

Tollymore's mountain bike trails feature diverse terrain, including challenging singletrack, technical climbs and downhills, steep descents, and jump trails. You'll encounter a mix of cross-country (XC) sections, gaps, drops, and off-camber roots. The trails are known to drain remarkably well, remaining in good condition even after heavy rainfall.

Many of the mountain bike routes around Tollymore are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Bannanstown Road Climb – Tollymore Forest Park loop from Bryansford, a moderate 19.9-mile (32.1 km) path featuring climbs through the forest park.

Tollymore is rich in natural beauty and historical features. You can expect to see the flowing Shimna River with its natural waterfalls and ornate stone bridges. The forest itself boasts ancient oaks, imported redwoods, and exotic firs. You'll also find intriguing historical follies, such as faux-medieval castle gatehouses and grottoes. For impressive views, you might catch glimpses of the higher Mourne Mountains, including Slieve Donard.

Yes, Tollymore's trails are known for draining remarkably well, which means they often remain in good condition even after heavy rainfall. This makes it a reliable choice for riding in varying weather throughout the year.

Tollymore Forest Park offers ample parking facilities for visitors. You'll find convenient parking areas within the park, making access to the trails straightforward.

Yes, the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre features a dedicated mountain bike skills course. This 1.5 km singletrack includes a wide range of features such as rollers, berms, drop-offs, tabletops, rock sections, northshore, and log rolls, providing excellent opportunities to develop your riding skills.

The mountain bike trails around Tollymore are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 10 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the well-maintained trails, and the stunning natural beauty of the forest and river.

Absolutely. Tollymore offers challenging singletrack with technical features, steep descents, and jump trails that cater to advanced riders. The park has even hosted numerous XC races and the Irish National Cyclocross Champs, indicating the quality and diversity of its demanding terrain.

Tollymore's trails are known for draining well, making them suitable for riding in varying weather conditions throughout the year. However, the diverse woodland scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, offering unique experiences whether it's the lush greens of spring/summer or the vibrant colours of autumn.

Yes, the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, located within the park, provides facilities including dining and coffee lounges. This offers a convenient option for refreshments before or after your ride.

Many trails within Tollymore Forest Park, situated at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, offer impressive views and opportunities to combine mountain biking with scenic vistas of the higher Mournes. You can often catch glimpses of peaks like Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh from various points along the routes.