4.9
(7)
120
riders
27
rides
Touring cycling routes around Ballymacarron traverse the scenic landscapes surrounding Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland. The region is characterized by its coastal paths, rural roads, and views across the lough, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cyclists can expect a mix of flat sections along the lough shore and gentle ascents through the rolling countryside. The terrain is generally accessible, offering diverse routes for various skill levels.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
4
riders
51.7km
03:05
340m
340m
Embark on the Delamont to Ardglass Harbour loop, a moderate touring bicycle route spanning 32.1 miles (51.7 km). You will experience a rewarding ride with 1112 feet (339 metres) of…
1
riders
15.5km
00:59
160m
160m
Cycle the moderate 9.6 miles (15.5 km) Strangford Lough Cycle Trail, gaining 514 feet (157 metres) with coastal views and historic sights.

Sign up for free
24.4km
01:29
180m
180m
Cycle the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail, a moderate 15.2-mile route with 585 feet of elevation gain, offering coastal views and charming town
15.4km
00:58
140m
140m
Enjoy an easy 9.6-mile touring cycle on the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail: Whiterock Loop, featuring coastal views and Sketrick Castle.
85.4km
05:15
710m
710m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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 Ballymacarron
The vast coastline stretches out endlessly before you, and the panorama with the majestic Mourne Hills in the background creates a scene that is hard to put into words. The gentle waves touching the sand and the silence of the surroundings make you feel the vastness and freedom of this place.
1
0
A very beautiful castle in the forest
0
0
Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
1
0
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day.
1
0
Also known as Phennick Cove Marina, in Ardglass, County Down, one of three major fishing ports in Northern Ireland. Ardglass is now one of the safest small harbours on the east coast of Ireland, following improvements made in recent years.
0
0
Ballydorn, or 'The Dorn' as it is locally known, is a beautiful and popular mooring ground with a short-stay pontoon attached to a permanently moored lightship called The LV Petrel that is now the Down Cruising Club headquarters. The LV Petrel was commissioned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1913, and built by the Dublin Drydocks Company. This Lightship spent most of its previous working life at Blackwater Bank on the River Blackwater, Wexford. It was then sold in 1968 to Hammond Lane foundries in Dublin, before being saved to use as the cruise club HQ. The boat is registered as a national historic ship in the UK.
0
0
This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
0
0
There are over 25 touring cycling routes available around Ballymacarron, offering a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored more than 180 of these routes.
The routes around Ballymacarron cater to various skill levels. You'll find 7 easy routes, 18 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes. This ensures options for beginners looking for a relaxed ride as well as experienced cyclists seeking a challenge.
Yes, Ballymacarron offers several family-friendly touring cycling routes, particularly those designated as 'easy'. A great option is the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail: Whiterock Loop, which is 9.6 miles (15.4 km) long and leads through the picturesque lough shore, making it suitable for a leisurely family outing.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Ballymacarron are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular circular options include the challenging Whiterock to Castlewellan loop — Strangford & Lecale and the moderate Delamont to Ardglass Harbour loop.
Touring cycling around Ballymacarron offers diverse landscapes, primarily defined by coastal paths, rural roads, and extensive views across Strangford Lough, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll experience a mix of flat sections along the lough shore and gentle ascents through rolling countryside.
Absolutely. The Ballymacarron area, particularly around Strangford Lough, is rich in historical sites and landmarks. You can cycle past impressive structures like Sketrick Castle, Castle Ward Tower (a Game of Thrones filming location), and Audley's Castle. The Nendrum Monastery Ruins also offer a glimpse into the region's ancient past.
The touring cycling routes in Ballymacarron are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic coastal views, the tranquility of the rural roads, and the well-maintained paths around Strangford Lough.
While cycling is possible year-round, the best time for touring cycling in Ballymacarron is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder, and the natural beauty of Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside is at its peak.
Yes, many towns and villages along the Strangford Lough area, such as Whiterock, Delamont, and Ardglass, offer parking facilities. While specific public transport details for each route vary, Northern Ireland's public transport network can provide access to some starting points. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most current information.
The towns and villages dotted around Strangford Lough, such as Strangford, Portaferry, and Ardglass, provide various options for refreshments, including cafes and pubs. You'll also find accommodation ranging from guesthouses to hotels in these areas, perfect for an overnight stay or a longer cycling holiday.
The Strangford Lough area is unique for touring cyclists due to its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering unparalleled coastal scenery and rich biodiversity. The combination of flat lough-side paths and gently rolling rural roads provides a varied and engaging cycling experience, often with views of historical sites and charming harbour towns.
Beginners will find several easy touring cycling routes around Ballymacarron. The Strangford Lough Cycle Trail: Whiterock Loop is an excellent choice, offering a relatively flat and scenic ride along the lough shore, perfect for those new to touring cycling or looking for a relaxed pace.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.