4.4
(106)
2,162
riders
257
rides
Road cycling routes around Donaghcloney offer access to Northern Ireland's diverse terrain, characterized by quiet rural roads and varied landscapes. The village is situated along the River Lagan, providing a scenic backdrop for local cycling. The surrounding area features gentle rolls and more demanding hills, with elevations up to 460 meters. This region provides a network of pathways and lightly trafficked roads suitable for road cyclists.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
5.0
(1)
10
riders
38.2km
01:34
150m
150m
The Derrytrasna Loop offers an easy road cycling experience, covering 23.7 miles (38.2 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 494 feet (150 metres). You can expect to complete this…
39
riders
49.6km
02:09
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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19
riders
63.8km
02:43
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
16
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
66.2km
03:04
750m
750m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Nice little cafe in the village of Scarva right alongside the Newry canal towpath, great for brekkie, lunch or just topping up the hydration.
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Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva
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If you want to get to Belfast city center without a car and stress, this is the right place.
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A great little cafe set in the bike shop, with great coffee and a nice variety of sweet goodies.
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The small town of Scarva, nestled between green meadows and the quiet canal, offers a welcome break on my bike tour through Northern Ireland. Here you cycle on well-maintained paths past historic bridges and small villages that give you the feeling that time has stood still. The British flags fluttering along the side of the road remind you that you are in a culturally special area - a detail that reflects the identity of the region. The route is easy to cycle, the surrounding landscape is gently rolling, which makes for pleasant cycling. The view of wide fields and rolling hills invites you to slow down now and then and take in the peace and quiet. A special feature of Scarva is the annual Orange Order March, which transforms the village into a kind of open-air stage once a year and keeps the traditions of this region alive.
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The Perfectly kept motte and bailie is placed in a bend of the Lagan River with extensive views along the valley. It is the best preserved and most impressive example in Ulster of an Anglo-Norman motte and bailey castle.
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Heading towards Dromara is difficult from the very start. Easier start if heading towards Belfast and Ballynahinch.
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Scarva (from Irish: Scarbhach meaning "shallow place, rough ford" is a small village in the parish of Aghaderg, County Down, Scarva is known as the location of the "Sham Fight" Pageant on 13 July every year. The Pageant attracts thousands of members of the Royal Black Preceptory, who come to act out a symbolic dramatised re-enactment of the Battle of the Boyne.
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There are over 290 road cycling routes around Donaghcloney, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars.
Road cycling routes around Donaghcloney feature diverse terrain, from quiet rural roads with light traffic to areas with challenging hills that are steep enough to test your legs. You'll find a mix of gentle rolls and more demanding climbs, with elevations reaching up to 460 meters, providing varied experiences for all cyclists.
Yes, Donaghcloney offers a good selection of routes suitable for beginners. You can find around 90 easy-grade road cycling routes that provide a pleasant introduction to the area's scenic landscapes without overly challenging climbs. An example is the Lough Neagh loop from Lurgan, which offers relatively flat sections.
Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Donaghcloney and its surroundings offer routes with significant climbs and varied terrain. There are 14 difficult-grade routes and 188 moderate routes available. The Right Turn – Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden loop from Waringstown, for instance, includes substantial elevation gain, reaching up to 461 meters.
Yes, many road cycling routes around Donaghcloney are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Scarva Village – Lottie's Café loop from Dromore and the Last Bin loop from Gordystown, which take you through rural landscapes and past points of interest.
Road cycling routes near Donaghcloney often pass by scenic natural features and historical landmarks. You can cycle along the River Lagan, visit the Craigavon Lakes, or explore the Lurgan Park Lake. Historical sites like the Moyallan Pillbox and the Lisnamintry Rath Entrance also offer interesting stops.
While many road cycling routes are on quiet rural roads, for dedicated family-friendly and traffic-free cycling, the nearby Craigavon Lakes offer excellent paths. These include some single-track gravel paths, providing safe and enjoyable options for all ages away from vehicle traffic.
Parking options in Donaghcloney and surrounding areas are generally available in village centers or designated car parks. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot, as many tours start from locations with accessible parking for cyclists.
Yes, several road cycling routes around Donaghcloney pass through villages or near towns where you can find cafes and pubs for refreshment stops. For example, the Scarva Village – Lottie's Café loop from Dromore explicitly mentions a cafe stop, and other routes will naturally lead you past local establishments.
The road cycling experience in Donaghcloney is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 89 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil rural setting, the network of quiet roads, and the varied terrain that caters to different fitness levels. The scenic backdrop of the River Lagan and access to diverse landscapes are also frequently highlighted.
Northern Ireland experiences a moderate climate, making road cycling enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather with longer daylight hours, while autumn provides beautiful scenery. Even in winter, the moderate climate means many routes remain accessible, though checking local weather forecasts is always recommended.
Yes, you can access routes that take you along Lough Neagh. The Lough Neagh loop from Lurgan is a popular option that offers views of the lough and relatively flat sections, making it an accessible and scenic ride from the wider Donaghcloney area.
Donaghcloney is a rural village, and while specific public transport links directly into the village might be limited, it is situated near key routes and towns like Craigavon and Portadown, which are served by public transport. From these larger hubs, local bus services or short taxi rides may connect you to Donaghcloney.


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