The Kingdom of Down in
the North East of Ireland has a large network of quiet
minor roads which allow for a wide variety of scenic cycling
routes.
Outdoor Ireland North
provides guided cycle tours from easy to moderate routes
along the coast of Strangford Lough to the more challenging
cycling tour of the High Mourne Mountain Circuit.
Cycling is an ideal way
of exploring the history of Northern Ireland while enjoying
the scenery on offer. Christian Heritage sites and archaeological
sites of County Down can be visited by cycling.
For group bookings all
cycling tours can be tailor made to suit fitness levels
and interests of the participants. Contact Loretto,
a Blue Badge Guide, if you are interested in a customised
programme.
The bike rides outlined
below are a few examples of routes .
Sea and Seals
Ardilea Bridge - Tyrella - Minerstown
- St John’s Point - Killough - Ardilea Bridge
Binoculars are useful
for this journey that takes you along the coast south
of Downpatrick returning via upland countryside providing
plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Look out for
the seals at Minerstown. Great views of the distant Mourne
Mountains from the beach at Rosbeg. Visit the lighthouse
at St John's point.
Grade: Moderate: Distance 40km
St Patrick’s Country
Quoile - Saul - Slieve Patrick - Audley’s
Castle - Strangford - Lough Money - Quoile
Starting from the nature
reserve at Quoile the ride goes through Saul to Slieve
Patrick, where it is said St Patrick first preached. Audley’s
Castle is a 15th century tower with lovely views across
Strangford Lough an important wildlife sanctuary. We linger
for awhile in Strangford town before returning to Quoile
via the attractive Lough Money.
Grade: Easy to Moderate: Distance 30km
Slieve Croob and Mourne Views
Castlewellan - Slieve Croob - Legananny
Dolmen - Castlewellan
Starting from the market
town of Castlewellan the route heads northwards climbing
slowly towards the Slieve Croob hills. From the pass the
view of the Mourne Mountains is magnificent and well worth
the climb.
We visit the Legananny
Dolmen on our return journey to Castlewellan. This is
a fine example of a Portal Tomb from the neolithic period.
Grade: Hard: Distance 40km
High Mourne Circuit
Newcastle - Trassey - Spelga Dam -
Silent Valley - Rourke’s Park - Annalong
A classic route for fit
cyclists. The start of the ride involves a steady climb
out of Newcastle. At Meelmore Lodge (Trassey) there is
opportunity to stop for refreshments before tackling the
mountain pass. Views along the way of Spelga Dam ringed
with mountains help to distract from the effort required
to reach the highest point. An exhilarating freewheeling
downhill section follows with views ahead of the Mourne
coastline. Turning eastward we pass the Silent Valley
and Rourke’s Park before finishing in Annalong,
a former fishing port.
Grade: Hard : Distance 34km
Mourne Downhill
Spelga reservoir - Foffanny
- Tollymore - Lough Island Reavy - Newcastle
Starting high up in the
Mourne Mountain Range this ride has plenty of downhill
sections and varied scenery. The route takes you along
small rural roads visiting one of the former great estates
of the area.
Grade Easy - Moderate
Check the event guide
for current information.
You are advised to check if the route
suits your fitness level.
