The best cycling routes around Cookstown
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Touring cycling routes around Cookstown traverse a diverse landscape, offering options from lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents. The region is characterized by the rolling countryside, the Sperrins mountain range to the west, and the shores of Lough Neagh to the east. Davagh Forest provides additional routes through woodland environments. This varied terrain includes both paved roads and segments that may be unpaved, catering to different cycling preferences.
Best touring cycling routes around Cookstown
- The most popular touring cycling route…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
2
riders
28.1km
01:43
140m
140m
Cycle the easy 17.4-mile Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, enjoying Lough Neagh views and the ancient Ardboe High Cross.
53.9km
04:03
560m
560m
This difficult 33.5-mile touring cycling loop from Cookstown offers challenging climbs and stunning Sperrins scenery, including ancient ston
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20.8km
01:15
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
72.0km
04:22
540m
530m
This difficult 44.7-mile touring bicycle loop from Cookstown offers 1756 feet of elevation gain around Lough Neagh, taking about 4 hours 22
4
riders
45.2km
02:43
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Cookstown
Tips from the Community
For cyclists following the 'Lough Neagh Cycle Way' (National Cycle Route 94), the Maghery footbridge is an iconic resting point and an essential link. This elegant, modern bridge spans the mouth of the Upper Bann as it enters the lough.
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As you cycle through the rolling landscape of County Tyrone, the Wellbrook Beetling Mill is an absolute must for a stopover. Situated in an idyllic, wooded stream valley along the Ballinderry River, this 19th-century water mill provides a stark contrast to the tranquility of its surroundings. This is the last working 'beetling mill' in the United Kingdom. "Beetling" was the final step in traditional Irish linen production: using enormous wooden hammers (beetles), powered by a water wheel nearly five metres high, the linen was processed for hours until it acquired its characteristic sheen. When the mill is running, you can hear the rhythmic thudding from afar – an impressive sound that takes you straight back to the industrial heyday of Northern Ireland.
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High above Cookstown, at the foot of the impressive Sperrin Mountains, you will find the Beaghmore Stone Circles. This is one of Ireland's most fascinating archaeological sites. Only rediscovered in the 1940s during peat cutting, the bog revealed a complex of seven stone circles, ten stone rows, and numerous Bronze Age burial mounds. For a cyclist, the road to Beaghmore is an experience in itself. The route takes you away from the inhabited world into a vast, quiet landscape where the wind has free rein. The complex itself exudes an enormous sense of peace and is the perfect place to get off your bike and soak up the prehistoric atmosphere.
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The Maghery Footbridge on the edge of Lough Neagh offers a small moment of peace in the midst of the expansive landscape. As you cross the bridge, your gaze glides over the gentle waters of the largest lake in the British Isles. In good weather, the clouds are impressively reflected on the surface of the water, making the scene look almost like a painting. Even when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a special atmosphere that invites you to linger rather than to quickly pass by. The paths around the bridge are mostly flat, but you should be prepared for occasional sections with unpaved surfaces. This could be a bit slippery, especially in wet weather, but this is not a problem. The connection to the National Cycle Network, Route 94, also offers you many other opportunities to explore the area. A little tip: Maghery itself does not have much to offer apart from the bridge, but a short detour to the nearby Oxford Island nature reserve is definitely worth it. This means you can easily combine a visit to the bridge with a larger circular tour.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhór), meaning ‘big place of birch trees’. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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The church ruins date from the early 16th century but include stones from a much earlier pre 11th century church. After a new church was built, this one fell into disrepair, but the graveyard remains in use.
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An important historic site, Tullyhogue Fort is where the O'Neills were crowned the Chiefs of Ulster. It is now planted with trees and you can enjoy views across the countryside of County Tyrone.
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Built in 1802, Killymoon Castle was built to replace a 17th century castle which was destroyed by fire in 1801. James Nash was the designer, who also designed Buckingham Palace in London. Tours are available but must be pre-booked, as is afternoon tea in the castle tea rooms. See the website for more details https://killymooncastle.com/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Cookstown?
The Cookstown area offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find everything from flat, paved roads along the shores of Lough Neagh to challenging ascents and descents within the Sperrins mountain range. Many routes also traverse rolling countryside, with some segments potentially unpaved, providing a varied experience for different cycling preferences.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easy ride?
Yes, Cookstown has several easy touring cycling routes. A great option is the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, which is 17.4 miles (28.1 km) and offers picturesque views of Lough Neagh. Another easy ride is the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, covering 12.9 miles (20.8 km) through historical sites and rolling countryside.
Are there challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Cookstown area provides routes with significant climbs and rewarding views. The Sperrins loop from Cookstown is a demanding 33.5-mile (53.9 km) trail that takes you through the stunning Sperrins mountain range. Another difficult option is the Maghery loop from Cookstown, which is 71.9 km long and features considerable elevation changes.
What historical sites or landmarks can I see along the touring cycling routes?
Cookstown's touring cycling routes offer access to several historical and natural landmarks. The Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop passes the ancient Ardboe High Cross. The Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort allows you to explore Killymoon Castle and the historic Tullyhogue Fort. Other nearby attractions include Drum Manor House Ruins and Derryloran Old Church Ruins and Cemetery.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Cookstown?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Cookstown are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, and The Sperrins loop from Cookstown. There's also a moderate Bike loop from Cookstown that is circular.
What are the best times of year to go touring cycling in Cookstown?
The best time for touring cycling in Cookstown is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, with longer daylight hours and less rainfall, making for more enjoyable rides. The landscapes, especially around the Sperrins and Lough Neagh, are particularly scenic during these seasons.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in the Cookstown area?
Yes, the Cookstown area offers family-friendly options. The Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop is an easy, mostly paved route suitable for all fitness levels, offering safe and scenic views of Lough Neagh. Davagh Forest also features easy cycling trails, such as the 'Red Trail', which are generally suitable for families.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the touring cycling routes in Cookstown?
Cookstown and its surrounding villages offer various options for refreshments. Along routes like the Loughshore Trail, you may find cafes or pubs in lakeside communities. In Cookstown itself, there are numerous establishments. For routes passing through Davagh Forest, the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory often has facilities, and nearby villages will have local amenities.
Are there any scenic viewpoints along the touring cycling routes?
The Cookstown area is rich in scenic beauty. Routes through the Sperrins mountain range, such as The Sperrins loop from Cookstown, offer panoramic views of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop provides picturesque vistas across Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. Davagh Forest also offers tranquil forest scenery.
What are the main natural features that define touring cycling in Cookstown?
Touring cycling in Cookstown is primarily defined by three distinct natural features: the challenging and scenic Sperrins mountain range to the west, the expansive and serene Lough Neagh to the east, and the varied rolling countryside that connects these areas. Additionally, Davagh Forest provides unique woodland environments for cycling.
Is public transport available to access touring cycling routes in Cookstown?
While Cookstown itself has bus services, direct public transport links to the start points of all specific touring cycling routes can be limited, especially for those venturing into more rural areas like the Sperrins or Davagh Forest. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and consider how they align with your chosen route's start and end points. Many cyclists opt to drive to a convenient starting location with parking.
Are there any less crowded touring cycling routes in the Cookstown area?
While popular routes like parts of the Loughshore Trail can see more activity, many of the longer, more challenging routes, especially those venturing deeper into the Sperrins or the extensive rolling countryside, tend to be less crowded. Exploring routes like the Maghery loop from Cookstown or the Bike loop from Cookstown might offer a more tranquil experience, particularly on weekdays or outside of peak holiday seasons.
Most popular routes around Cookstown
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