The best cycling routes around Loy
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riders
5
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Touring cycling routes around Loy feature a diverse landscape, encompassing the shores of Lough Neagh and the foothills of the Sperrins. The region offers a mix of flat lakeside paths and undulating terrain with rolling hills. Historical sites, such as Killymoon Castle and Tullyhogue Fort, are integrated into many routes, providing points of interest.
Best touring cycling routes around Loy
- The most popular touring cycling route is Ardboe & Lough Neagh loop from Coagh, a 17.4 miles (28.1 km)…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
1
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.
20.8km
01:15
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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
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
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riders
45.2km
02:43
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Loy
Tips from the Community
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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Near the banks of Lough Neagh stands Ardboe High Cross. Take a close look at the carvings on the cross which represent both the Old and New Testament. A monastery was founded here in the 6th century by St Colman and legend has it that it was created by the milk of a magic cow. Ardboe means hill of the cow, so who knows!
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A little waterside detour will take you to visit The Battery, a marina on Lough Neagh. You can grab at drink at the Battery Bar or take a seat on one of the many picnic benches and breathe in the peace and calm.
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There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Loy?
There are 5 touring cycling routes available around Loy, offering a variety of experiences from easy lakeside paths to more challenging rides through rolling hills.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on touring cycling routes around Loy?
Touring cycling routes around Loy feature a diverse landscape. You can expect to cycle along the scenic shores of Lough Neagh, through undulating terrain with rolling hills, and enjoy views of the Sperrins. The area combines flat lakeside paths with more elevated sections.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Loy?
Yes, Loy offers easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Ardboe & Lough Neagh loop from Coagh is an easy 17.4-mile (28.1 km) trail that follows the scenic shores of Lough Neagh. Another great option is the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, an easy 12.9-mile (20.8 km) path that passes by historical landmarks.
What about more challenging touring cycling routes around Loy?
For those seeking a greater challenge, Loy also has difficult touring cycling routes. The The Sperrins loop from Cookstown is a 33.5-mile (53.9 km) trail leading through rolling hills with significant elevation changes, offering expansive views. Another difficult option is the Maghery loop from Cookstown, which is 71.9 miles (115.7 km) long.
Are all touring cycling routes in Loy circular?
Yes, all the touring cycling routes listed for Loy are designed as loops, meaning you will start and finish at the same point without needing to retrace your path. This includes routes like the Bike loop from Cookstown.
What historical sites can I visit while cycling around Loy?
Many routes in Loy integrate historical sites, providing interesting points of interest. The Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, for instance, takes you past Killymoon Castle and Tullyhogue Fort. Other nearby historical attractions include Drum Manor House Ruins and Derryloran Old Church Ruins and Cemetery.
Are there any natural attractions to see on the touring cycling routes?
Yes, the region is characterized by its natural beauty. Many routes offer views of Lough Neagh, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the British Isles. You'll also cycle through areas with views of the Sperrins, a range of hills known for their scenic landscapes. Lough Fea is another beautiful natural highlight in the vicinity.
Where can I park when starting a touring cycling route in Loy?
Many touring cycling routes in Loy, particularly those starting from towns like Coagh or Cookstown, offer convenient parking options. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking availability near the trailhead.
Is public transport accessible for reaching touring cycling routes in Loy?
While specific public transport links directly to every trailhead may vary, major towns like Cookstown, which serve as starting points for several routes, generally have public transport connections. For detailed information on bus routes and schedules, it's best to consult local transport providers.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Loy?
The best time for touring cycling in Loy is typically during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is generally milder and drier, making for more pleasant cycling conditions and better visibility of the scenic landscapes.
Are there places to stop for refreshments along the routes?
Routes that pass through or near towns like Coagh and Cookstown will offer opportunities to stop for refreshments at local cafes, shops, or pubs. For longer routes, especially those in more rural areas like the Sperrins, it's a good idea to carry sufficient water and snacks.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes around Loy?
The touring cycling routes around Loy are highly regarded by the komoot community. More than 5 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the mix of lakeside paths, historical sites, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs in the rolling hills.
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