The best cycling routes around Quilly
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Touring cycling around Quilly offers routes through varied landscapes, including the Lough Neagh shoreline and the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains. The terrain features gentle ascents and descents, with some routes providing views of historical sites and natural waterways. The region's network of roads and trails caters to different cycling preferences.
Best touring cycling routes around Quilly
- The most popular touring cycling route is Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, an easy 17.4 miles (28.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 43 minutes to complete. This route follows the scenic shoreline of Lough Neagh.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, an easy 12.9 miles (20.8 km) path. This route explores historical landmarks and the countryside around Cookstown.
- Local touring cyclists also love the The Sperrins loop from Cookstown, a 33.5 miles (53.9 km) trail leading through the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, often completed in about 4 hours 2 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Quilly is defined by lake shorelines, rolling hills, and rural roads. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 5 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Quilly's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
1
riders
28.1km
01:43
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
72.0km
04:22
540m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
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 Quilly
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
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Quilly?
Touring cycling around Quilly offers a mix of landscapes. You'll find routes along the scenic Lough Neagh shoreline, as well as paths through the rolling hills and rural roads in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains. The terrain generally features gentle ascents and descents, making it accessible for various fitness levels.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Quilly?
Yes, Quilly offers routes suitable for families. The Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop is an easy 28.1 km (17.4 miles) route that follows the scenic shoreline of Lough Neagh, perfect for a relaxed family outing. Another easy option is the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, which is 20.8 km (12.9 miles) and explores historical landmarks.
What historical sites or landmarks can I see while cycling in Quilly?
Several routes incorporate historical sites. The Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort specifically takes you past Killymoon Castle and Tullyhogue Fort. Additionally, the region's routes often provide views of other historical sites and natural waterways, adding a cultural dimension to your ride.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
For more experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like The Sperrins loop from Cookstown offer a more demanding experience. This 53.9 km (33.5 miles) route leads through the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains and involves significant elevation gain. Another difficult option is the Maghery loop from Cookstown, which is 71.9 km (44.7 miles) long.
What are the best routes for scenic views in Quilly?
For stunning vistas, consider routes that offer views of the Lough Neagh shoreline, such as the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop. Additionally, routes venturing into the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, like The Sperrins loop from Cookstown, provide picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and natural features like Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit and View of the Gallion Mountains and County Londonderry.
Are there any loop trails for touring cyclists in Quilly?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Quilly are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, and The Sperrins loop from Cookstown.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Quilly?
The komoot community highlights the varied terrain, from serene lake shorelines to rolling hills, and the rural roads that offer a peaceful cycling experience. Cyclists appreciate the options available for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain, all showcasing the region's natural beauty and historical points of interest.
What natural features can I explore on a touring bike around Quilly?
The region is characterized by its natural waterways and lake shorelines. You can cycle along the banks of Lough Neagh, which is a prominent feature. The routes also take you through the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, offering views of peaks like Slieve Gallion NE Top Summit and other scenic spots like Lough Fea.
Are there any routes that start from Cookstown?
Yes, several popular touring cycling routes in the Quilly area start from Cookstown. These include the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, The Sperrins loop from Cookstown, and the Maghery loop from Cookstown. These routes offer diverse experiences, from historical exploration to mountain foothills.
What is the longest touring cycling route available in Quilly?
The longest touring cycling route listed is the Maghery loop from Cookstown, which spans 71.9 km (44.7 miles) and typically takes around 4 hours and 22 minutes to complete. This route is rated as difficult due to its length and elevation gain.
What is the shortest touring cycling route available in Quilly?
The shortest touring cycling route is the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, covering 20.8 km (12.9 miles). This easy route can be completed in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a great option for a quicker ride.
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