The best cycling routes around Gortgare

There are 5 touring cycling routes around Gortgare, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These include 2 easy routes, 1 moderate route, and 2 difficult routes.

Yes, Gortgare offers easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Bike loop from Carrowclare is a gentle 14 km ride, and the Bike loop from Ballykelly offers a similar easy experience.

Touring cycling around Gortgare offers incredibly diverse and picturesque landscapes. You can expect dramatic coastal scenery, elevated viewpoints with expansive vistas, and routes that traverse the slopes of Binevenagh Mountain. The region also features the tranquil Binevenagh Lake, the long sandy Benone Strand, and the meandering River Roe.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Gortgare are designed as loops. For instance, the challenging Greencastle–Magilligan Ferry – View of the Foyle Bridge loop from Strathfoyle and the scenic Downhill Beach – Gortmore Viewpoint loop from Ballykelly are both circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location.

The region around Gortgare is rich in natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Along routes like the Binevenagh Scenic Route, you can find the impressive Manannán Mac Lir Statue and Bishop's View. Historic sites such as St. Cadan's Church (Teampall Chadáin) with its ancient holy well also dot the landscape. The Derry Girls Mural – Bloody Sunday Murals, Bogside loop from Eglinton specifically takes you through areas with significant cultural landmarks in Londonderry.

Absolutely. Gortgare's location provides excellent opportunities for coastal touring. The Downhill Beach – Gortmore Viewpoint loop from Ballykelly offers stunning coastal scenery and significant viewpoints. The wider Causeway Coast Cycle Route also allows cyclists to enjoy magnificent views along the coastline, including sections along the traffic-free NCN Route 93.

The best time of year for touring cycling in Gortgare is generally during the warmer, drier months, typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, you'll experience more favorable weather conditions, longer daylight hours, and the full beauty of the region's landscapes.

While specific family-friendly routes are not detailed in the guide, the region offers designated gentle cycle loops around Benone Beach and through the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These routes feature entirely paved roads, making them suitable for a smoother touring experience that families might enjoy. The easy routes like the Bike loop from Carrowclare are also good options for those looking for less strenuous rides.

While specific cafes or pubs are not listed for each route, the region around Gortgare, particularly in nearby towns and villages, offers various amenities. Cyclists can find places to refuel and rest in areas like Castlerock, Ballykelly, and Londonderry, which are often starting points or pass-through locations for many touring routes.

Yes, one of the prominent touring cycling routes in the area, the Greencastle–Magilligan Ferry – View of the Foyle Bridge loop from Strathfoyle, includes a ferry crossing. This adds a unique element to the 89.4 km journey, offering expansive views of the Foyle Bridge and the surrounding waters.

Benone Strand is a long, sandy beach offering gentle cycling loops and is part of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For more information on Benone Strand and its connection to Downhill Beach, you can visit the Causeway Coast and Glens tourism website.

The elevation gain on touring cycling routes in Gortgare varies significantly, reflecting the region's diverse terrain. Routes can range from relatively flat, easy loops with minimal elevation, such as the Bike loop from Carrowclare with around 30 meters of ascent, to more challenging routes like the Downhill Beach – Gortmore Viewpoint loop from Ballykelly, which features over 450 meters of elevation gain.