The best cycling routes around Ballinamore

Ballinamore, situated on the Shannon-Erne Waterway and surrounded by numerous lakes and rolling hills, offers a diverse range of touring cycling experiences. You'll find everything from tranquil rides along canal towpaths and lakeside paths to more challenging routes through elevated terrain like the Bencroy Pass, providing varied scenery and difficulty levels.

Yes, Ballinamore offers several easy routes suitable for families or those seeking a relaxed ride. The Leitrim to Drumshanbo loop is an easy 21 km trail, and the Lough Rynn loop from Mohill, at 17.2 km, offers pleasant lakeside scenery. Additionally, the Ballinamore Looped Cycling Trail, a 4.5km route along the Shannon-Erne Waterway, is ideal for a gentle outing.

For more experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Ballinamore area has routes with significant climbs and remote sections. The Bencroy Pass – The Shed Distillery loop from Ballinamore is a difficult 57.7 km route that includes the challenging Bencroy Pass. Another demanding option is the Lough Allen loop from Drumshanbo, a 54.5 km difficult trail with over 600 meters of elevation gain.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Ballinamore are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Leitrim to Drumshanbo loop, the Lough Rynn loop from Mohill, and the Shanon Erne Waterway – Acres Lake Boardwalk loop from Inishnagon.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past numerous lakes, including Lough Allen and Lough Scur. The Acres Lake Boardwalk near Drumshanbo offers stunning views, and the Bencroy Pass provides expansive vistas from its elevated position. You might also encounter sections of the Kingfisher Trail, a significant long-distance route.

Yes, Pol an Eas Waterfall is a notable natural attraction just 5km from Ballinamore. It features two waterfalls separated by a pool, offering a beautiful spot to visit and cool off after a ride.

The best time to cycle in Ballinamore 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, making for more enjoyable rides and better visibility of the scenic landscapes.

Absolutely. The Shannon-Erne Waterway is a central feature of the region. The Ballinamore Looped Cycling Trail runs alongside it, starting from Ballinamore Marina. The wider Shannon-Erne Blueway also offers multi-activity trails suitable for cycling, allowing you to follow the tranquil waters for several kilometers.

The touring cycling routes around Ballinamore are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the serene waterways, the abundance of lakes, and the varied terrain that caters to different fitness levels.

Yes, the renowned Kingfisher Trail, which stretches over 320 km across several border counties, has a section that runs alongside the Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal, providing a scenic link directly into Ballinamore via the Golf Links Road.

Ballinamore town itself serves as a good base with various amenities. For more detailed information on local cafes, pubs, and accommodation options, you can visit the official Leitrim Tourism website for Ballinamore: leitrimtourism.com/towns-villages/ballinamore/.