The best road cycling routes in Leitrim

Leitrim offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 60 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy spins to challenging climbs.

Leitrim's road cycling routes feature a diverse landscape. You'll encounter picturesque rolling hills and mountains like Arroo Mountain and the Corr Mountains, providing both gentle slopes and challenging ascents. Many routes also wind around tranquil lakes such as Lough Allen and Lough Melvin, and along the River Shannon and its tributaries, offering scenic waterside rides. Expect quiet country roads and beautiful glens like Glenade and Glenaniff.

Yes, Leitrim has over 20 easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. A great option is the Grange Lough and Drumgilra Lough loop from Roosky, which offers a gentle 43.7 km ride with minimal elevation gain. Another easy choice is the Drumsna and Sheemore loop from Carrick-on-Shannon, a 30.1 km route.

For experienced cyclists, Leitrim offers challenging routes with significant climbs. The Lough Meelagh, Ballygawley and Dromahair loop from Manorhamilton is a difficult 113.2 km route with over 880 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Bencroy pass, Newtown gore and Carrick-on-Shannon loop from Lough Allen, covering nearly 120 km with over 1050 meters of climbing.

Absolutely, Leitrim is known for its tranquil lakes, and many road cycling routes incorporate them. The popular Lough Allen loop from Leitrim is a 57.9 km trail that circles the scenic Lough Allen. Another option is the Ballyshannon and Lough Melvin loop from Manorhamilton, which takes you through the area around Lough Melvin.

Yes, Leitrim's landscape features spectacular waterfalls that can be incorporated into your cycling adventures. You can find routes near the iconic Glencar Waterfall, known for its beauty and literary connections, as well as The Devil's Chimney Waterfall and Fowley's Falls. While specific komoot road cycling routes may not directly pass every waterfall, they are often accessible detours from main cycling paths.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Leitrim, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unspoiled scenic countryside, the varied terrain that caters to all levels, and the network of quiet country roads that offer a peaceful environment away from urban pressures.

Leitrim offers unique cycling experiences, such as the Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk, which allows you to cycle directly over the water as part of the Shannon Blueway. This provides a distinctive and memorable ride. The Shanon Erne Waterway – Jinny's Tearooms at Acres loop from Inishnagon is a moderate route that includes parts of the Shannon Erne Waterway.

While many road cycling routes are on quiet country roads, for truly traffic-free and family-friendly options, consider sections of the Shannon Blueway or the Kingfisher Cycle Trail. These routes are designed for relaxed cycling and are ideal for families. Look for easy-rated routes on komoot, such as the Ballinamuck and Mohill loop from Lough Rynn, which is 45.3 km long.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can encounter several points of interest. Many routes pass through or near Carrick-on-Shannon, a vibrant town on the River Shannon. Natural landmarks like Eagle's Rock and the impressive Hag's Leap in the Dartry Mountains offer dramatic scenery. The region's numerous lakes, including Lough Allen, are also prominent features.

Yes, for those looking for longer rides, Leitrim offers extensive routes. The Lough Allen, Balllinamore and Drumcong loop from Leitrim is a substantial 99.1 km route. Additionally, the 150km Glens Cycle Route, though not a single komoot tour, is a well-known challenging route that covers much of the county, passing through various glens and villages.

While Leitrim's beauty can be enjoyed year-round, the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable weather for road cycling, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. This period allows for the best enjoyment of the scenic landscapes and outdoor activities.