The best cycling routes around Owl Island
4.3
(3)
46
riders
11
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Touring cycling around Owl Island features a landscape characterized by loughs, forests, and historical sites. The terrain includes rolling hills with moderate elevation changes, suitable for various cycling abilities. Routes often incorporate scenic loops around bodies of water and through wooded areas. The region offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks accessible by bike.
Best touring cycling routes around Owl Island
- The most popular touring cycling route is Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop, an 11.6 miles (18.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 13 minutes to complete, offering a gentle ride through the northern part of the island.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is The Big Tree – Carrickreagh Forest loop from Derrygonnelly, a moderate 23.7 miles (38.1 km) path. This route winds through dense forest and past significant natural features, providing a varied cycling experience.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island, an 8.8 miles (14.2 km) trail leading through coastal areas and past historical ruins, often completed in about 1 hour 9 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Owl Island is defined by its lough-side paths, forest trails, and routes connecting historical sites. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging rides with greater elevation.
- The routes in Owl Island are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 50 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Owl Island's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
2
riders
18.6km
01:13
140m
140m
Cycle the easy 11.6-mile Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop through Fermanagh and Donegal, with views from Rossmore Point Beacon.
12
riders
49.1km
03:08
550m
550m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
13
riders
14.2km
01:09
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
38.1km
02:21
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
66.1km
04:14
740m
740m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The shimmering waters of Lough Melvin attract anglers from around the world for its beauty and diverse fish. The lake is home to three unique species of trout, as well as salmon, and an endemic species of char, the Melvin charr. If you want to try your hand at fishing, you should purchase a license and consider renting a boat. The lake is 7.5 miles (12 km) long and 1.9 miles (3 km) wide and set amongst the beautiful green countryside along the border of County Leitrim and Country Fermanagh. If you are not into fishing, there's plenty of wonderful flora and fauna to enjoy too.
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Nice village green with toilets and Loch side views
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A hive of activity, the marina at Castle Archdale is full of things to do. Why not park your bike and pedal on water on one of the hydrobikes? Kayaks, paddleboards and boats are also available to hire. Or if you're looking for a break, this is a great place to stop and take it all in.
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A white beacon marks the location of Rossmore Point. There is a bench to sit on here where you can enjoy serene views over Lough Erne.
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Beautiful views over Lough Erne toward Tom's Island. Tom's Island is actually no longer an island, but once was before the lough was lowered.
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Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520 hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. The castle was built in the 1600s and was the main castle on this former estate before its successor took it's place in the 1800s, Castle Archdale.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Owl Island?
Owl Island offers a selection of 12 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. These routes explore the island's loughs, forests, and historical sites.
What is the typical terrain like for touring cycling in Owl Island?
The terrain in Owl Island is characterized by rolling hills with moderate elevation changes. Routes often feature lough-side paths and forest trails, providing a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Owl Island has 2 easy touring cycling routes. A great option is the Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop, which is 11.6 miles (18.6 km) long and offers a gentle ride through the northern part of the island. Another easy route is the Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island, an 8.8 miles (14.2 km) trail.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes around Owl Island?
Many of the touring cycling routes in Owl Island are designed as loops. For example, the popular The Big Tree – Carrickreagh Forest loop from Derrygonnelly offers a varied cycling experience through dense forest. Another option is the Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop.
What kind of historical sites or landmarks can I see along the routes?
Owl Island is rich in historical sites. Along the routes, you can encounter landmarks such as Old Castle Archdale and Tully Castle Ruins. The Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island specifically leads past historical ruins.
Are there any natural features like waterfalls to explore?
Yes, some routes incorporate natural features. The challenging Carrick Lough – Roogagh Waterfall loop from Derrygonnelly is a difficult route that will take you past the Roogagh Waterfall.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Owl Island?
The touring cycling routes in Owl Island are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 50 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the lough-side paths and forest trails.
Are there any difficult routes for experienced touring cyclists?
Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Owl Island offers 2 difficult routes. The Tully Castle Ruins – Lough Melvin loop from Heron Island is a demanding 66.1 km (41.1 miles) route with significant elevation gain. Another difficult option is the Carrick Lough – Roogagh Waterfall loop from Derrygonnelly.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Owl Island?
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the region's characteristics of loughs and forests suggest that spring and autumn would offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer would also be suitable, though potentially busier.
Are there options for parking near the touring cycling routes?
Many touring cycling routes in Owl Island start from towns or popular access points, where parking facilities are generally available. It's advisable to check specific route starting points for detailed parking information.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots along the routes?
The routes around Owl Island are known for their scenic beauty, particularly along the lough-side paths and through wooded areas. The Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop from White Island, for instance, offers coastal views and passes historical ruins, providing picturesque spots.
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