The best MTB trails around Ardshankill

Ardshankill, situated on Boa Island within the Fermanagh Lakelands, offers access to several mountain bike routes. Our guide features 5 distinct trails, ranging from easy to difficult, providing options for various skill levels.

Yes, there are easy routes perfect for beginners or families. The Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop is an easy 27.0 km trail that takes about 1 hour 44 minutes to complete. Another option is the Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick, an 18.7 km easy route.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop is a difficult 66.4 km path featuring significant elevation gain through varied forest landscapes. This route typically takes over 5 hours to complete.

The Fermanagh Lakelands, where Ardshankill is located, offer diverse terrain. You can expect a mix of coarse gravel paths, forest roads, and dedicated singletrack sections. The landscapes are shaped by shimmering lakes, dense forests, and rolling hills, providing varied riding experiences.

Absolutely. You can explore several historical sites and landmarks. On Boa Island itself, you can visit the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery. Further afield, routes might take you past the Tully Castle Ruins or the Old Castle Archdale.

Many trails offer stunning natural beauty. The Scarplands Cycle Trail provides panoramic views of Lough Erne. You might also encounter the View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho or the Rossmore Point Beacon, offering picturesque vistas of the surrounding lakelands.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops. For example, the Horse Hill, Castle Hill and Necarne Castle loop and the Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop are both circular routes, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.

The mountain bike trails around Ardshankill are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 5.0 stars from reviewers. Users often praise the diverse landscapes and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.

Given Ardshankill's location in the Fermanagh Lakelands, many trails offer views of or pass by water features. The Scarplands Cycle Trail provides panoramic views of Lough Erne, and the Pettigo to Lough Derg and St Patrick's Purgatory loop includes views of Lough Derg.

Yes, some routes may lead you near facilities or points of interest. For instance, the Old Castle Archdale – Rossmore Point Beacon loop from Lisnarrick is close to Castle Archdale Marina, which can be a convenient stop.

The Fermanagh Lakelands offer good mountain biking conditions for much of the year. Spring and autumn generally provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. While trails are accessible in summer, they can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially wetter and colder conditions.

Yes, for endurance riders, the Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop is a substantial 66.4 km route. Another longer option is the Pettigo to Lough Derg and St Patrick's Purgatory loop, which covers 54.9 km.