The best cycling routes around Culnafay
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Touring cycling around Culnafay offers routes through varied landscapes, including river valleys and the foothills of the Sperrins. The region features a mix of rural roads and paths, with some routes incorporating historical sites. Elevation changes are present, ranging from gentle riverside sections to more challenging climbs in the hiller areas. The terrain is suitable for touring cyclists seeking both moderate and difficult routes.
Best touring cycling routes around Culnafay
- The most popular touring cycling route is Beaghmore Stone Circles…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
120km
07:18
1,030m
1,030m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
49.1km
02:56
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
riders
55.2km
03:18
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Culnafay
Tips from the Community
A row of terraced houses just outside the town of Randalstown. An important military location, these houses could've been used as barracks or staff housing. The symmetry of these houses is very pleasing as you ride past.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhór), meaning ‘big place of birch trees’. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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Contained within the ruins is a sculpture of the crucifixion, which is thought to date from the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest in Ireland. St Lurach founded an important church here in the 6th century. It was plundered by Vikings in 832 and burned in 1135. Following the 12th-century ecclesiastical reforms this was the seat of a bishop from the mid 12th to the mid 13th century, then served as parish church until the new church across the road was built in the early 19th century. This long history is reflected in the much patched and altered fabric, and the big uneven graveyard.
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Nice small town to walk around and some great history of Randalstown
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There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
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National Trust owned water powered mill, originally used in the manufacture of Linen. Well worth stopping off for a look around.
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Beaghmore is a complex of early Bronze Age megalithic features, stone circles and cairns, 8.5 miles north west of Cookstown, on the south-east edge of the Sperrin Mountains. There are seven low stone circles of different sizes, six of which are paired, twelve cairns and ten stone rows. The circles are between 10 and 20m in diameter, and are associated with earlier burial cairns and alignments of stone rows lead towards them. The stones are small with few more than 0.5m in height and the circles are distorted, suggesting they are related to kerbs surrounding some megalithic tombs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Culnafay?
There are 3 highly-rated touring cycling routes around Culnafay, offering a mix of moderate and difficult options through varied landscapes.
Are there any beginner-friendly touring cycling routes in Culnafay?
The routes around Culnafay are generally suited for moderate to difficult touring cyclists. While there are no routes specifically graded as 'easy' in this selection, routes like the View of the River Bann – Toome Lock loop from Magherafelt offer a moderate challenge, covering 49 km with less intense elevation changes compared to the more difficult options.
What is the typical duration for touring cycling routes near Culnafay?
Route durations vary significantly based on distance and difficulty. For example, the moderate Randalstown Heritage Houses – Randalstown Viaduct loop from Antrim Road typically takes about 3 hours 17 minutes to complete, while the more challenging Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey — Sperrins can take around 7 hours 18 minutes.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the Culnafay area?
Yes, all the featured touring cycling routes around Culnafay are circular. This includes the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey — Sperrins, the View of the River Bann – Toome Lock loop from Magherafelt, and the Randalstown Heritage Houses – Randalstown Viaduct loop from Antrim Road, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Culnafay?
The terrain around Culnafay is diverse, ranging from gentle river valleys along the River Bann to more challenging climbs in the foothills of the Sperrins. Routes often combine rural roads and dedicated paths, with some sections featuring historical sites.
Are there any routes that explore historical sites or landmarks?
Yes, the Randalstown Heritage Houses – Randalstown Viaduct loop from Antrim Road is an excellent choice, leading through historical areas and past the notable Randalstown Viaduct. Additionally, the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey — Sperrins takes you to the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Culnafay?
While touring cycling is possible year-round, the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable weather conditions with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, making for a more enjoyable experience in the Culnafay region.
What are the options for advanced touring cyclists in Culnafay?
Advanced touring cyclists will find the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey — Sperrins particularly challenging. This difficult 119.5 km route features over 1000 meters of elevation gain as it explores the Sperrins region.
Can I expect to see wildlife along the touring cycling routes?
The rural nature of the Culnafay area, particularly along river valleys like the Bann and in the Sperrins foothills, provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species and other small animals, especially in quieter sections of the routes.
Are there any routes that follow a river or offer waterside views?
Absolutely. The View of the River Bann – Toome Lock loop from Magherafelt is specifically designed to follow the River Bann, offering scenic views of the waterway and passing by Toome Lock, providing a pleasant waterside cycling experience.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Culnafay?
The komoot community praises the varied landscapes of the Culnafay area, from tranquil river valleys to the more challenging ascents in the Sperrins. Cyclists appreciate the mix of rural roads and paths, and the opportunity to visit historical sites like the Beaghmore Stone Circles and Randalstown Viaduct.
Most popular routes around Culnafay
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