The best road cycling routes around Ballyvanen

Lough Neagh is a real gem for cyclists, especially if you enjoy pedalling along the water. The paths around the lake offer a varied mix of rolling shoreline landscapes, gravel paths and beautiful viewpoints that give you a different perspective of the water every time. What makes this place special is not just the nature, but also the stories that are in the air here - from sunken kingdoms to legendary giants who are said to have created the lake with a single throw. The atmosphere here changes constantly with the weather: on clear days the water sparkles in the sun, while clouds cast a mystical veil over the lake. The picnic areas along the shore invite you to take a short rest and watch the swans and ducks gliding leisurely across the surface. But not everything is idyllic - recent environmental problems such as the blue-green algae plague are a constant theme. It shows that this magical place needs care and attention to maintain its charm. The best way to do this is on a bike that can handle going off the beaten track. The wind can sometimes blow strongly across the lake, which requires a bit of extra energy, but you will be rewarded with great views. A tour around Lough Neagh combines history, nature and small adventures - an experience that always reveals new facets.

Ground Espresso Bars Café is located right on the road, making it an ideal stop for cyclists travelling along the Newry Canal Towpath. Just a stone's throw from the River Bann, the small café offers a welcome place to take a quick breather. Here you can recharge your batteries with a cup of coffee or a small snack before continuing on. The atmosphere around the old, charming brick building is relaxed and inviting. Its proximity to the cycle path makes it a meeting point for cyclists and walkers alike. You can have a good conversation here or just watch the cyclists go by while sitting outside. Those who continue along the river soon find themselves in a rural landscape, accompanied by the Craigavon Lakes in the distance.

Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, it contains over 800 billion gallons of water. Lough Neagh has a unique and diverse habitat with many rare species of plants, bugs, waterfowl, birds and fish. But it isn’t just the wildlife and the beauty of the landscape that make Lough Neagh so unique. It is also the colourful myths and legends. It is said to have its very own Atlantis! According to myth the people of one of the kingdoms of ancient Ireland had a magical spring of freshwater. When the people became greedy the spring rose up and flooded the kingdom, leaving an underwater city beneath.

Antrim Castle Gardens are an absolute historical gem. You will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Walk into the past as you stroll around this magnificent setting, visiting beautiful features such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene family. It provides a fantastic opportunity to come and learn about garden history how the lives of the key family members intertwine with the development of Antrim town and the surrounding areas.

Take in the fabulous views of Lough Neagh from this stretch of road.

Take in the beautiful views of Lough Shore whilst cycling along this stretch of road.

Great views of Lough Neagh with the welcome addition of picnic benches to watch over the waters while you stop for a snack.

Pretty bay of Lough Neagh, good place to stop and appreciate the water.