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United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Ards

Ballywhollart

The best cycling routes around Ballywhollart

5.0

(6)

102

riders

15

rides

Touring cycling routes around Ballywhollart offer a variety of experiences across the region's landscape. The area is characterized by coastal paths and views of the Ards Peninsula, providing mostly gentle gradients suitable for touring cyclists. While specific geographical features of Ballywhollart itself are not prominent, the surrounding Ballywhollart cycling trails often follow the coastline and feature historical landmarks. The cycling terrain Ballywhollart presents is generally low-lying, with minimal significant elevation changes.

Best touring cycling routes around Ballywhollart

  • The most popular…

Last updated: June 27, 2026

3

riders

#1.

Ards Peninsula half loop from Portaferry — Strangford & Lecale

57.1km

03:21

270m

270m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5

riders

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Popular around Ballywhollart

Hiking around Ballywhollart

Road Cycling Routes around Ballywhollart

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Tips from the Community

Alice Baddeley
September 24, 2025, Burr Point – Easternmost Point of Ireland

Burr Point marks the most easterly point on the island of Ireland. The spot is marked by a coastal sculpture by artist Ned Jackson Smyth. You can rest up in the sheltered cove which has a well-kept toilet and changing facilities close by.

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sm milligan
November 26, 2023, Kirkistown Castle

Built in 1622 by Roland Savage. The tower has had several alterations over its past. The neo gothic style was introduced in the early 19th century.

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sm milligan
November 26, 2023, Corrog Wood

Visitors to Corrog Wood will be greeted by a curious wooden sculpture of a Dryad. The sculpture has been affectionately named the ‘Frump in the Stump’. A dryad is a tree nymph in Greek mythology. The Dryad keeps a watchful, protective eye on the new wood standing at the entrance. Continue past the Dryad on through the little kissing gate and a loop pathway will be waiting to lead you around the 14-acre wood, where a mix of approximately 12,000 native trees and 400 metres of hedging have been planted.

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Quintin Castle is one of the few inhabited Anglo-Norman castles to be found in Ulster. The Castle was built in 1184 by John de Courcy, an Anglo-Norman Knight who had conquered substantial parts of Ireland from 1176. It is located in the Ards Peninsula, east of the village of Portaferry on the shore of the Irish Sea, The location hosts an unprecedented view of the surrounding landscape.

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The Marina is a nature reserve of unparalleled beauty, it is a good starting point on which to explore the Lough.

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Portaferry ( from Port an Pheire 'landing place of the ferry' ) is a small town in County down, at the southern end of the Ards Peninsula, near the Narrows at the entrance to Strangford Lough. It hosts its own small Marina, From where the The Ferry service operates daily at 30-minute intervals (7.45 am to 10.45 pm) between the villages of Portaferry and Strangford. The Lough being one of the world's most important marine sites with over 2,000 marine species. There are fine Georgian buildings in the town square, including a Market House, now used as a community centre. Portaferry Castle, a 16th-century townhouse ruin, sits atop a slope overlooking the Harbour.

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Your as far east as it gets. chapeau ! rest up in the sheltered cove. Burr Point is the most easterly point on the mainland of the island of Ireland. The point is marked by a sculpture by artist Ned Jackson Smyth. Just offshore is the intriguingly named Burial Island. Local stories say the name comes from a Danish burial reputed to have taken place on the island. The name might also derive from the Irish for cormorant, na broighill, or from the pronunciation of “Burr Isle”. well kept and fully enclosed toilet & changing facilities.

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Lovely place to rest. There are tables arranged outside to the right of the Abbey. Grab some supplies from the shop just up the road in the village, and enjoy the atmosphere. The Abbey is open 24 / 7. Grey Abbey is one of the best examples of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster, and was the daughter house of Holm Cultram (Cumbria). It was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster. The remains, in the beautiful parkland setting of the nearby grand house of Rosemount, consist of the church with cloister and surrounding buildings to the south.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available around Ballywhollart?

There are 15 touring cycling routes around Ballywhollart documented on komoot. These routes offer a range of experiences, from easy coastal loops to more moderate half-peninsula explorations.

What is the general terrain like for touring cycling in Ballywhollart?

The cycling terrain around Ballywhollart is generally low-lying, characterized by coastal paths and views of the Ards Peninsula. You'll find mostly gentle gradients, with minimal significant elevation changes, making it suitable for touring cyclists.

Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Ballywhollart?

Yes, there are several easy routes. For instance, the Portaferry to Quintin Castle loop is an easy 9.8-mile (15.8 km) trail that offers coastal views and passes by historical castle grounds.

What kind of landmarks or points of interest can I expect to see along the touring cycling routes?

The routes often feature historical landmarks and offer scenic views. You might pass by sites such as Audley's Castle or Castle Ward Tower (a Winterfell filming location). Many routes also provide views of the Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough.

Are there any longer, more challenging touring cycling routes in the Ballywhollart area?

For those seeking a longer ride, the Ards Peninsula half loop from Portaferry — Strangford & Lecale is a moderate 35.5-mile (57.1 km) path that explores the scenic Ards Peninsula with views of Strangford Lough. Another moderate option is the Portaferry to Kirkistown Castle loop — Strangford & Lecale, which is 18.8 miles (30.3 km).

What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Ballywhollart?

The touring cycling routes around Ballywhollart are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 6 reviews. Cyclists often praise the coastal paths, the scenic views of the Ards Peninsula, and the historical landmarks encountered along the way.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops. For example, the Kirkistown Castle – View of Quintin Castle loop from Kircubbin offers a circular experience, as does the View of Quintin Castle – View of Portaferry Harbor loop from Strangford.

What are the typical elevation gains on touring cycling routes in Ballywhollart?

The routes in Ballywhollart are generally low-lying with minimal significant elevation changes. For example, the Portaferry to Quintin Castle loop has an elevation gain of about 79 meters, while the longer Ards Peninsula half loop has around 271 meters of ascent over its 57 km distance.

Is there parking available near the cycling routes?

While specific parking details for every route vary, you can find designated parking areas such as Castle Ward Shore Car Park, which can serve as a starting point for exploring nearby routes.

Are there any routes that pass by a ferry terminal?

Yes, some routes are situated near ferry services. The Strangford Ferry Terminal is a notable point of interest in the area, and routes originating from Portaferry would be in close proximity to ferry connections.

What kind of natural features can be seen along the cycling routes?

The primary natural features you'll encounter are the coastal landscapes, views of the Ards Peninsula, and the expansive Strangford Lough. There are also areas like the Forest Path Along Strangford Lough that offer a different natural setting.

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