4.5
(19)
572
riders
28
rides
Road cycling routes around Ballyferris offer diverse coastal and inland experiences across the scenic Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland. The region is characterized by routes that follow the shoreline, providing views of both Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea. Cyclists encounter varied terrain, including gentle coastal roads and routes passing through tranquil countryside and picturesque villages.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4.0
(3)
77
riders
66.6km
02:55
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.9
(8)
57
riders
52.7km
02:16
240m
240m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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44
riders
68.1km
02:59
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
52
riders
53.5km
02:23
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
28
riders
87.3km
03:42
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Ballyferis
Carrowdore Castle Gate is one of the original 19th-century entrance lodges to the Carrowdore Castle estate in County Down. Built in a Gothic style, it features a castellated parapet and turret-like details that echo the look of the main house. Today it stands as one of the most distinctive remnants of the castle complex, marking the historic gateway to the estate.
1
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Simple sandwiches, paninies and drinks. outdoor seating or in a covered space.
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Bike parking, nice coffee and eats, friendly staff, nice view of the lough
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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Helen's Bay Beach is one of two excellent beaches found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These beautiful sandy beaches are by far the best within the Belfast area and as such are exceptionally popular and well used. Helen's Bay Beach is gently shelving and has excellent water quality making it ideal for bathing. The country park provides an excellent back drop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality walks and good facilities. There are disabled toilets and disabled parking a short distance from the beach. A path suitable for wheelchair users leads from the car park to a path running adjacent to it. Nearby Crawfordsburn Country Park has a Cafe / Restaurant, Car Parking, Picnic Sites,Toilets, and a Visitor Centre.
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From Donaghadee visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Irish Sea, where on a clear day you can see all the way to Scotland, only 20 miles away by sea. It was the province’s principle port before Belfast developed. The Harbour was built in 1820's to the design of John Rennie and is part built of limestone from Wales known as "Anglesea marble". On the harbour is Donaghadee's impressive lighthouse, which was built in 1836 and was the first lighthouse in Ireland to be lit by electricity. Sit and rest in the harbour with a bag of chips from Rainy's on the High Street ( on the hill as you roll in to town from Millisle ) Best fryers in the town. Perfect recovery after a long cycle, Irelands oldest Pub - Grace Neills, is only around the corner.
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There are 29 road cycling routes around Ballyferris, offering a variety of experiences across the scenic Ards Peninsula. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars.
Road cycling routes in Ballyferris feature diverse terrain, from gentle coastal roads that hug the shoreline to routes passing through tranquil countryside and picturesque villages. You'll find options with varying elevation gains, suitable for different ability levels.
Yes, Ballyferris offers 16 easy road cycling routes, perfect for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed ride. An example of an easy route is the Ballywalter Beach – Carrowdore Castle Gate loop from Carrowdore, which covers 38.1 km with minimal elevation.
While cycling near Ballyferris, you can encounter several interesting landmarks. Routes often pass by the historic Ballycopeland Windmill, the scenic Donaghadee Lighthouse, and the ancient Grey Abbey Ruins. The region also features the impressive Mount Stewart House and Carrowdore Castle Gate.
Many of the road cycling routes around Ballyferris are designed as loops, offering circular journeys. For instance, the Donaghadee Lighthouse – The Lane Coffee Hut loop from Greyabbey and the Eden Pottery Coffee Shop – Ballycopeland Windmill loop from Greyabbey are popular circular options.
Road cycling routes in Ballyferris vary in length and duration. You can find routes like the Ballywalter Beach – Carrowdore Castle Gate loop, which is about 38 km and takes under 2 hours, up to longer rides like the Donaghadee Lighthouse – The Lane Coffee Hut loop, which is around 66 km and typically takes just under 3 hours.
The Ards Peninsula, including Ballyferris, offers beautiful scenery year-round. However, for the most pleasant road cycling experience, spring through autumn generally provides milder weather and longer daylight hours. On clear days, you might even enjoy views of the Isle of Man from the Irish Sea coast.
Yes, many routes pass through charming villages such as Greyabbey, Portaferry, and Donaghadee, where you can find cafes and pubs. For example, the Eden Pottery Coffee Shop – Ballycopeland Windmill loop specifically mentions a coffee shop in its name, indicating opportunities for refreshment.
The road cycling routes around Ballyferris are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning coastal landscapes, the diverse natural features, and the picturesque villages encountered along the routes.
While many routes are easy to moderate, the Ards Peninsula offers options for more challenging rides. The 'Ards Peninsula Complete loop from Bangor' is highlighted as a route for those seeking a more demanding experience, often featuring longer distances and varied elevations.
Absolutely. The Ards Peninsula is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, particularly around Strangford Lough. Cycling routes often explore this rich wildlife habitat, offering views of diverse marine life, butterflies, and wildflowers. You can enjoy the scenery and spot nature as you ride.
Yes, many road cycling routes on the Ards Peninsula hug the shoreline, providing breathtaking views of Strangford Lough. The extensive 82-mile Strangford Lough Cycle Route, which Ballyferris is part of, specifically guides cyclists through this scenic area, offering continuous vistas of the lough.


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