4.8
(17)
988
riders
92
rides
Road cycling around Kilmood And Ballybunden is characterized by its setting within County Down's diverse geography, featuring rolling hills and drumlin country. The area offers varied terrain, from relatively flat sections to undulating routes with rewarding climbs and descents. Cyclists can expect quiet B-roads and country lanes, providing a peaceful experience away from heavy traffic. This region serves as a gateway to broader cycling networks, including scenic coastal paths and routes connecting to larger towns.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
5.0
(1)
105
riders
39.0km
01:35
210m
210m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
51.2km
02:19
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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6
riders
45.6km
01:54
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
58.5km
02:37
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
48.5km
02:08
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Kilmood And Ballybunden
WWT Castle Espie is home to the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Ireland. Wide open spaces, and wetlands full of the sights and sounds of nature. Surprised by just how much there is to see and do including a Cafe / Gallery, plenty of walks, and places to just sit and take it all in.
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Always worth the ascent. If only for the view towards Sliev Croob and the Mournes. Beautiful patch work of swollen hills, cut by colourful fields, that meander all the way to the shore of Strangford Lough below. There are several interesting woodland gravel trails in the woods, connecting to Scrabo, and Ards. Twilight is magic up here. Smooth tarmac Decent down to Ards via Scrabo Road is a joy, with the tower on your left, and the sprawling Lough, and Newtownards to your right.
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There is a decent sized network of Woodland Gravel trails in Killynether that connect to the old Quarry Path, and Scrabo Tower.
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Open every day 9am–9pm. freshly baked goodies, takeaway coffee, and fresh produce from 'The Poachers Pantry', and some great bottles of wine. It's a one stop foodie shop! And the pub is popular with cyclists. Originally established in the 1800’s as an old coaching inn, The Poacher’s Pocket is situated in the heart of picturesque County Down. This Michelin recommended restaurant offers modern Irish pub food using the finest locally sourced seasonal produce in a restaurant oozing in modern country charm.
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Picturesque rolling trail through Barley fields, and vistas of the beautiful Strangford Lough always present. Hosts great views of Scrabo Tower in the distance, and if you catch this trail at twilight on a clear summers eve, you will be rewarded with such magnificent colours. Strangford Lough is also a designated 'Dark Skies' area for you star gazers.
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Traffic free and relaxing way to get into the big city!
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It's a peaceful encounter trailing through the woods of Killynether. The woods are on the grounds of a former estate and the beautiful medley of flowers and trees is the result of some keen planters back in the 19th century.
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There are nearly 100 road cycling routes available around Kilmood And Ballybunden. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 35 classified as easy and 63 as moderate.
The terrain around Kilmood And Ballybunden, situated within County Down, is characterized by rolling hills and drumlin country. You can expect a mix of relatively flat sections and undulating routes with rewarding climbs and descents. Many routes utilize quiet B-roads and country lanes, offering a peaceful cycling experience.
Yes, there are 35 easy road cycling routes around Kilmood And Ballybunden. For example, the Kilmood Church – Bike Path to Belfast loop from Balloo is an easy 24.2-mile route that connects to the traffic-free Bike Path to Belfast, which is ideal for families and beginners.
For those seeking more challenge, there are 63 moderate road cycling routes in the area. These routes often feature more significant elevation changes, typical of the region's hilly drumlin country. An example is the Kilmood Church loop from Balloo, a 30.8-mile trail with more climbing.
Road cycling routes in this region offer access to stunning natural beauty. You can find viewpoints overlooking Strangford Lough, such as Quarterland Road and Strangford Lough Views, and potentially catch glimpses of the Mourne Mountains in the distance. The area is also home to wetlands like the WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre.
Yes, the area is rich in historical sites. You can cycle past or near landmarks such as Sketrick Castle, the ancient Nendrum Monastery Ruins, and the historic Kilmood Church. Many routes also connect to the Comber Greenway, a former railway line.
The road cycling routes around Kilmood And Ballybunden are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from nearly 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country lanes, varied terrain, and scenic views that characterize the region.
Yes, many of the routes around Kilmood And Ballybunden are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Bike Path to Belfast – Kilmood Church loop from Balloo and the Poacher's Pantry – Kilmood Church loop from Lisbane.
County Down generally offers good cycling conditions from spring through autumn. The milder weather and longer daylight hours make these seasons ideal for exploring the varied terrain and scenic routes. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wetter conditions.
Absolutely. The broader County Down area provides a wide array of outdoor activities. Beyond road cycling, you can enjoy walking and hiking in places like Tollymore Forest Park, water activities on Strangford Lough, or nature exploration at Murlough Nature Reserve, known for its sand dunes and wildlife.
While specific cafes directly within Kilmood and Ballybunden may be limited, the routes often pass through or near small villages and towns in County Down where you can find local pubs and cafes. Some routes are even named after potential stops, such as the Picnic Café – Kilmood Church loop from Lisbane.
Kilmood and Ballybunden are situated along a road connecting Belfast to Downpatrick, suggesting some regional bus services might be available. For specific public transport options to route starting points, it's advisable to check local bus schedules for County Down, particularly services connecting to towns like Balloo or Lisbane.


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