Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Road cycling routes
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Ards

Kilmood And Ballybunden

The best road cycling routes around Kilmood And Ballybunden

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.

Best road cycling routes around…

Last updated: July 4, 2026

5.0

(1)

105

riders

#1.

Bike Path to Belfast – Kilmood Church loop from Balloo

39.0km

01:35

210m

210m

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 88 more rides around Kilmood And Ballybunden.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Kilmood And Ballybunden

Cycling around Kilmood And Ballybunden

Hiking around Kilmood And Ballybunden

Running Trails around Kilmood And Ballybunden

Tips from the Community

sm milligan
August 29, 2023, WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

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.

0

0

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.

0

0

There is a decent sized network of Woodland Gravel trails in Killynether that connect to the old Quarry Path, and Scrabo Tower.

0

0

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.

0

0

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.

0

0

Fresh Drinking Water Tap in the Church Courtyard

0

0

Traffic free and relaxing way to get into the big city!

1

0

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.

2

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around Kilmood And Ballybunden?

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.

What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling in Kilmood And Ballybunden?

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.

Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?

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.

What about more challenging road cycling options?

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.

What natural features or viewpoints can I see along the routes?

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.

Are there historical sites or landmarks to explore while cycling?

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.

What do other cyclists say about road cycling in this area?

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.

Are there any circular road cycling routes?

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.

When is the best time of year to go road cycling in Kilmood And Ballybunden?

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.

Can I combine cycling with other outdoor activities in the region?

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.

Are there cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the routes?

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.

Is there public transport access to the cycling routes in Kilmood And Ballybunden?

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.

Most popular routes around Kilmood And Ballybunden

Cycling around Kilmood And Ballybunden

Most popular attractions around Kilmood And Ballybunden

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.

CottonMount StewartBallyblackBallycastleBallyewryCastleaverryBallyaltonKillyvolganBallybryanCrossnamuckleyBootownBallyhaskinBallywhiskinKillynetherBallyaltonCunningburnGanawayLisbarnetBallyhaftBallyobeganBalligganRoddansIslandhillBallybuttleBallybarnesGordonallGreyabbeyBallyskeagh HighReagh IslandInishargyNunsquarterBallygarvanDunoverBallyferisTullykevinBallynesterBallymurphyGrangeeBallyboleyBallyrawerGanawayCarney HillSloanstownBallymoneyBallygrangeeCardyBallydoonanKilbrightCorporation SouthBallycullenMilecrossBallykeelBallyblack LittleBallyraineyCorporation NorthTullynagardyBallystockartScraboLoughriscouseBallywatticockCronstownBootownBallyalicockBallyreaghBallyrollyBallymagreehanBallyharryMovillaBallyurnanellanKilnatiernyKillaghyBallymacruiseBallycopelandDrumreaghMagherascouseBallyglighornCraigboyMiller HillCommonsTullynageeBallydrainBallyatwoodRosemountBallyboghilboBlack AbbeyBallywalterLonglandsWhitechurchGregstownBallyhemlinBallyhenry MajorBallyrickardUnicarvalCastlebegOrlockCarrigullianCullintrawKircubbinGlastryBallygraffanCloghyTullytramonBallymacashenBallyloughanBallylimpCherryvalleyTown ParksMount AlexanderBallyhenry MinorGlass MossRingcreevyDrumfad BayBallyfrenisCastle EspieBallyherlyBallyridleyBallywaddanGranshaEchlinvilleArdquinDemesnePriest TownBallywardBallywallonBallycrossBallyfotherlyPortavoeBallywilliamBallybeenBallycreellyBallyrushDunevlyCastleboyLoughdooArdkeenBallygelaghTullycorssRowreaghFish QuarterSpringvaleBallyhayHogstownHerdstownDrumawhyCarryreaghBallyvesterTown Parks Of DonaghadeeBallynoeTemplepatrickCookstownLisbaneBallycran BegGranshaCarnasureBallymagaugheyTullygarvanBallooBallygowanCarrickmannanRavaraDrumhirkEdenslateBallynicholCattogsBallymacreellyLisbaneTullynakillBallymartinKillinchyCraigaruskyBallymorranKillinakinBallydornBallydornConly IslandMahee IslandTrooperfieldBallygraffanBallyroganKillarnGreengravesBallyaltikilliganBallyallolyBallywilliamBallymaladyBallyministraghBallymurphyBallyhenryBallywhiteTullyhubbertBallyskeagh LowRingneillWhitespotsBallyphilipBallyfinraghBallyadamBallybraniganBallycamDerryBallyfrenchBallyhalbertBallyesboroughTullymallyBallymacnameeBallygarviganNewcastle RoadBallyrusleyArdgeehanCraigaroddanBallyblackTullynacrewBallymarterKnockinelderDooeyKearneyBallywhollartKirkistownMarlfieldPortavogieArdminnanBallyminnishThomastownRatallaghBallycran MoreBallygalgetDrumardanSlanesDrumardan QuarterBroom QuarterBallyspurgeCorrogDrumhirkBallyhennyTullyboardParson HallBallynicholGranaghBallywierdBallyedockBallyfounder

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Ballymacashen

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy