The best road cycling routes around Ballygawley

There are 7 road cycling routes available around Ballygawley, offering a variety of distances and elevations. These routes have been explored by over 280 road cyclists using komoot.

Road cycling around Ballygawley features varied terrain, characterized by rolling hills, tranquil valleys, and picturesque countryside. Routes often have well-paved surfaces, with some venturing towards the scenic Antrim Coast and Glens, offering diverse landscapes.

Yes, there are routes suitable for any fitness level. For example, the Parkanaur House loop is an easier 40.8km ride with 290m of elevation, perfect for a more relaxed experience. You can also find routes like Joey's Bar loop from Ballymoney, which is a moderate 49.1 km trail.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Torr Head loop from Ballymoney – Antrim Coast & Glens offer significant elevation gain over 87.1 km. Another demanding option is the Parkanaur House – Ballysaggart Lough loop, a harder 128km ride with 1,110m of elevation, requiring very good fitness.

The region offers diverse natural beauty. You can encounter tranquil loughs like Martray Lough (also known as Black Lough), known for its unique habitat. Some routes provide panoramic views of green hills, and the Branny Ramble route offers spectacular vistas of several counties from Branny Hill Rath. The foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, with their rugged beauty and moorland vistas, are also accessible.

Yes, several routes incorporate historical sites. The Caledon Beam Engine – Navan Fort (Emain Macha) loop takes you past Navan Fort, an archaeologically fascinating site. Parkanaur House, a historic 17th-century Tudor Revival house set in grounds with a rare herd of white fallow deer, is also accessible via cycling routes. The Branny Ramble begins at U.S. Grants Ancestral Homestead.

Many of the road cycling routes in the Ballygawley area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Caledon Beam Engine – Navan Fort loop, Parkanaur House loop, and Martray Lough loop, providing convenient circular journeys through the countryside.

For longer rides, consider routes such as the Waterfoot Beach – Carnlough Harbour loop from Ballymoney, which spans 125.6 km. Another substantial option is the Parkanaur House – Ballysaggart Lough loop, covering 128 km with significant elevation.

The road cycling routes around Ballygawley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 3 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from rolling hills to tranquil valleys, and the well-maintained surfaces suitable for road bikes.

While Ballygawley itself is inland, some routes venture towards the coast. For instance, the Ballycastle loop from Ballymoney – Causeway Coast offers views of the stunning Causeway Coast, and the Waterfoot Beach – View of Glendun Valley loop from Ballymoney provides coastal perspectives.

Yes, the region's routes often feature natural water bodies. The Martray Lough loop specifically takes you around Martray Lough, known for its unique habitat. The Ballygawley area is also situated along the River Blackwater, and the Ballygawley River itself is noted for freshwater fishing, offering tranquil scenery along some paths.