The best road cycling routes around Carricknakielt
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riders
61
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Road cycling around Carricknakielt features a landscape characterized by undulating terrain and proximity to significant natural features. The region includes routes that traverse areas near Lough Neagh, offering lakeside views, and extends into forested areas such as Learmount Wood. Road cyclists can expect varied elevation gains, with some routes featuring substantial climbs, while others follow river valleys like the Moyola River.
Best road cycling routes around Carricknakielt
- The most popular road cycling route is Bench Under a Large Tree –…
Last updated: May 29, 2026
4
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
80.4km
03:26
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5
riders
59.5km
02:26
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
100km
04:57
1,160m
1,160m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
6
riders
16.2km
00:38
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Carricknakielt
Tips from the Community
Learmount Wood is located at the foothills of the northern face of the Sperrins in Northern Ireland. The forest features a wonderful diversity of tree species, including some that have been there for over 100 years. It's a beautiful place for a stroll, featuring a stream and an abandoned mansion dating back to the 1830s.
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Learmount Castle is a stunning Tudor-Gothic mansion that was built in the 1830s by Henry Barré Beresford. The house is now abandoned, but you can still use your imagination to picture its grandeur when it was in all its glory.
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In the shadow of Northern Ireland's vast skies, the mysterious Mountjoy Castle rises on a hill above Lough Neagh. This ruined castle, whose Irish name "Caisleán Mhuinseo" whispers into the wind, stands like a proud sentinel in the village of Mountjoy, County Tyrone. The castle was built in 1602 by order of Charles Blount, 1st Earl of Devonshire and 8th Baron Mountjoy. But times have not always been kind to this building: as early as 1643, a devastating fire left scars on the walls of the castle. What remained is a two-story brick building with the ground floor clad in stone. The architecture speaks of a time of defense and vigilance - a central rectangular block protected by four spear-shaped towers, crisscrossed by embrasures. The north-western tower testifies to the fragility of time - partially collapsed, while the western curtain wall has lost its presence. The entrance, once on the south side of the eastern curtain wall, seems to whisper stories of days gone by, while wide windows on the upper floor capture the eyes of visitors. Unfortunately, an extension at the back keeps some of the castle's secrets hidden, and the interior area is closed to visitors' eyes. But even in its ruined state, Mountjoy Castle embodies the soul and history of Northern Ireland. Not only is it a State Care Historic Monument in the townland of Magheralamfield in the Mid Ulster District, but it is also a silent testament to time, inviting every walker to pause for a moment and listen to the whispers of history.
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The church ruins date from the early 16th century but include stones from a much earlier pre 11th century church. After a new church was built, this one fell into disrepair, but the graveyard remains in use.
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An Cregán Visitor Centre is worth a visit for an introduction to the beautiful surroundings, its biodiversity, archaeology and history.There is a cafe and a children's park, nature walks, bronze age replicas and even holiday cottages. For more information see their website
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Enjoy riding through the greenery. ALl around you there are fields, pockets of woodland and big skies.
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The An Creagan Visitor Centre is an introduction to the beautiful biodiversity and archeology on offer at Creggan Wood. The centre is fit with a licensed restaurant, bar, craft shop, conference facilities, children's play area, and even holiday cottages.
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Tudor-Gothic house, built in 1830 by Henry Barré Beresford. Situated in Learmont Park there are some good gravel and mixed terrain tracks to explore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Carricknakielt?
There are over 60 road cycling routes documented around Carricknakielt on komoot, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Carricknakielt?
Yes, Carricknakielt offers 16 easy road cycling routes. A good option for beginners is the Moyola River loop from Moyola, which is 16.2 km long with minimal elevation gain, making it a gentle introduction to the area's cycling.
What are some challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders in Carricknakielt?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Carricknakielt has 9 difficult routes. The Learmount Wood – Learmount Castle loop from Maghera is a demanding 100 km route with over 1150 meters of elevation gain, taking you through varied terrain including forested areas.
Are there any circular road cycling routes around Carricknakielt?
Yes, many of the routes around Carricknakielt are circular. Popular options include the Bench Under a Large Tree – An Creagan Visitor Centre loop from Maghera, which is a 104 km moderate route, and the Lough Neagh – Mountjoy Castle loop from Knockloughrim, a 80.4 km moderate ride.
What kind of scenery can I expect on road cycling routes in Carricknakielt?
Road cycling routes in Carricknakielt offer diverse scenery, from undulating terrain and river valleys, such as along the Moyola River, to picturesque lakeside views near Lough Neagh. You can also find routes that traverse forested areas like Learmount Wood.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Carricknakielt?
The best time for road cycling in Carricknakielt is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Summer months offer the most consistent conditions, though spring and autumn provide beautiful seasonal colors.
Are there road cycling routes that offer scenic viewpoints in Carricknakielt?
Many routes in Carricknakielt offer scenic vistas, particularly those that hug the shores of Lough Neagh. The View of Lough Neagh – Lough Neagh loop from Maghera is specifically designed to showcase these lakeside views over its 59.5 km length.
Can I find cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the road cycling routes?
While specific cafes are not listed for individual routes, many towns and villages along the routes, such as Maghera, Knockloughrim, and Moyola, offer local amenities where you can find refreshments. Planning your route with these stops in mind is recommended.
What are the typical distances and durations for road cycling routes in Carricknakielt?
Routes vary significantly in length and duration. Easy routes can be as short as 16 km, taking around 40 minutes. Moderate routes often range from 50 km to 80 km, requiring 2.5 to 4 hours. Difficult routes can exceed 100 km and take over 4.5 hours, depending on your pace and elevation gain.
Is public transport available to reach the starting points of road cycling routes in Carricknakielt?
Public transport options to specific trailheads in Carricknakielt can be limited, especially for more rural starting points. It's advisable to check local bus services for connections to towns like Maghera or Knockloughrim, which serve as common starting points for many routes. Many cyclists prefer to drive and park.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes in Carricknakielt?
For families, the easier and shorter routes are most suitable. The Moyola River loop from Moyola, at 16.2 km with minimal climbing, provides a relatively flat and manageable option for a family outing.
Most popular routes around Carricknakielt
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