Gosford Forest Park & Seagaghan Reservoir loop from Armagh

The full loop is approximately 41 km (25.5 miles) long and typically takes around 2 hours and 47 minutes to complete on a touring bicycle, depending on your pace and stops.

This route offers a diverse experience. Within Gosford Forest Park, you'll find relatively flat forest roads and family-friendly trails, some with short sections of singletrack. The wider loop to Seagahan Reservoir includes paved roads, asphalt, and unpaved sections. While parts are easy, the overall route is considered moderate, especially if the unpaved sections are rough or technical. It's best suited for touring bikes with wider tires or gravel bikes.

The route offers varied scenery and points of interest. You'll pass the historic Tassagh Viaduct, the unique The Bull Stone Sculpture, and enjoy views of Seagahan Reservoir. Within Gosford Forest Park, you can see the impressive Gosford Castle, a red deer park, and diverse woodlands.

Gosford Forest Park offers ample car parking facilities, making it a convenient starting point for the loop. It's easily accessible from Armagh via the A28 road.

While the general route does not require specific cycling permits, Gosford Forest Park itself may have an entrance fee for vehicles. You can check the latest information on the visitarmagh.com or nidirect.gov.uk websites for current details.

Gosford Forest Park generally allows dogs, but they must be kept on a lead. For the wider loop, it's advisable to ensure your dog is comfortable with cycling alongside you and to respect local regulations, especially around the reservoir and any private land sections.

The route can be enjoyed in various seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is also good, but can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy or wet conditions on unpaved sections and shorter daylight hours.

Yes, Gosford Forest Park offers good visitor facilities, including toilets and a seasonal cafe. These are excellent spots for a break or to refuel during your ride.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the St Patrick's Way: The Pilgrim Walk, Gosford Forest Park - Family Cycle Trail, Gosford Forest Park - Red Trail, Gosford Forest Park - Blue Path, and the National Cycle Network National Route 91.

While the full loop is moderate, Gosford Forest Park itself has dedicated family-friendly cycling trails (like the 6.6 km circular route) that are relatively flat and suitable for cyclists with basic off-road skills and hybrid bikes. Families can enjoy these sections within the park, though the entire loop might be too challenging for younger children or those new to touring cycling.

The unpaved sections, particularly those around Seagahan Reservoir, can vary. If they are well-maintained gravel, a robust touring bike with wider tires might manage. However, if they are technical singletrack, muddy, or have significant roots and rocks, they could be challenging or unsuitable for traditional touring bicycles. It's highly recommended to seek out detailed route maps or GPX files to understand the precise nature of these sections before you go.