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Bike touring routes & trails

Clough to Rowallane Garden loop

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Clough to Rowallane Garden loop

Moderate

Clough to Rowallane Garden loop

Q: How long does it typically take to complete the Clough to Rowallane Garden loop?

This touring bicycle route is approximately 48.4 kilometers (30 miles) long. Cyclists usually complete it in about 3 hours and 3 minutes, depending on their pace and stops.

Q: What is the terrain like on this cycling route?

The route is classified as moderate, featuring rolling hills with an elevation gain of about 436 meters. The surfaces are mostly paved, making it suitable for touring bikes. You'll cycle along country roads and some public roads within the beautiful Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Q: Is the Clough to Rowallane Garden loop suitable for beginners?

While the route is mostly paved, its moderate difficulty and elevation gain mean it requires a good level of fitness. Beginners with some cycling experience and a willingness to tackle rolling hills might find it enjoyable, but it's not entirely flat.

Q: What are the main points of interest along the route?

The loop offers several notable highlights. You can visit Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House , explore historical sites like Windmill Hill Tower and Annadorn Dolmen , and see the Loughinisland Church Ruins . A key highlight is Rowallane Garden , a renowned National Trust property.

Q: Can I cycle within Rowallane Garden?

Cycling is largely restricted within Rowallane Garden itself. Only balance bikes and children's bikes with a wheel size up to 14 inches are permitted on specific paths. Larger bicycles must be left at the admissions area. For more extensive cycling trails suitable for larger bikes, consider the nearby Castle Ward estate.

Q: What is the best time of year to cycle this route?

The Strangford & Lecale AONB is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most vibrant displays, especially at Rowallane Garden with its Azaleas, Penstemons, and Rhododendrons. Autumn also provides stunning scenery. Always check local weather forecasts before you go.

Q: Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the route or the Strangford & Lecale AONB?

There are no general permits or entrance fees required to cycle the public roads and country lanes that make up the loop within the Strangford & Lecale AONB. However, specific attractions like Rowallane Garden or Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House will have their own admission fees.

Q: Is the Clough to Rowallane Garden loop dog-friendly?

While the general cycling route on public roads is accessible, specific attractions along the way may have restrictions. For instance, Rowallane Garden allows assistance dogs only. It's best to check the individual policies of any specific sites you plan to visit with your dog.

Q: Where can I park to access the Clough to Rowallane Garden loop?

The loop starts and ends near Clough. While there isn't a single designated trailhead parking for the entire loop, you can often find parking in villages along the route or at specific attractions like Rowallane Garden (though parking there is for garden visitors). Always ensure you park legally and considerately.

Q: Does this route intersect with other official cycling trails?

Yes, sections of this route briefly overlap with or run very close to some smaller local trails. These include parts of the Highway to Health - Ballynahinch, Seaforde Woodland Walk, Drumaness Trail, Viewpoint Trail, Windmill Hill Trail, Harmoney Hill, Chapel Pad, Lough Park Trail, Riverside, Chapel Pad, and Pine Grove.

03:03

48.4km

440m

Cycling

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle journey with the Clough to Rowallane Garden loop, a route spanning 30.1 miles (48.4 km) and featuring a total elevation gain of 1432 feet (437 metres). You can expect to complete this ride in about 3 hours and 3 minutes, pedaling through the scenic Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As you cycle, you will encounter rolling hills and quiet country roads, offering glimpses of Strangford Lough and its rich wildlife, culminating in the vibrant flora of Rowallane Garden.

When planning your visit, be aware of specific restrictions within Rowallane Garden itself. If you are bringing children, only balance bikes and children's bikes with a wheel size up to 14 inches are permitted on certain paths. For larger bicycles, you will need to leave them at the admissions area before entering the garden. The garden is conveniently located approximately 0.75 miles from the center of Saintfield village, making it an accessible destination.

This route stands out for its blend of natural beauty and horticultural splendor, showcasing the diverse landscape of the Strangford & Lecale AONB. Rowallane Garden, a significant National Trust property, is a key highlight, celebrated for its extensive collection of Azaleas, Penstemons, and Rhododendrons. It offers a spectacular display of colors and textures, providing a unique cultural and botanical experience within the region.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.49 km

Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House

Highlight • Historical Site

The historic gardens at Seaforde are situated both within and adjacent to the old walled garden, whose structure dates from the early half of the 18th century. The hidden, micro-climate gardens boast Ireland’s oldest living maze and support a renowned collection of plants, collected from distant corners of the world thanks to the travels of keen plantsman Patrick Forde. The gardens also include an arboretum containing champion trees and rare species.

The Tropical Butterfly House is the atmospheric, jungle home to a myriad species of free flying butterflies. All peacefully at home surrounded by exotic and tropical plant life.

Tip by

15.6 km

Windmill Hill Tower

Highlight • Historical Site

Windmill Hill is steeped in history. The remains of a windmill at the top of the hill are a reminder of a bygone era. Built in the late 1700s, the mill was used to grind wheat for the production of flour.

But the picturesque site has also witnessed turbulent times and holds memories of the Battle of Ballynahinch. The battle, on June 12, was part of the 1798 Irish Rebellion fought between British forces and the United Irishmen.

Tip by

25.5 km

Rowallane Garden

Highlight • Viewpoint

Rowallane Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens to visit in Northern Ireland, and is often described as a hidden gem. A mix of formal and informal garden spaces are waiting to be explored. Journey through the garden and discover the secret worlds within. Whatever the season there's always something new to see.

Tip by

41.1 km

Annadorn Dolmen

Highlight • Historical Site

The Dolmen can be found on the north east shore of Loughinisland Lake, within sight of Loughinisland Church. A slightly displaced capstone covers a rectangular chamber of which three side stones survive.

An early account suggests that this was formerly inside a large circular cairn and approached through a lintelled passage, so it may be the remains of a passage tomb. It is famous as the platform from which Thomas Russell addressed a crowd of United Irishmen in 1803, after the main 1798 rising.

Tip by

42.4 km

Loughinisland Church Ruins

Highlight • Religious Site

Extremely atmospheric graveyard with three ruined churches standing in the large graveyard overlooking the lake.

The earliest recorded reference is to a parish church here in 1302, with the middle Church being the oldest, probably of the 13th century.

The MacCartans had one of their chief seats near the lake and this was probably their principal burial ground.

Tip by

48.4 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

35.0 km

7.70 km

5.09 km

594 m

118 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

29.2 km

15.1 km

2.72 km

594 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (110 m)

Lowest point (20 m)

Weather

Sunday 5 July

21°C

13°C

12 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to complete the Clough to Rowallane Garden loop?

This touring bicycle route is approximately 48.4 kilometers (30 miles) long. Cyclists usually complete it in about 3 hours and 3 minutes, depending on their pace and stops.

What is the terrain like on this cycling route?

The route is classified as moderate, featuring rolling hills with an elevation gain of about 436 meters. The surfaces are mostly paved, making it suitable for touring bikes. You'll cycle along country roads and some public roads within the beautiful Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Is the Clough to Rowallane Garden loop suitable for beginners?

While the route is mostly paved, its moderate difficulty and elevation gain mean it requires a good level of fitness. Beginners with some cycling experience and a willingness to tackle rolling hills might find it enjoyable, but it's not entirely flat.

What are the main points of interest along the route?

The loop offers several notable highlights. You can visit Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House, explore historical sites like Windmill Hill Tower and Annadorn Dolmen, and see the Loughinisland Church Ruins. A key highlight is Rowallane Garden, a renowned National Trust property.

Can I cycle within Rowallane Garden?

Cycling is largely restricted within Rowallane Garden itself. Only balance bikes and children's bikes with a wheel size up to 14 inches are permitted on specific paths. Larger bicycles must be left at the admissions area. For more extensive cycling trails suitable for larger bikes, consider the nearby Castle Ward estate.

What is the best time of year to cycle this route?

The Strangford & Lecale AONB is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most vibrant displays, especially at Rowallane Garden with its Azaleas, Penstemons, and Rhododendrons. Autumn also provides stunning scenery. Always check local weather forecasts before you go.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the route or the Strangford & Lecale AONB?

There are no general permits or entrance fees required to cycle the public roads and country lanes that make up the loop within the Strangford & Lecale AONB. However, specific attractions like Rowallane Garden or Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House will have their own admission fees.

Is the Clough to Rowallane Garden loop dog-friendly?

While the general cycling route on public roads is accessible, specific attractions along the way may have restrictions. For instance, Rowallane Garden allows assistance dogs only. It's best to check the individual policies of any specific sites you plan to visit with your dog.

Where can I park to access the Clough to Rowallane Garden loop?

The loop starts and ends near Clough. While there isn't a single designated trailhead parking for the entire loop, you can often find parking in villages along the route or at specific attractions like Rowallane Garden (though parking there is for garden visitors). Always ensure you park legally and considerately.

Does this route intersect with other official cycling trails?

Yes, sections of this route briefly overlap with or run very close to some smaller local trails. These include parts of the Highway to Health - Ballynahinch, Seaforde Woodland Walk, Drumaness Trail, Viewpoint Trail, Windmill Hill Trail, Harmoney Hill, Chapel Pad, Lough Park Trail, Riverside, Chapel Pad, and Pine Grove.

Are there places to eat or get refreshments along the way?

The route passes through or near several villages where you can find cafes, pubs, and shops for refreshments. Rowallane Garden also has a tearoom. It's always a good idea to carry some snacks and water, especially on longer rides.