7 family-friendly cycling routes to try in Northern Ireland
On Yer Bike! A mixture of cycle and mountain bike trails for all ages
Explore miles of traffic-free routes by bike across Northern Ireland.
Here are seven nice and easy cycle routes for beginners, perfect for a Sunday spin with the little ones or for taking in the scenery.
Enjoy 👇
Divis Ridge Trail
The circular Divis Ridge trail is located in the Belfast Hills and offers spectacular skyline views over Belfast. Other views from the viewpoint include the Mourne Mountains, Scotland and the Isle of Man. From the car park at the Long Barn, follow the trail towards the Divis transmitter masts. Five mile loop. Facilities available; free car park, toilets, coffee barn.
Claudy Country Park
The park is sign-posted on the Cumber Road, just outside the village of Claudy. The route follows the trails through the stunning grounds of Cumber House. A good firm surface stretches for a mile along rivers and through woodland. Start at Ballynameen Bridge with the view over the Faughan river to the churches of St Patrick. Two mile cycle. Facilities available; car park, toilets.
Castle Ward Shore Trial
Starting in the Shore Car Park, this wide and flat trail follows the shore of Strangford Lough from the farm yard to Audley's Quay. This wide flat linear trail is suitable for all abilities. As it is 'multi-use', as well as other cyclists, expect horses and walkers and a range of other users. One mile cycle. Parking is available within Castle Ward Demesne. Facilities available; toilets, tea rooms, bike shop, bike hire, specialist equipment hire including tandems, tag-a-longs, trikes, wheelchairs and mobility scooters and a wheelchair tandem.
Barnett Demesne's Blue Trail
If you fancy something different, Barnett Demesne's Blue Trail is the perfect trail for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers. The trails offer exciting purpose-built jumps and start from the Mary Peters Track in South Belfast. Two mile loop. Facilities available; free car park, toilets, showers.
Lagan Towpath
The Lagan Towpath follows along the river and canal system through a variety of wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodland from Belfast to Lisburn. The towpath can be accessed from Lockview Road, Stranmillis. Three mile cycle. Facilities available; free car park, toilets, café at Lock Keepers Cottage.
Castlewellan Green Trail
One of Northern Ireland's most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views and flowing single track; all just minutes from the lively village of Castlewellan.
Castlewellan Forest Park boasts all of this and more. With green, blue and red grade trails (including black options) Castlewellan is a must-visit for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities. This wide trail is ideal for young families and/or those giving mountain biking a go for the very first time.
Craigavon Lakes Mountain Bike Trail
This trail meanders through broadleaf woodlands, wildflower meadows and along the lake shoreline. The trail utilities the landscape contours and the natural habitat around the park to create a challenging and also scenic riding experience.
The trail is suitable for all cyclists with basic off-road riding skills. There are no steep inclines but the trail is narrow in places where the route becomes more challenging .Some sections may include obstacles such as roots and rocks with some sharp turns. Six mile cycle. Facilities available; car park, toilets are available at the Watersports Centre.
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