Ballinran Upper is a region situated in County Down, Northern Ireland, offering a diverse landscape ideal for outdoor pursuits. The area benefits from its proximity to the Mourne Mountains and the scenic Carlingford Lough, providing a mix of mountainous terrain, forests, and coastal views. This varied environment supports several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, jogging, and more, making it a notable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
For those seeking things to do in…
90
Routes
4.7
(97)
Average rating
2057
People visited

4.6
(11)
41
hikers
11.9km
03:33
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(3)
22
hikers
7.94km
02:44
430m
430m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(4)
14
hikers
12.9km
04:10
540m
530m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(5)
13
hikers
3.51km
01:13
200m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
38
riders
16.7km
01:42
490m
490m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

38
riders
22.7km
02:16
590m
590m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.8
(13)
254
riders
31.1km
03:13
840m
840m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

69
riders
15.1km
01:35
450m
450m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
6
riders
28.1km
01:52
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

123
riders
23.6km
02:37
730m
740m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

58
riders
56.9km
04:08
960m
960m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
43
riders
15.8km
01:30
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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56
runners
4.00km
00:27
70m
70m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
48
runners
9.92km
01:02
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

40
runners
24.8km
03:06
710m
710m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

31
runners
17.9km
02:16
300m
300m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(3)
52
riders
40.3km
01:59
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(5)
42
riders
36.0km
01:49
430m
430m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

18
riders
39.2km
01:47
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

18
riders
53.8km
02:25
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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16
riders
25.4km
02:04
630m
630m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
riders
19.2km
01:49
480m
480m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
riders
26.8km
01:39
360m
360m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
17.6km
01:35
520m
520m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Ballinran Upper supports various outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, jogging, road cycling, and gravel biking. The region's diverse landscape, near the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough, provides varied terrain for these sports. More than 6,000 visitors have shared experiences, with an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars.
Ballinran Upper offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from forest paths to challenging mountain ascents within the Mourne Mountains. Notable areas include Kilbroney Forest Park and routes leading to peaks like Slievemartin. For detailed options, consult the Hiking around Ballinran Upper guide.
The region is a hub for mountain biking, particularly at the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails within Rostrevor Forest Park. These trails offer options from a challenging 27km (17 miles) Red Trail to a demanding 19km (12 miles) Black Trail, along with downhill routes. Information can be found in the MTB Trails around Ballinran Upper guide.
Ballinran Upper offers scenic routes for touring cyclists, including the Carlingford Lough Greenway, a 20km (12 miles) traffic-free path between Newry City and Carlingford. General cycling routes throughout County Down provide opportunities to explore the countryside. Explore options with the Cycling around Ballinran Upper guide.
Yes, Ballinran Upper provides easy hiking routes, particularly within Kilbroney Forest Park, which features riverside walks and trails suitable for various fitness levels. These paths offer gentle strolls through woodlands. For specific easy options, refer to the Easy hikes around Ballinran Upper guide.
Ballinran Upper is characterized by its dramatic landscapes where the Mourne Mountains, forests, and Carlingford Lough converge. Notable features include granite peaks, heather-clad slopes, and the glacial fjord of Carlingford Lough. Rostrevor Forest and Kilbroney Forest Park also feature extensive woodlands, rivers, and waterfalls.
Yes, Ballinran Upper offers family-friendly options, particularly within Kilbroney Forest Park. This park features numerous trails suitable for various fitness levels, including the Narnia Trail, which is inspired by C.S. Lewis. These areas provide accessible and engaging environments for families.
Komoot offers several guides for Ballinran Upper, covering various sports and difficulty levels. These include guides for Hiking, MTB Trails, Cycling, Running Trails, Easy Hikes, Road Cycling, and Gravel Biking.
Ballinran Upper supports multiple cycling disciplines. These include mountain biking on dedicated trails, touring cycling on scenic routes like the Carlingford Lough Greenway, road cycling on various routes, and gravel biking. Each type offers distinct experiences across the region's diverse terrain.
Ballinran Upper serves as a base for exploring the Mourne Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Information about the wider Mourne Mountains area, including trails and attractions, can be found through the Visit Mourne Mountains website. Local tourist information centers in nearby towns like Rostrevor or Newry may also provide details.
Yes, the numerous walking and hiking trails within the forests and mountains of Ballinran Upper are suitable for jogging and trail running. These varied terrains allow enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying their activity. Consult the Running Trails around Ballinran Upper guide for specific routes.
The Carlingford Lough Greenway is a 20km (12 miles) traffic-free path located near Ballinran Upper. It connects Newry City and Carlingford, offering scenic views of the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula. This greenway is suitable for touring cyclists and walkers.

