The best cycling routes around Ballynagilly
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riders
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Touring cycling routes around Ballynagilly traverse a diverse landscape featuring winding forest tracks, serene loughs, and the gentle countryside of County Tyrone. The area provides access to natural features such as Drum Manor Forest Park, known for its mature woodlands and historical ruins. Cyclists can also explore routes near Lough Fea, offering scenic views, and the broader region includes babbling brooks and rich birdlife. The terrain offers a mix of flat sections and elevated opportunities, catering to various cycling preferences.
…Last updated: June 28, 2026
53.9km
04:03
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
20.8km
01:15
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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72.0km
04:22
540m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
For cyclists following the 'Lough Neagh Cycle Way' (National Cycle Route 94), the Maghery footbridge is an iconic resting point and an essential link. This elegant, modern bridge spans the mouth of the Upper Bann as it enters the lough.
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As you cycle through the rolling landscape of County Tyrone, the Wellbrook Beetling Mill is an absolute must for a stopover. Situated in an idyllic, wooded stream valley along the Ballinderry River, this 19th-century water mill provides a stark contrast to the tranquility of its surroundings. This is the last working 'beetling mill' in the United Kingdom. "Beetling" was the final step in traditional Irish linen production: using enormous wooden hammers (beetles), powered by a water wheel nearly five metres high, the linen was processed for hours until it acquired its characteristic sheen. When the mill is running, you can hear the rhythmic thudding from afar – an impressive sound that takes you straight back to the industrial heyday of Northern Ireland.
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High above Cookstown, at the foot of the impressive Sperrin Mountains, you will find the Beaghmore Stone Circles. This is one of Ireland's most fascinating archaeological sites. Only rediscovered in the 1940s during peat cutting, the bog revealed a complex of seven stone circles, ten stone rows, and numerous Bronze Age burial mounds. For a cyclist, the road to Beaghmore is an experience in itself. The route takes you away from the inhabited world into a vast, quiet landscape where the wind has free rein. The complex itself exudes an enormous sense of peace and is the perfect place to get off your bike and soak up the prehistoric atmosphere.
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The Maghery Footbridge on the edge of Lough Neagh offers a small moment of peace in the midst of the expansive landscape. As you cross the bridge, your gaze glides over the gentle waters of the largest lake in the British Isles. In good weather, the clouds are impressively reflected on the surface of the water, making the scene look almost like a painting. Even when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a special atmosphere that invites you to linger rather than to quickly pass by. The paths around the bridge are mostly flat, but you should be prepared for occasional sections with unpaved surfaces. This could be a bit slippery, especially in wet weather, but this is not a problem. The connection to the National Cycle Network, Route 94, also offers you many other opportunities to explore the area. A little tip: Maghery itself does not have much to offer apart from the bridge, but a short detour to the nearby Oxford Island nature reserve is definitely worth it. This means you can easily combine a visit to the bridge with a larger circular tour.
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On this stretch of the Solar Walk in Davagh Forest near the OM Observatory a pretty stone bridge spans over the Davagh water creating a picturesque scene. It's also fascinating to note that this area is a Dark Sky Park, meaning it boasts exceptional dark night skies.
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It’s disappointing that the dirt trails through the forest are for mountain bikers only. As a walker, you have to stick to the tarmac roads - also used by the mountain bikes. It felt like there is an assumption that walking is more about an afternoon stroll with the kids and the dog. The forest is for the mountain bikers.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhór), meaning ‘big place of birch trees’. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of touring cycling routes can I find around Ballynagilly?
Ballynagilly offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes, with 8 options available on komoot. These include 2 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, 4 moderate trails for those seeking a bit more challenge, and 2 difficult routes for experienced cyclists looking for significant climbs and panoramic views. The terrain varies from winding forest tracks in places like Drum Manor Forest Park to the rolling countryside of County Tyrone.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Ballynagilly?
Yes, Ballynagilly has family-friendly options. An easy route like the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, at 12.9 miles, is suitable for a pleasant outing. Additionally, the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory – Red Trail – No Running loop from Davagh Lower is another easy, shorter option. Drum Manor Forest Park, with its winding tracks and play park, also provides a great environment for family cycling.
What historical sites or landmarks can I explore while cycling in Ballynagilly?
The region is rich in history. You can cycle past the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, an early Bronze Age megalithic complex. The Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort specifically explores historical sites, including the ruins of Killymoon Castle and Tullyhogue Fort. You might also encounter the Drum Manor House Ruins within Drum Manor Forest Park.
Where can I find scenic views or natural attractions along the touring cycling routes?
For breathtaking vistas, the difficult The Sperrins loop from Cookstown offers panoramic views across the Sperrins mountain range. You can also enjoy the serene beauty of Lough Fea, which has a 4km track perfect for leisurely cycling and taking in the mountainous scenery. Drum Manor Forest Park provides beautiful mature woodlands, ponds, and gardens. The broader County Tyrone countryside is known for its babbling brooks and rich birdlife.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available in Ballynagilly?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Ballynagilly are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, The Sperrins loop from Cookstown, and Maghery loop from Cookstown, all offering convenient circular journeys.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Ballynagilly?
The County Tyrone countryside, including Ballynagilly, offers a pleasant cycling experience throughout much of the year. Spring and summer generally provide the most favorable weather conditions for touring cycling, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, especially in areas like Drum Manor Forest Park. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.
Are there any routes that pass by waterfalls or significant natural water features?
While specific named waterfalls are not detailed for the immediate routes, the broader County Tyrone countryside, where Ballynagilly is located, is characterized by 'babbling brooks' and 'splashing waterfalls' in areas like Gortin Glen. Cyclists exploring the region's natural landscapes may encounter these charming water features, contributing to a peaceful and scenic environment.
What do other touring cyclists say about cycling in Ballynagilly?
Over 125 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Ballynagilly's varied terrain. They often praise the diverse landscape, which includes winding forest tracks, serene loughs, and the gentle countryside of County Tyrone. The network of routes is appreciated for accommodating different ability levels, from easy historical tours to challenging climbs with panoramic views.
How long do the touring cycling routes around Ballynagilly typically take to complete?
The duration of routes varies depending on their length and difficulty. For example, the easy Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort (12.9 miles) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. A more challenging route like the Maghery loop from Cookstown (44.7 miles) typically requires around 4 hours 22 minutes. Shorter, easy routes like the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory – Red Trail – No Running loop from Davagh Lower can be completed in about 30 minutes.
Are there options for advanced touring cyclists seeking challenging routes?
Absolutely. For advanced touring cyclists, Ballynagilly offers routes with significant climbs and rewarding views. The difficult The Sperrins loop from Cookstown is a 33.5-mile path that features challenging ascents and panoramic vistas across the Sperrins mountain range. Another difficult option is the Maghery loop from Cookstown, a 44.7-mile trail through the broader County Tyrone countryside.
Can I bring my dog on the touring cycling routes in Ballynagilly?
While specific dog-friendly policies for each cycling route are not detailed, many natural areas in County Tyrone, such as Drum Manor Forest Park, are generally welcoming to dogs, often requiring them to be on a lead. It's always best to check local signage or specific park regulations for any route you plan to undertake with your dog to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the touring cycling routes in Ballynagilly?
The region around Ballynagilly, particularly towns like Cookstown which serve as starting points for several routes, offers local amenities including cafes and pubs. While specific establishments directly on the trails are not listed, you can expect to find places to refuel and relax in nearby villages and towns, providing a convenient stop during or after your ride.
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