The best cycling routes around Shankill

There are over 50 touring cycling routes around Shankill, offering a diverse range of experiences. These routes cater to various fitness levels, with 23 easy, 28 moderate, and 8 difficult options available for exploration.

Touring cyclists in Shankill can expect to traverse green meadows and gently rolling hills, providing tranquil and picturesque environments. The region features historic estates like Shankill Castle, dedicated paths such as the Newry Canal Path, and scenic countryside roads with views of wide fields and expansive skies. You'll find a rich blend of heritage and nature, including woodlands and formal gardens.

Yes, Shankill offers several easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a relaxed experience is the Craigavon Lakes – Craigavon Balancing Lakes loop from Lurgan, which is about 16.8 km long and features gentle gradients through green landscapes. Another easy route is the Craigavon Balancing Lakes – Craigavon Lakes loop from Lurgan, an 13.9 km trail with minimal elevation gain around the lakes.

Many routes offer glimpses of the region's rich history and natural beauty. You can explore areas near Shankill Castle and Gardens, with its historic estate and woodlands. Along some routes, you might encounter natural features like Craigavon Lakes or the expansive Lough Neagh. Other points of interest include the Moyallan Pillbox, a historical site, and various viewpoints such as the Directional Sign at the Confluence of the Upper Bann River and Newry Canal.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a greater challenge, Shankill offers more difficult routes. The Scarva Village – Craigavon Lakes loop from Lurgan is a demanding 65.3 km route. Another challenging option is the Scarva Village – Annagh Pillbox loop from Lurgan, also around 65.3 km, which takes you through varied terrain.

The touring cycling routes in Shankill are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 4.7 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil green landscapes, the variety of routes catering to different abilities, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable experience.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Shankill are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. For example, the Bartin's Bay – Lough Neagh Shoreline loop from Lurgan is a 50.1 km route that takes you through varied countryside and along the Lough Neagh shoreline, bringing you back to your starting point.

Yes, the Newry Canal Path is an excellent option for touring cycling. It's a well-maintained, car-free route extending for almost 25 km, offering a relaxed cycling experience through green landscapes. The path provides charming views of the surrounding area and is mostly paved, with some gravel sections adding variety.

The region's green landscapes and rolling hills are particularly inviting during spring and summer when the weather is generally milder and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Spring also brings the possibility of seeing bluebells carpet the Loughbrickland Forest area near Scarva Village, adding to the natural beauty.

Scarva Village is a welcoming spot situated between green meadows and a quiet canal, making it an ideal break point on cycling tours. Routes in this area often feature well-maintained paths past historic bridges and quaint villages, where you can find places to rest and enjoy the local atmosphere.

The touring cycling routes around Shankill feature a mix of surfaces. Many routes, especially those along dedicated paths like the Newry Canal Path, are mostly paved. Countryside roads are generally well-paved, but some routes may include gravel sections, adding variety to the ride.