The best road cycling routes around Altinure Upper

Road cycling in Altinure Upper, nestled within the Sperrin Mountains, offers a diverse and often challenging terrain. You can expect undulating roads, steep-sided glens, and heather-clad hills. The region features both 'cracking views' and 'brutal climbs', making it suitable for cyclists looking for varied experiences. Serene river valleys and ancient woodlands also contribute to the natural beauty of the routes.

There are several road cycling routes around Altinure Upper, with komoot featuring 4 distinct routes. These range from moderate loops to difficult, long-distance rides, catering to different ability levels.

Yes, the region offers options for various skill levels. While many routes feature significant elevation gain and are rated 'difficult', such as the Draperstown, Gortin and Plumbridge loop — Sperrins, there are also 'moderate' routes like the Roadbike loop from Feeny, which provides a good balance of distance and elevation for those seeking a less strenuous ride.

The Sperrin Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, with features like ancient woodlands, glens, and heather-clad hills. You can also encounter serene river valleys and captivating waterfalls. Notable landmarks include Sawel Mountain Summit, Altnaheglish Reservoir, and Learmount Castle. The Sperrin Road and Sperrins Ridgeline also offer spectacular views.

While many routes in the Sperrin Mountains can be challenging, Gortin Glen Forest Park, at the western gateway to the Sperrins, offers a five-mile scenic forest drive that is paved and signposted. This provides a more accessible and potentially family-friendly option for road cyclists to enjoy the park's beauty, including opportunities to spot sika deer.

Yes, many of the routes in Altinure Upper are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the challenging Lough Lark – Goles Stone Row loop from Feeny Road Bus Stop and the moderate Learmount Wood loop from Claudy.

The region's natural beauty, especially when the gorse is in bloom, offers perfect countryside views. While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, generally, spring through autumn offers the most favorable weather conditions for cycling in Northern Ireland, avoiding the harsher winter months.

The road cycling routes around Altinure Upper are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Over 40 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the dramatic Sperrin Mountains, deep glens, and serene river valleys that define the experience.

The routes vary significantly in length. For instance, the Learmount Wood loop from Claudy is about 31 km (19 miles), while longer routes like the Lough Lark – Goles Stone Row loop from Feeny Road Bus Stop extend to approximately 109 km (68 miles), offering options for both shorter and longer rides.

Yes, the Sperrin Mountains are known for their challenging terrain. Routes like the Draperstown, Gortin and Plumbridge loop — Sperrins feature significant elevation gain, with over 1300 meters of climbing. The 'Park & Barnes Gap loop from Plumbridge' also takes cyclists through Barnes Gap, a 'truly breathtaking' glacial overflow with spectacular views and demanding sections.

Yes, the 'Cycle Sperrins' initiative emphasizes exploring the hidden landscape at a leisurely pace, with routes designed to showcase the cultural heritage of the area. You can integrate stops at Bronze Age archaeological sites and historical locations like the Newtownstewart Stone Bridge and the Ulster American Folk Park into your cycling itineraries.