The best road cycling routes around Askill

Road cycling around Askill, located on Achill Island, offers a diverse experience characterized by rolling hills, quiet backroads, and stunning Atlantic views. You'll find a mix of coastal scenery and inland areas, with terrain suitable for various preferences, from gentle loops to more challenging climbs. The region is renowned for its natural beauty, including sea cliffs, mountains, and picturesque loughs.

There are over 30 road cycling routes available around Askill, catering to a range of abilities. This includes 9 easy routes, 18 moderate routes, and 3 more difficult options, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.

Yes, Askill offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. An excellent option is the Scotshouse, Redhills and Belturbet loop, which is 25.3 miles (40.6 km) long and takes about 1 hour 49 minutes to complete, guiding you through pleasant rural landscapes. Another easy route is the Kilgarrow Lough – Killymackan Lough loop from Clogher, offering scenic views of several loughs over 30.1 miles (48.4 km).

For experienced and fit cyclists seeking a challenge, the broader Achill Island area, where Askill is situated, offers demanding terrain. While specific difficult routes are available, the road to Keem Bay is particularly notable for its narrowness, steep gradients, and dramatic drops, providing a thrilling ride with incredible views. The region's 3 difficult routes will test your climbing ability and endurance.

Askill's road cycling routes are rich with natural beauty. You can expect to encounter stunning coastal scenery, including soaring sea cliffs and expansive Atlantic views. Notable features in the wider Achill Island area include the iconic Keem Bay, the dramatic Cathedral Rocks, and the impressive Slievemore and Croaghaun mountains, home to Ireland's highest sea cliffs. Many routes also pass by picturesque loughs, offering serene inland vistas.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Askill are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Scotshouse, Redhills and Belturbet loop and the Lough Narye – Lough Barry loop from Cloghagaddy, which offers varied terrain over 33.5 miles (53.8 km).

The best time for road cycling in Askill is generally during the milder months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, you'll experience more favorable weather conditions for enjoying the coastal and inland routes. Early to mid-June is particularly special for seeing the vibrant Machair coastal grasslands in full bloom.

The Askill area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's stunning and varied landscapes, the quiet backroads offering incredible Atlantic views, and the diverse range of routes suitable for all abilities. The sense of adventure and natural beauty are frequently highlighted.

Yes, cycle hire is readily available on Achill Island, where Askill is located. You can find options for various types of bikes, including road bikes, electric bikes, and mountain bikes, making it convenient to explore the area even if you don't bring your own equipment.

Beyond the natural beauty, Achill Island offers fascinating historical sites. Cyclists can explore the Deserted Village at Slievemore, an evocative collection of stone cottages, or visit Kildavnet Tower, a 15th-century tower house once associated with the legendary pirate queen Granuaille. These sites provide a glimpse into the island's rich heritage.

The duration of road cycling routes around Askill varies depending on the distance and difficulty. Easy routes, like the Scotshouse, Redhills and Belturbet loop, can take around 1 hour 49 minutes. Moderate routes, such as the Clones 'Wee' Abbey – Clones Round Tower loop from Clogher, might take approximately 2 hours 24 minutes for 35.5 miles (57.1 km). Longer or more challenging routes will naturally require more time.

While specific public transport details for accessing individual route starting points in Askill might vary, Achill Island is generally accessible by bus services from larger towns in County Mayo. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes, particularly those serving the main villages on Achill, to plan your journey to the cycling areas. For detailed information, local tourism resources like achilltourism.com can be helpful.

Achill Island is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Beyond road cycling, visitors can enjoy a wide array of activities including water sports like surfing, kayaking, and coasteering, especially around the Blue Flag beaches. There are numerous walking trails, opportunities for kite flying, and fishing. The island also features the Great Western Greenway, a world-class off-road trail for cycling and walking, offering another way to explore the stunning landscapes.