The best road cycling routes around Craigs

There are over 120 road cycling routes available around Craigs, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels.

The road cycling routes around Craigs cater to various abilities. You'll find a good mix, with over 90 moderate routes, around 25 easy routes, and a few more challenging options for experienced cyclists.

Yes, Craigs offers around 25 easy road cycling routes, perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes typically feature gentler terrain and shorter distances.

Road cycling around Craigs is characterized by rolling hills and agricultural land, with notable views of Lough Neagh. You'll encounter moderate ascents, such as those found on Rougery Hill and Bark Hill, providing varied challenges. Routes often follow quiet country roads, connecting small settlements and offering open vistas.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, Craigs offers several routes over 40 miles. For example, the Old Stone Gatehouse – The Boatyard Coffee Shop loop from Cullybackey is over 64 miles (103 km) long, providing a substantial challenge.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 80 reviews. Road cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the quiet country roads, and the scenic views, especially those overlooking Lough Neagh.

Many of the road cycling routes around Craigs are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular View of Lough Neagh – Toome Lock loop from Cullybackey and the Rougery Hill – Toome Lock loop from Cullybackey.

Many routes offer extensive views of Lough Neagh, which is a prominent feature of the landscape. Specific climbs like Rougery Hill and Bark Hill also provide elevated perspectives of the surrounding rolling hills and agricultural land.

While the majority of routes are moderate, Craigs does offer a few more difficult options for advanced road cyclists. These routes typically feature longer distances and more significant elevation gains, such as the climbs on Rougery Hill and Bark Hill.

The best time for road cycling in Craigs is generally from spring through autumn, when the weather is milder and more predictable. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery.

Many routes connect small settlements, which often have local shops or cafes. For example, the Old Stone Gatehouse – The Boatyard Coffee Shop loop from Cullybackey explicitly mentions a coffee shop in its name, indicating potential stops along the way.

While road cycling can be enjoyed by families, it's important to consider traffic on country roads. For families with younger children or those preferring dedicated paths, the easier, shorter routes with less elevation gain would be most suitable. Always assess the specific route's traffic and safety before setting out.