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Mountain biking around Bannbrook Upper offers routes through a landscape characterized by coastal features, including beaches and historical sites. The region features varied terrain, from coastal paths to areas with notable elevation changes. This area provides opportunities to explore the coastline and surrounding countryside by mountain bike.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
51.6km
04:02
900m
900m
Challenging 32.1-mile mountain bike loop from Coleraine to Mussenden Temple, offering panoramic views and 2946 feet of elevation gain.
36.0km
02:19
340m
340m
This moderate 22.4-mile mountain biking route along the Causeway Coast offers diverse terrain, coastal views, and iconic landmarks like the

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1
riders
47.5km
03:27
780m
780m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
69.5km
04:58
910m
910m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Mountsandel Fort is a prehistoric fort dating to the Mesolithic period that was reused in the Irish Middle Ages (10th to 11th centuries). Located in Coleraine, County Derry, the fort consists of a huge grassy mound hollowed out in the middle, overlooking the River Bann. A must-see for lovers of mysterious monuments!
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In a very nice little square, with benches and many shops in the pedestrian area.
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This statue is located right next to the parking area and is easily accessible. The statue represents this sea god from Irish mythology overlooking the channel toward Greencastle, and from here, you can observe the beautiful countryside that surrounds you.
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Manannan Mac Lir is mythical Irish sea god, said to be a warrior and king of the otherworld. The statue of this king is situated on a hill in the Binevenagh AONB, overlooking the channel toward Greencastle, providing some absoloutely breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside. After your energy-consuming journey up this hill you'll definitely need a rest, so take a seat and take it all in before heading back to your starting point.
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Admission is free. There is no car traffic there. Only one bus runs from the parking lot to the destination at regular intervals. However, if you are fit, you should of course walk and explore the Giant's Causeway. Be it a quiet walk or an extended hike ππ
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Fun bridge to cross the Bush river. You may have to get off and walk across the bridge at busy times but it's worth it.
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Great view of the Mussenden Temple. Make the most of it whilst you can, erosion is eating into the cliff meaning the temple will eventually fall into the sea.
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There are over 4 mountain bike trails in the Bannbrook Upper area, offering a variety of experiences through coastal landscapes and historical sites.
While there are no trails specifically rated as 'easy', some of the moderate routes can be suitable for riders with a basic level of fitness. The Causeway Coast Cycle Route is a moderate 22.4-mile path that offers scenic views without extreme technical difficulty.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the area offers difficult routes with significant elevation changes. Consider the Mussenden Temple loop from Coleraine, a 32.1-mile trail with nearly 900 meters of elevation gain, or the Mountsandel Fort β Downhill Beach loop from Coleraine, which is a longer 42.7-mile difficult route.
Mountain biking around Bannbrook Upper is characterized by stunning coastal views, including beaches and historical landmarks. You'll encounter varied terrain, from coastal paths to areas with notable elevation changes, offering opportunities to explore the coastline and surrounding countryside.
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Mussenden Temple loop from Coleraine and the Castlerock Beach β Mussenden Temple loop from Castlerock.
The trails often pass by significant historical sites. You can ride past the iconic Mussenden Temple, explore the Downhill House Ruins, or discover the Downhill Demesne Dovecote and Ice House. Many routes offer views of these landmarks.
The coastal nature of Bannbrook Upper means conditions can vary. While mountain biking is possible year-round, spring and summer generally offer more stable weather and longer daylight hours, making them ideal for exploring the trails. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
While specific crowd levels can vary, exploring routes that start from less central locations or are slightly longer might offer a more tranquil experience. The Mountsandel Fort β Downhill Beach loop from Coleraine is a longer, difficult route that might see fewer riders compared to shorter, more popular options.
Yes, given the coastal setting, many routes offer spectacular viewpoints. The Causeway Coast Cycle Route, for instance, provides continuous sea views. You can also find scenic spots like East Strand Beach and the West Strand Promenade along some of the trails.
The duration of rides varies significantly based on the trail's length and difficulty. Moderate routes like the Causeway Coast Cycle Route typically take around 2 hours 18 minutes, while more difficult and longer trails such as the Mussenden Temple loop from Coleraine can take over 4 hours.
The region offers a diverse network of trails beyond those highlighted. You can explore other coastal paths or venture slightly inland for different terrain. Komoot provides a wide selection of routes, allowing you to find trails that match your preferred distance and difficulty.


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