4.5
(18)
822
riders
90
rides
Road cycling routes around Moneyscalp are situated near the Mourne Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland. The region features a mix of rugged, rocky peaks and rolling, meadow-covered slopes, offering varied terrain for road cyclists. Routes often include climbs through forested areas like Tollymore Forest Park and sections with views of the wider mountainous landscape. The area provides a diverse cycling experience with both challenging ascents and flatter stretches.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
34
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
29
riders
87.7km
03:51
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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26
riders
67.4km
02:58
660m
660m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
17
riders
74.0km
03:12
690m
690m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
49.1km
02:32
850m
850m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Nice little cafe in the village of Scarva right alongside the Newry canal towpath, great for brekkie, lunch or just topping up the hydration.
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Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva
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A great little cafe set in the bike shop, with great coffee and a nice variety of sweet goodies.
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This forest of around five hectares consists of a mixture of scrubland, Douglas fir and spruce. The well-maintained paths lead you through dense forest and offer striking views of the surrounding countryside, including the villages of Attical and Slieemageogh. However, some sections are slippery in wet weather, so care must be taken. A particular highlight is the proximity to Banns Road, a historic path that takes you further into the Mourne Mountains.
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When you cycle and explore Tollymore Forest Park, you'll find a diverse mix of nature and history. The trails are well maintained and lead through dense forests, along the Shimna River and past historic structures such as the Hermitage and the iconic bridges. However, some sections are quite steep and can be slippery when wet, so caution is advised. Signage could be clearer in places, making orientation difficult. Nevertheless, the park offers a rewarding experience for cyclists who appreciate both scenic beauty and cultural highlights.
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The small town of Scarva, nestled between green meadows and the quiet canal, offers a welcome break on my bike tour through Northern Ireland. Here you cycle on well-maintained paths past historic bridges and small villages that give you the feeling that time has stood still. The British flags fluttering along the side of the road remind you that you are in a culturally special area - a detail that reflects the identity of the region. The route is easy to cycle, the surrounding landscape is gently rolling, which makes for pleasant cycling. The view of wide fields and rolling hills invites you to slow down now and then and take in the peace and quiet. A special feature of Scarva is the annual Orange Order March, which transforms the village into a kind of open-air stage once a year and keeps the traditions of this region alive.
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Lovely Crocknafeola wood covers an area of around five acres and is a mixture of scrubland, Douglas fir and spruce. There are a number of trails throughout the wood, which have amazing views towards the village of Attical and Slievemageogh. The woods are certainly worth an explore, you are rewarded with perfect views across the landscape for relatively little effort.
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Forest paths along the Shimna river marked by many curiosities, both natural and artificial. Rocky outcrops, bridges, grottos and caves. Elsewhere in the park the tree lover can find exotic trees such as monkey puzzle and eucalyptus, or admire the tall giant redwoods and Monterey pines. Oak wood from Tollymore was the preferred material for the interiors of the White Star liners including the 'Titanic' which was built in Belfast.
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There are over 100 road cycling routes around Moneyscalp, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes extensively, with over 800 road cyclists using them.
The road cycling routes in Moneyscalp cater to various fitness levels. You'll find a mix of routes, with about 10 easy options, 72 moderate routes, and 22 more challenging routes, many featuring significant climbs through the Mourne Mountains.
Yes, road cycling routes around Moneyscalp offer numerous scenic viewpoints and landmarks. You can expect views of the dramatic Mourne Mountains, the impressive Mourne Wall, and iconic passes like Hare's Gap. Some routes also pass through forested areas like Tollymore Forest Park, known for its unique features.
While many routes in Moneyscalp feature elevation gain due to the mountainous terrain, there are around 10 easy road cycling routes available. These routes typically have less elevation and are suitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed ride.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Moneyscalp are designed as loops. For example, the Climb by Rostrevor Forest – Spelga Reservoir Hill Climb loop from Castlewellan is a popular circular route that offers both climbs and scenic views.
Road cycling in Moneyscalp features diverse terrain. You'll encounter routes with rugged, rocky peaks and rolling, meadow-covered slopes, particularly in the Mourne Mountains. There are also sections through forested areas like Tollymore Forest Park and some routes include coastal stretches, providing a varied and engaging cycling experience.
The region's weather can be variable, but generally, late spring, summer, and early autumn offer the most favorable conditions for road cycling in Moneyscalp. During these months, you're more likely to experience milder temperatures and less precipitation, making the climbs and scenic views more enjoyable.
Absolutely. Moneyscalp, being a gateway to the Mourne Mountains, offers several challenging road cycling climbs. Routes like the Spelga Reservoir Hill Climb – Trassey Road loop from Castlewellan feature significant elevation gain, providing a rewarding challenge for experienced cyclists.
The road cycling routes in Moneyscalp are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic landscapes, the varied terrain, and the mix of challenging ascents and scenic roads that make for a diverse cycling experience.
Yes, some routes pass near villages or towns where you can find refreshments. For instance, the Scarva Village – The Yard Café loop from Castlewellan specifically mentions a café, indicating that stops are available on certain routes. It's always a good idea to check the route details for specific amenities.
Yes, some road cycling routes around Moneyscalp incorporate coastal sections. The Warrenpoint Shore Road – Climb by Rostrevor Forest loop from Castlewellan is a great example, combining scenic coastal stretches along Warrenpoint Shore Road with climbs through forested landscapes.
Definitely. The Moneyscalp area is rich in attractions. After your ride, you could explore Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak, or visit Tollymore Forest Park, known for its gothic curiosities and arboretum. The Mourne Mountains themselves offer stunning natural beauty.


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