The best MTB trails around Drumlough
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Mountain biking around Drumlough offers routes through diverse landscapes, including forest trails and scenic lake loops. The area features varied terrain suitable for different skill levels, with paths winding through natural environments. These routes often connect to larger forest parks and lakes, providing extensive opportunities for exploration.
Best mountain bike trails around Drumlough
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Lurgan Park lake loop from Lisburn, a 37.1 miles (59.7 km) trail that takes 3 hours 18 minutes to…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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59.7km
03:18
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
54.1km
04:02
970m
980m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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65.9km
04:33
1,040m
1,040m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful reservoir surrounded by forest including a beautiful castle
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The Perfectly kept motte and bailie is placed in a bend of the Lagan River with extensive views along the valley. It is the best preserved and most impressive example in Ulster of an Anglo-Norman motte and bailey castle.
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See if you can find your way to the peace bell in the centre of the maze. Castlewellan Peace Maze, is one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes representing the puzzle that was to become a peaceful future for Northern Ireland. To encourage a sense of common ownership, the maze was planted by people from all over Northern Ireland, plus nearly 4,000 school children. Planted in 2000
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Drumkeeragh is a beautiful coniferous woodland located in the southern region of Northern Ireland. The forest is in a mountaineous area, creating an elevated position to enjoy far-reaching views toward the Mourne Mountains, coastline & surrounding lush counyside.
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Craigavon Balancing Lakes, referred locally as 'The Lakes' are a set of man-made lakes built in the 1970s to control flooding. The route around the lakes is entirely flat and follows a mixture of paved and gravel paths close to the shoreline, which creates some wonderful water views as you jog along.
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Built by Hugh Annesley in 1884 and used by the Annesley family as a tea house. Brilliant view of the lake and forest around it, with some excellent mixed terrain trails to explore.
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A pretty lake with a lovely path for cycling / walking around. The lake is also popular with anglers.
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Similarly to a reservoir, these balancing lakes function as a water store. However, instead of storing the water for the purposes of consumption it is utilised to temporarily store flood waters. As the surrounding areas become more built up with hard surfaces, less rain excess water is stored by soil resulting in it routing quicker into the rivers. These balancing lakes help by reducing the volume of rain water reaching the rivers, which prevents flooding. And more importantly for cyclists it has the great byproduct of providing a pretty feature for MTB trails to be built around!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails around Drumlough?
The Drumlough area, particularly around Drummer Hill, offers a diverse range of terrain. You'll find everything from smooth forest paths to challenging rocky descents, often featuring 'knarly roots' and natural drops. Some trails also include newer, flowy sections and even a pump track for varied riding experiences. The area is characterized by rolling woodland hills and dense tree cover.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Drumlough?
While many trails in Drumlough offer moderate to challenging sections, including technical features and significant climbs, the area also provides options for less experienced riders. Many technical sections with natural drops often have go-arounds, allowing riders to choose their comfort level. The network includes trails suitable for various skill levels.
What are some of the longer mountain bike routes available in Drumlough?
For longer rides, you might consider routes like the Drumkeeragh Forest – Castlewellan Lake loop from Dromore Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer, which is about 40.9 miles (65.9 km) and typically takes over 4 hours. Another option is the Lurgan Park lake loop from Lisburn, a moderate 37.1 miles (59.7 km) trail.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural features to look out for while mountain biking in Drumlough?
Yes, the Drumlough area is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to find prominent rocky outcrops, dense tree cover, and scenic overlooks that provide expansive views across the surrounding valleys and forests. There's also a peaceful waterfall that adds to the scenic charm of the conservation area. In autumn, the vibrant foliage creates a stunning backdrop for your ride.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Drumlough?
The Drumlough area is enjoyable throughout the year. While autumn offers stunning vibrant foliage, the multi-use trail system is popular in spring and summer for mountain biking. In winter, some doubletrack trails are even used for fatbiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, making it a versatile destination for outdoor activities.
What other activities can I do in the Drumlough area besides mountain biking?
Beyond mountain biking, the Drumlough Conservation Area is popular for hiking and running year-round. In winter, it transforms into a hub for fatbiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The nearby Goose Pond also offers a refreshing spot for a dip after your ride or hike.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Drumlough?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Drumlough are designed as loops. For example, the Lurgan Park lake loop from Lisburn and the Castlewellan Lake loop from Ballynahinch are both popular circular routes that allow you to start and finish in the same location.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Drumlough?
The routes in Drumlough are generally well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 3.0 stars. Riders often appreciate the varied terrain, from forest trails to lake loops, and the opportunities for both moderate and more challenging rides.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trails?
The dense tree cover and natural environment of the Drumlough Conservation Area provide a habitat for various wildlife. Enthusiasts might spot deer and different bird species, especially during early mornings or quieter times on the trails.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks near the mountain bike trails in Drumlough?
Yes, there are several interesting sites nearby. You could visit the Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden, the Windmill Hill Tower, or the historic Hillsborough Castle. The Drumkeeragh Forest itself is also a significant natural landmark in the area.
Can I connect to other trail networks from Drumlough?
Yes, the Drumlough Conservation Area connects to the Greater Goose Pond Forest, which expands the opportunities for exploration and offers an even more extensive network of trails for mountain biking and other outdoor activities.
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