Clough to Rowallane Garden loop

This touring bicycle route is approximately 48.4 kilometers (30 miles) long. Cyclists usually complete it in about 3 hours and 3 minutes, depending on their pace and stops.

The route is classified as moderate, featuring rolling hills with an elevation gain of about 436 meters. The surfaces are mostly paved, making it suitable for touring bikes. You'll cycle along country roads and some public roads within the beautiful Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

While the route is mostly paved, its moderate difficulty and elevation gain mean it requires a good level of fitness. Beginners with some cycling experience and a willingness to tackle rolling hills might find it enjoyable, but it's not entirely flat.

The loop offers several notable highlights. You can visit Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House, explore historical sites like Windmill Hill Tower and Annadorn Dolmen, and see the Loughinisland Church Ruins. A key highlight is Rowallane Garden, a renowned National Trust property.

Cycling is largely restricted within Rowallane Garden itself. Only balance bikes and children's bikes with a wheel size up to 14 inches are permitted on specific paths. Larger bicycles must be left at the admissions area. For more extensive cycling trails suitable for larger bikes, consider the nearby Castle Ward estate.

The Strangford & Lecale AONB is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most vibrant displays, especially at Rowallane Garden with its Azaleas, Penstemons, and Rhododendrons. Autumn also provides stunning scenery. Always check local weather forecasts before you go.

There are no general permits or entrance fees required to cycle the public roads and country lanes that make up the loop within the Strangford & Lecale AONB. However, specific attractions like Rowallane Garden or Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House will have their own admission fees.

While the general cycling route on public roads is accessible, specific attractions along the way may have restrictions. For instance, Rowallane Garden allows assistance dogs only. It's best to check the individual policies of any specific sites you plan to visit with your dog.

The loop starts and ends near Clough. While there isn't a single designated trailhead parking for the entire loop, you can often find parking in villages along the route or at specific attractions like Rowallane Garden (though parking there is for garden visitors). Always ensure you park legally and considerately.

Yes, sections of this route briefly overlap with or run very close to some smaller local trails. These include parts of the Highway to Health - Ballynahinch, Seaforde Woodland Walk, Drumaness Trail, Viewpoint Trail, Windmill Hill Trail, Harmoney Hill, Chapel Pad, Lough Park Trail, Riverside, Chapel Pad, and Pine Grove.

The route passes through or near several villages where you can find cafes, pubs, and shops for refreshments. Rowallane Garden also has a tearoom. It's always a good idea to carry some snacks and water, especially on longer rides.