Route 5 - The Knockchree Route

The route is approximately 30 km (20.8 miles) long and is designed for touring bicycles. While active cycling time is around 1 hour 51 minutes, most cyclists allow 2-4 hours to complete it, including stops to enjoy the scenery and points of interest. It's a circular route, so you'll end up back where you started.

The Knockchree Route is rated as moderate and features a mix of coastal and hilly landscapes. You'll cycle on public roads, meandering through marshy floodplains and cultivated countryside. There are some uphill sections, particularly earlier in the route, followed by mostly downhill stretches later on. It's suitable for cyclists with some experience who are comfortable with varied terrain and some inclines.

The route offers diverse scenery and several notable features. You'll enjoy spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains, Knockchree Hill, Carlingford Lough, and the Irish Sea. Key points of interest include the Stone Bridge Over River in Mourne Park, Derryoge Harbour, Greencastle (with its Anglo-Norman castle ruins and Old Irish Sea Ferry Pier), Mill Bay (a wildfowl wintering area), and Hanna's Close, a charming enclave of 17th-century cottages.

Given its moderate difficulty, varied terrain with some inclines, and the fact that it's primarily on public roads, the route is generally better suited for cyclists with some experience rather than absolute beginners or very young children. While it's not overly challenging, families with younger children might find some sections demanding, especially during busy periods around caravan sites.

The route is a circular loop that typically starts and ends in Kilkeel Town Centre. Kilkeel offers amenities and is a convenient place to park. Specific parking information is not detailed, but public parking facilities would be available within the town.

As this is primarily a touring bicycle route on public roads, dogs are generally welcome if they are safely secured in a bicycle trailer or basket. If you plan to stop and explore any specific attractions or nature reserves, it's best to check their individual dog policies, especially regarding leash rules and access restrictions.

The best time to cycle the Knockchree Route is during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is generally milder, and daylight hours are longer, allowing for more comfortable cycling and better enjoyment of the scenic views. Be aware that coastal areas can be windy, and some sections may be busier during peak holiday seasons.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle Route 5 - The Knockchree Route itself, nor for general access to the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where it is located. However, if you visit specific attractions or private estates along the way, they may have their own entry fees or operating hours.

Yes, while primarily known as "Route 5 - The Knockchree Route," this trail shares sections with other official routes. Approximately 25% of it overlaps with "Route 6 - The Head Road Route" and about 20% with "Route 4 - The Cranfield / Greencastle Route." You'll also briefly encounter smaller paths like "Hanna's Close - Green Lane Walk" and "Hanna's Close Walk" near the cottages.

Yes, the route starts and ends in Kilkeel Town Centre, which offers various amenities, including refreshments and public toilets. Additionally, the village of Greencastle provides a quiet seaside stop. You'll also pass by Whitewater Brewery in Attical, which offers artisan beer and could be a good spot for a break.

The Knockchree Route is celebrated for its dramatic and diverse scenery. You'll experience spectacular mountain vistas of the Mournes and Knockchree Hill, magnificent coastal panoramas of Carlingford Lough and the Irish Sea, and serene views along the Benagh Road. The route also meanders through the marshy floodplain of the Whitewater River, passing reed marshes known as the 'Bents,' which are a nature reserve for wildfowl, and beautiful, intensively cultivated countryside.