Bike to the

Enjoy Northern Ireland’s best cycle routes and a wheel fun way of exercising

NORTHERN Ireland is made for cycling, with excellent options for those who enjoy road bikes and mountain biking.

For riders on the former, the scener y is stunning while a number of new trails have opened up across the country mea n i n g mou n t a i n b i ke r s never have to do an epic trek to have fun.

At a time when health and wellbeing is important to us all, Discover Northern Ireland has compiled a list of cycling trails to enjoy on your own or with your family bubble.

DERRY Garvagh Forest Trails (Approx. 1.3km to 4.7km)

There’s a cycling route for everyone here with incredible points of interest such as the Agivey River, an actual pyramid and spectacular flora and fauna.

Whether you’re out for a leisurely cycle with the whole family or are a more experienced rider that craves adventure, all routes promise captivating sights at every twist and turn.

The Green Multi-use Trail (1.3km) is a circular route which is close to the car park, catering for family cyclists and less experienced riders.

If you’re looking for a longer cycle, the Blue Trail (2.8km) is a network of routes catering for beginners and intermediate mountain bikers.

Or if you’re more experienced, check out the Red Trail (4.7km), which uses the start of the Blue Trail before peeling off to complete a loop which circumnavigates the north western end of the forest, followed by a southern return loop back to the trail head.

Gosford Family Cycle Trail (Approx. 6.4km)

Not only ideal for cyclists with basic off-road skills but a wonderful forest filled with incredible flora and fauna.

Gosford Forest Park is located just beside the town of Markethill, directly off the main

Armagh to Newry A28 route.

Combining forest roads

ANTRIM Lagan and Lough Cycle Way (Approx. 33.8km)

For the adventurous family that wants to enjoy a day of cycling with the perks of beautiful scenery, the Lagan and Lough Cycle Way is a great option.

Connecting Lisburn, Belfast and Jordanstown, this mostly traffic-free cycle and walking path passes along the waterside of the Lagan Towpath and Belfast Lough.

Suitable for all ages and abilities, the route starts at Loughshore Park in Jordanstown. As

Kids love cycling on their bikes with sections of single track, the trail was designed by Pete Laing, one of the top trail designers in the UK.

It directs you initially through an archway at the old gatehouses before heading towards the arboretum.

Once out, cross Castle Avenue, which leads to the privately-owned Gosford Castle.

On the final leg of the journey, the deer park and rare breed enclosures add some interest to your cycle, before arriving back at the car park for a well-earned rest.

you pass through Whiteabbey Village, take a moment to enjoy the stunning views of Belfast Lough and continue along North Foreshore Path to Donegal Quay.

With a backdrop of the Belfast Hills, follow the River Lagan.

You will pass several public parks including the National Trust property at Minnowburn and the historic Giant’s Ring archaeological site. As you continue through Lagan Valley Regional Park the route comes to an end at the Union Docks in Lisburn, on National Route 9.