4.9
(8)
111
riders
25
rides
Touring cycling around Ballygeegan offers routes through tranquil countryside and along the shores of Strangford Lough. The area is characterized by rolling farmland, coastal views, and distant glimpses of the Mourne Mountains to the south. Terrain varies from quiet country roads to routes with gradual climbs and descents, providing diverse options for cyclists.
Last updated: August 7, 2026
1
riders
15.5km
00:59
160m
160m
Cycle the moderate 9.6 miles (15.5 km) Strangford Lough Cycle Trail, gaining 514 feet (157 metres) with coastal views and historic sights.
15.4km
00:58
140m
140m
Enjoy an easy 9.6-mile touring cycle on the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail: Whiterock Loop, featuring coastal views and Sketrick Castle.

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24.4km
01:29
180m
180m
Cycle the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail, a moderate 15.2-mile route with 585 feet of elevation gain, offering coastal views and charming town
85.4km
05:15
710m
710m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
13
riders
22.8km
01:20
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Ballygeegan
Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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Bike parking, nice coffee and eats, friendly staff, nice view of the lough
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A very beautiful castle in the forest
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Park offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Strangford Stone - the tallest megalith in Ireland. This beautiful 200 -acre Country Park offers a great day out for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a keen walker, a nature lover or simply looking for a great day.
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This tower-house, said to have been built in 1570 by an English soldier, Captain Browne, is badly ruined but is still of considerable interest. Rectangular and fairly small in ground plan, it was entered by a door in the north-west wall which has a draw bar socket and a murder-hole. To the left of the door was a stair to the next floor. There are two ground floor rooms, the larger with a semi-circular vault built on plank centring and the smaller with a pointed vault built on paired wicker mats. The smaller room, once thought to be a secure boat bay, may be just a storeroom (compare nearby Sketrick). There were two storeys above, but the upper parts are ruined. Part of the bawn wall survives to the south-west, cut into the hill.
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Ballydorn, or 'The Dorn' as it is locally known, is a beautiful and popular mooring ground with a short-stay pontoon attached to a permanently moored lightship called The LV Petrel that is now the Down Cruising Club headquarters. The LV Petrel was commissioned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1913, and built by the Dublin Drydocks Company. This Lightship spent most of its previous working life at Blackwater Bank on the River Blackwater, Wexford. It was then sold in 1968 to Hammond Lane foundries in Dublin, before being saved to use as the cruise club HQ. The boat is registered as a national historic ship in the UK.
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There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Ballygeegan, offering diverse options for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars.
Yes, Ballygeegan offers several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop – Nendrum Monastery Ruins loop from Whiterock is an easy 14.2-mile (22.9 km) path featuring coastal scenery and historic sites. Another easy option is the Tullynakill Church Ruins loop from Balloo, which covers 14.7 miles (23.6 km).
The terrain around Ballygeegan is quite varied. You'll find quiet country roads, coastal paths along Strangford Lough, and routes with gradual climbs and descents. The wider region, including areas like the Aughrus Peninsula, offers diverse landscapes, from serene farmland to views of the Atlantic Ocean and distant glimpses of the Mourne Mountains.
Yes, for more experienced riders, there are difficult routes available. The Whiterock to Castlewellan loop — Strangford & Lecale is a challenging 53.1-mile (85.4 km) trail that leads through varied terrain and can take over 5 hours to complete.
The region is rich in scenic beauty. You'll enjoy stunning coastal views along Strangford Lough, the largest sea lough in the British Isles. From many routes, you can also catch distant views of the majestic Mourne Mountains to the south. The countryside itself is peaceful, with rolling farmland and lush hedges in spring, and vibrant woodland colors in autumn.
Several historical sites and attractions are accessible from the cycling routes. You can explore Sketrick Castle, a 12th-century landmark, or the ancient Nendrum Monastery Ruins with impressive views of Strangford Lough. The Castle Ward Tower, known as a 'Game of Thrones' filming location, is also nearby.
Yes, many routes in the Ballygeegan area are designed as loops, making them convenient for touring cyclists. The broader Strangford Lough Cycle Trail is an extensive 82-mile (136 km) circular route that encompasses many of the local paths and attractions.
Cyclists can easily find starting points around Strangford Lough with ample parking. Popular options include towns like Comber or Killyleagh, which provide direct access to the western shore routes and are well-suited for beginning your cycling adventure.
The area offers varied scenery throughout the year. Spring brings lush hedges and blooming flora, while autumn showcases vibrant woodland colors. The tranquil countryside and coastal paths are enjoyable in milder weather, making spring, summer, and early autumn ideal for touring cycling.
Yes, the region around Strangford Lough features charming harbour towns and villages where you can find cafes and pubs. Routes like the Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop – Nendrum Monastery Ruins loop specifically mention a coffee shop, indicating that refreshment stops are available in the area.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil countryside, the picturesque coastal views of Strangford Lough, and the variety of routes that cater to different skill levels, from easy family-friendly paths to more challenging long-distance loops.


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