The best cycling routes around Kilgreen Upper

Kilgreen Upper serves as an excellent base for exploring the diverse landscapes of County Tyrone. You'll find routes ranging from challenging mountain loops in the Sperrin Mountains to more relaxed riverside paths. Options include routes through extensive forest parks like Gortin Glen and Davagh Forest, as well as quiet country roads connecting charming villages.

Yes, for a more relaxed experience, the Clogher loop is an easy 19.7 km (12.2 miles) path that offers a gentle ride through the local countryside. The Strule Valley Cycle Route, with its flat, family-friendly network along the Strule and Camowen rivers, also provides a relaxed cycling option in the wider County Tyrone area.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Carleton Cycle Trail (Green) is a difficult 49.5 km (30.7 miles) route with significant elevation gain, traversing varied terrain. The Sperrin Mountains Loop (Gortin Glens) also offers steep gradients and sweeping moorland views for a demanding ride.

Yes, several routes offer circular experiences. The Clogher loop and the Lover's Retreat loop from Sixmilecross are both popular circular options. Additionally, the Ballysaggart Lough – Castle Caulfield Ruins loop from Augher provides a longer circular tour.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You might encounter the dramatic landscapes of the Sperrin Mountains, tranquil rivers like the Strule and Camowen, and serene lakes such as Gortin Glen Lakes. Boglands and moorlands, like those interpreted at An Creagán, also characterize the area. For specific points of interest, consider visiting Knockmany Cairn or exploring Knockmany Forest.

Absolutely. Beyond the natural landscapes, County Tyrone offers several historical and cultural sites. You can find views of historical structures like Aughintain Castle and Brackenridge's Folly. The wider region also boasts sites such as the Hill of The O'Neill, Harry Avery's Castle, and prehistoric Beaghmore Stone Circles, enriching your touring experience.

The best time for touring cycling in Kilgreen Upper, and County Tyrone generally, is during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During this period, the weather is typically milder, with longer daylight hours, making for more pleasant riding conditions and better visibility of the scenic landscapes.

Yes, County Tyrone features several notable forest parks. Gortin Glen Forest Park offers extensive trails and waterfalls, while Davagh Forest is known for its mountain biking trails and the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. Lough Bradan Forest also provides peaceful gravel paths suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes, offering moderate loops through coniferous woodland.

Cyclists often praise the region's varied terrain, from rolling hills and sweeping moorlands to tranquil riverside paths. The quiet country roads and the opportunity to explore areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as the Sperrin Mountains, are frequently highlighted. The mix of challenging and relaxed routes also caters to a wide range of abilities.

Many routes utilize quiet backroads that connect various towns and villages throughout County Tyrone. For instance, the Ulster Way Cycle Route sections pass through villages with rolling hills. The route from Cookstown to Pomeroy also offers gentle undulations through drumlin landscapes, providing opportunities to stop and explore local amenities.

Yes, the region is home to unique ecosystems. The Killeter Forest nature reserve, for example, comprises unspoilt raised bogs with distinctive flora. An Creagán also offers insights into the surrounding bogland, which originated from the last Ice Age. For more information on nature reserves in County Tyrone, you can visit the DAERA NI website.