The best road cycling routes around Glenlark

Road cycling in Glenlark, nestled within the Sperrin Mountains, offers a diverse terrain characterized by dramatic, glaciated valleys, rolling hills, heathlands, and forests. You'll find a network of quiet, accessible roads that traverse tranquil valleys and include varied elevations, from moderate climbs to some of the region's most challenging ascents.

There are 6 road cycling routes around Glenlark listed in this guide, offering a range of distances and difficulties. The region itself boasts hundreds of kilometers of accessible roadways perfect for cycle touring.

While many routes in Glenlark feature significant elevation gains, there are options that cater to varying ability levels. For a moderate ride, consider the Goles Stone Row loop from Glenelly, which covers 53.4 km with a manageable ascent.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Glenlark offers routes with substantial climbs. The Sperrins loop from Londonderry is a difficult 136 km path with over 1,500 meters of elevation gain, providing extensive views across the glaciated valleys. Another demanding option is the Draperstown, Gortin and Plumbridge loop — Sperrins, a 102.3 km route with over 1,300 meters of climbing.

Road cycling in Glenlark offers stunning views of the Sperrin Mountains. You can encounter natural features like the dramatic Barnes Gap, formed by glacial overflow, or catch glimpses of Lough Lark. Historic sites such as the Beaghmore Stone Circles, an early Bronze Age megalithic complex, are also within reach, offering a glimpse into ancient history.

The Sperrin Mountains, including Glenlark, are beautiful year-round, but for road cycling, late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions. During these months, you can expect milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, making for a more enjoyable experience on the quiet roads.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the region for its stunning landscapes, the tranquility of its quiet, accessible roads, and the rewarding challenge of its varied elevations and climbs through the Sperrin Mountains.

The Glenelly Valley is particularly renowned and recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 101 scenic drives in the world. Its picturesque views make it a significant natural attraction and an excellent choice for a scenic road cycling experience.

Yes, the region includes expansive forest areas. The Learmount Wood – Learmount Castle loop from Maghera is a 100 km trail that leads through forested sections and open landscapes, providing a varied and scenic ride.

Many routes in Glenlark provide panoramic views of the Sperrin Mountains. The Sperrins loop from Londonderry, for instance, offers extensive vistas across the glaciated valleys and rolling hills that define the region.

The road cycling routes around Glenlark range from moderate to difficult. Out of the 6 routes in this guide, 2 are classified as moderate and 4 as difficult, indicating that many rides involve significant elevation changes and require a good level of fitness.