The best cycling routes around Lough Brickland

There are over 30 touring cycling routes around Lough Brickland, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy loops to more challenging rides.

The terrain around Lough Brickland is quite varied. You'll encounter rolling drumlin countryside, flat and smooth canal towpaths, and scenic stretches alongside Loughbrickland Lake. Routes often pass through woodlands, parkland, and open farmland, providing a diverse cycling experience.

Yes, Lough Brickland offers several routes suitable for beginners or families. There are 2 easy routes available, often featuring flat canal towpaths which are traffic-free and provide a relaxed environment. These are ideal for a leisurely ride.

Lough Brickland is rich in history. You can discover two scheduled historic monuments along the routes, as well as remnants of a World War II army base. Notable historical features include the Loughbrickland Crannóg, a Bronze Age man-made island visible from the A1 road, and the Loughbrickland Ringfort in Coolnacran, an early Christian high-status fort. You might also spot 'The Three Sisters of Greenan', ancient standing stones southwest of Loughbrickland.

Yes, many routes around Lough Brickland are designed as loops. For example, the Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Loughbrickland is a moderate 39.9 km route offering views of the lake and varied terrain. Another option is the Scarva Village – Scarva Village loop from Banbridge, a 24.1 km moderate path passing through the charming Scarva Village.

The touring cycling routes in Lough Brickland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which combines rolling drumlin countryside with flat canal towpaths, and the scenic views of Loughbrickland Lake. The well-maintained paths and historical points of interest also contribute to a positive experience.

Yes, several routes pass through or near villages and towns where you can find refreshments. Scarva Village, for instance, is an award-winning village known for its tearooms and is a popular stop on routes like the Newry Canal Path – Scarva Village loop from Banbridge. Refreshments are also available in nearby Banbridge and Loughbrickland.

For those seeking a more challenging ride, there are 11 difficult routes available. An example is the Banbridge to Windy Gap loop — Mourne, which covers nearly 50 km and features significant elevation gain, providing a demanding experience for experienced touring cyclists.

Yes, the Newry Canal Path is a prominent feature in the area, offering nearly 25 km of smooth, well-maintained, and traffic-free surface. Routes like the Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Loughbrickland incorporate this scenic path, providing charming glimpses of the surrounding area and a relaxed cycling experience.

Absolutely. Loughbrickland Lake is a prominent natural feature, and many touring cycling routes are designed to take in its scenic views. The Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Loughbrickland is one such route that offers stunning vistas of the lake as you cycle.

While cycling is enjoyable year-round, spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Lough Brickland, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the diverse landscapes, including woodlands and canal paths, can be beautiful in autumn with changing foliage.

While specific parking details for every route start point are not listed, Loughbrickland Park offers picnic facilities, suggesting potential parking. Additionally, nearby towns like Banbridge and Scarva, which serve as start/end points for several routes, typically have public parking available for visitors.