The best cycling routes around Longford Municipal District

There are nearly 20 touring cycling routes mapped in Longford Municipal District on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 5 easy routes, 13 moderate routes, and 1 challenging route.

Yes, Longford Municipal District offers several easy, flat routes, particularly along the Royal Canal Greenway. A great option is the Keenagh to Cloondara and back route, which follows the tranquil Greenway for 19.4 miles (31.2 km) and connects charming villages. Another easy choice is the South Longford Cycle Route A3.

For beautiful views of Lough Ree and its islands, consider the Lanesborough to Newtowncashel loop. This moderate 23.2-mile (37.3 km) path offers picturesque vistas and opportunities to see places like Barley Harbour and Rathcline Castle.

Yes, many routes in Longford Municipal District are designed as loops. For example, the Royal Canal Greenway – Saint Mel's Cathedral loop from Longford is a moderate 21.4-mile (34.4 km) route that combines the Greenway with historical landmarks. Another option is the Ballinamuck, Newtown forbes and Longford loop from Ballinalee, a longer moderate ride.

Longford Municipal District's routes often pass by significant historical sites. The Royal Canal Greenway – Saint Mel's Cathedral loop from Longford takes you past the impressive St. Mel's Cathedral. You can also explore the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, which preserves an ancient wooden road, along routes that traverse the boglands, such as sections of the South Longford Cycling Route A2.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil Royal Canal Greenway for its flat, level paths and the scenic views of Lough Ree. The blend of natural beauty and historical sites also makes for a rewarding cycling experience.

Yes, touring cycling in Longford Municipal District offers diverse scenery, including boglands and forests. Routes like the South Longford Cycling Route A2 pass by the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, located in a bogland area. Additionally, areas like Newcastle Woods, along the Royal Canal, and Longford Forest provide opportunities to cycle through woodlands.

Many cycling routes in Longford Municipal District pass through charming villages such as Abbeyshrule, Kilashee, and Cloondara. These villages often offer welcoming pubs and cafes where you can stop for refreshments and a break during your ride.

While cycling is possible year-round, the spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Longford Municipal District. These seasons provide milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring the Greenways and scenic loops.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with more significant climbs. The North Longford Cycle Route N1, for instance, includes Corn Hill, which features a steep incline for about 5 kilometers and rewards riders with spectacular views from the top.

Longford Town serves as a central hub with public transport connections. From there, you can often access various cycling routes, including those that incorporate the Royal Canal Greenway. Cloondara, where the Royal Canal meets the River Shannon, is also highlighted as an ideal spot to begin or end an adventure along the Royal Canal Way, and may have public transport links.

The Royal Canal Greenway is a significant feature of touring cycling in Longford Municipal District. Many routes utilize sections of this level towpath. Besides the Keenagh to Cloondara and back route, you can also explore the Royal Canal Greenway – Royal Canal Greenway loop from Longford, which offers a longer experience along this scenic waterway.