The best road cycling routes around Craigboy
4.6
(65)
2,054
riders
59
rides
Road cycling around Craigboy offers routes through the scenic Ards Peninsula, characterized by undulating roads and coastal views. The region provides varied terrain, with roads that offer glimpses of the Irish Sea from higher elevations. Cyclists can explore the diverse landscapes of County Down, including areas near Strangford Lough. This setting provides a mix of engaging gradients and picturesque vistas for road cyclists.
Best road cycling routes around Craigboy
- The most popular road cycling route is Views at Strickies –…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.5
(4)
65
riders
38.5km
01:33
190m
190m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
53
riders
87.6km
03:29
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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52
riders
53.5km
02:23
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
25
riders
41.1km
01:37
150m
150m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
20
riders
39.7km
01:36
190m
190m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Craigboy
Tips from the Community
Burr Point marks the most easterly point on the island of Ireland. The spot is marked by a coastal sculpture by artist Ned Jackson Smyth. You can rest up in the sheltered cove which has a well-kept toilet and changing facilities close by.
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Helen's Bay Beach is one of two excellent beaches found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These beautiful sandy beaches are by far the best within the Belfast area and as such are exceptionally popular and well used. Helen's Bay Beach is gently shelving and has excellent water quality making it ideal for bathing. The country park provides an excellent back drop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality walks and good facilities. There are disabled toilets and disabled parking a short distance from the beach. A path suitable for wheelchair users leads from the car park to a path running adjacent to it. Nearby Crawfordsburn Country Park has a Cafe / Restaurant, Car Parking, Picnic Sites,Toilets, and a Visitor Centre.
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Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in East Down. It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and was worked until the First World War when it fell into disrepair. It was gradually restored between 1950 and 1978 to full working order.
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Your as far east as it gets. chapeau ! rest up in the sheltered cove. Burr Point is the most easterly point on the mainland of the island of Ireland. The point is marked by a sculpture by artist Ned Jackson Smyth. Just offshore is the intriguingly named Burial Island. Local stories say the name comes from a Danish burial reputed to have taken place on the island. The name might also derive from the Irish for cormorant, na broighill, or from the pronunciation of “Burr Isle”. well kept and fully enclosed toilet & changing facilities.
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Lovely place to rest. There are tables arranged outside to the right of the Abbey. Grab some supplies from the shop just up the road in the village, and enjoy the atmosphere. The Abbey is open 24 / 7. Grey Abbey is one of the best examples of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster, and was the daughter house of Holm Cultram (Cumbria). It was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster. The remains, in the beautiful parkland setting of the nearby grand house of Rosemount, consist of the church with cloister and surrounding buildings to the south.
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A small visitor centre is located inside the Millers house with a Cafe onsite open to the public. Disabled access is not possible within the windmill. This is a group of traditional buildings on a sloping site with changes of level. Wheelchair users can gain access to the exhibition but may find this difficult. Some parts of the complex are inaccessible for wheelchairs. Please note: Online booking is essential. A limited number of tickets may be available on the day however cannot be guaranteed. Tours of the windmill can now be booked on the official Ballycopeland Windmill website https://www.ballycopelandwindmill.com .
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Craigboy?
Road cycling around Craigboy primarily features undulating roads and coastal paths, offering views of the Irish Sea and areas near Strangford Lough. The terrain provides a mix of engaging gradients and picturesque vistas across the Ards Peninsula.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Craigboy?
Yes, Craigboy offers a good selection of routes for beginners. There are approximately 30 easy routes available. An excellent option for those starting out is the Views at Strickies – Ballycopeland Windmill loop from Donaghadee, which is an easy 23.1-mile (37.3 km) trail.
What are the options for more experienced road cyclists in Craigboy?
For more experienced cyclists looking for a longer ride, Craigboy offers around 29 moderate routes. A popular choice is the Ballywalter Beach – Grey Abbey Ruins loop from Donaghadee, a moderate 54.4-mile (87.6 km) path that explores the coastline and historic sites.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in Craigboy?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Craigboy are designed as loops. For example, the Ballycopeland Windmill – Helen's Bay Beach loop from Millisle is a 33.4-mile (53.7 km) circular route that takes you through coastal areas and past a notable landmark.
What landmarks or points of interest can I see along the road cycling routes?
Cyclists can enjoy several historical and scenic landmarks. Routes often pass by the historic Ballycopeland Windmill, the impressive Donaghadee Lighthouse, and the atmospheric Grey Abbey Ruins. You might also catch views of Groomsport Beach.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Craigboy?
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable conditions for road cycling in Craigboy, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the coastal nature of the region means conditions can change, so it's always wise to check the forecast.
Are there any road cycling routes that offer particularly good viewpoints?
Many routes along the Ards Peninsula provide excellent coastal views. The Ballywalter Beach – View of Donaghadee Parade loop from Donaghadee is one such route that offers scenic vistas, including views of Donaghadee Parade.
How do other road cyclists rate the routes in Craigboy?
The road cycling routes in Craigboy are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, coastal scenery, and the mix of easy and moderate options available.
Are there any hidden gem road cycling routes in Craigboy that are less well-known?
While many routes offer unique charm, the Donaghadee Lighthouse – Bailie Lane loop from Donaghadee is a local favorite that provides a pleasant ride through coastal and rural landscapes, perhaps offering a quieter experience away from the more frequented paths.
What are the typical distances and elevations for road cycling routes in Craigboy?
Routes in Craigboy vary in length and elevation gain. Easy routes, like the Views at Strickies loop, cover about 23 miles with around 180 meters of elevation. Moderate routes, such as the Ballywalter Beach loop, can extend to over 54 miles with approximately 350-400 meters of elevation, reflecting the undulating nature of the Ards Peninsula.
Is public transport an option for accessing road cycling routes in Craigboy?
Public transport options in the Ards Peninsula can be limited, especially for carrying bicycles. It's advisable to check local bus services (Translink) for specific routes and their bicycle policies if you plan to use public transport to reach your starting point.
Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in Craigboy?
Many of the road cycling routes around Craigboy start from towns like Donaghadee or Millisle, where public parking facilities are generally available. It's recommended to check local council websites or parking apps for specific car park locations and any associated fees before your ride.
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