The best cycling routes around Ballydavey
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2,042
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Touring cycling around Ballydavey offers a diverse landscape, characterized by coastal paths, lough views, and areas of woodland. The region features gentle rolling terrain with some moderate ascents, providing varied cycling experiences. Riders can expect routes that traverse the scenic North Down and Ards Peninsula, offering expansive views of the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough. The area's geography makes it suitable for exploring both natural beauty and local points of interest by bike.
Best touring cycling routes around Ballydavey
- The…
Last updated: August 13, 2026
3.0
(1)
5
riders
44.1km
02:43
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
61.3km
04:01
430m
430m
Cycle the moderate 38.1-mile North Down and Ards Peninsula Loop, offering coastal views and historical sites around Strangford Lough.
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1
riders
16.6km
01:07
170m
160m
Touring cycling the 10.3-mile Cairn Wood to Helen's Bay loop offers varied terrain, from forest trails to coastal views across Belfast Lough
24.7km
01:52
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
33.6km
02:16
410m
410m
This moderate 20.9-mile touring cycling route from Seahill to Scrabo Tower offers scenic views of Strangford Lough and woodlands.
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Tips from the Community
Carrowdore Castle Gate is one of the original 19th-century entrance lodges to the Carrowdore Castle estate in County Down. Built in a Gothic style, it features a castellated parapet and turret-like details that echo the look of the main house. Today it stands as one of the most distinctive remnants of the castle complex, marking the historic gateway to the estate.
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There is a special calmness to the airport road - hardly any traffic, the asphalt smooth under the tires. Trees and green areas line the path on the left and right, giving the route a calming atmosphere, despite the proximity to the hustle and bustle of the airport. A pleasant, fast roll here - perfect for the last leg of the day or a quick boost of energy.
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The route runs along Strangford Lough and offers impressive views of the water and the surrounding landscape. The colourful rows of houses along the esplanade are particularly attractive and give the place a special charm. The route is suitable for different types of bikes.
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Decent climb to the top of Scrabo Hill. If you fancy a challenge keep on going to the tower, enjoying the interest of locals and tourists alike as you cycle on past. Your reward is stunning views overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down. Sunsets pretty special too. - The tower, which was built in 1857, is one of Northern Ireland’s best known landmarks and the views from the top are spectacular. Inside the tower you can see an exhibition and short video detailing its history. There are plenty of paths through the fine beech woodlands of Killynether Wood and around the disused quarries allowing visitors many opportunities to enjoy the quiet and peaceful countryside.
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Plenty of room, and amazingly very little traffic most evenings. Get out to Holywood for a bit of sea air, or connect to the Connswater Greenway cycle path via Victoria Park. Great training road, and if you happen to catch a sunset you are in for a real treat.
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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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From Donaghadee visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Irish Sea, where on a clear day you can see all the way to Scotland, only 20 miles away by sea. It was the province’s principle port before Belfast developed. The Harbour was built in 1820's to the design of John Rennie and is part built of limestone from Wales known as "Anglesea marble". On the harbour is Donaghadee's impressive lighthouse, which was built in 1836 and was the first lighthouse in Ireland to be lit by electricity. Sit and rest in the harbour with a bag of chips from Rainy's on the High Street ( on the hill as you roll in to town from Millisle ) Best fryers in the town. Perfect recovery after a long cycle, Irelands oldest Pub - Grace Neills, is only around the corner.
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A real gem of a coastal route considering just how close it is to Belfast. You can ride on through past the logistics base ( its just vehicles that cant ), and on to Holywood. At the beginning of the Coastal route, just after the Airport Road entrance there are wetlands, popular with migrating birds, and an inlet to the left where you will find the best collection of intact seashells I have seen. Perfect spot for a sunset too. And the row of different coloured Houses on the Esplanade are a real charm. You can continue on to Bangor via the North Down coastal path. That route is perhaps more suited to a Bike with at least 8 Gears, and Tyres no smaller than 25s. I have completed it on a Track Bike, but it was a bit of a bone shaker.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical difficulty levels for touring bike routes in Ballydavey?
Ballydavey offers a range of touring cycling routes suitable for various skill levels. You'll find
44 easy routes, 90 moderate routes, and 38 difficult routes.
Many routes, like the Holywood to Islandhill loop — Strangford & Lecale, are classified as moderate, featuring gentle rolling terrain with some moderate ascents.What kind of scenery can I expect on touring bike routes around Ballydavey?
The touring cycling routes around Ballydavey are characterized by diverse scenery, including coastal paths, expansive views of Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea, and areas of woodland. Routes often traverse the scenic North Down and Ards Peninsula, offering a mix of natural beauty and open countryside.
Are there any family-friendly touring bike routes in Ballydavey?
While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always explicit, Ballydavey has 44 easy touring bike routes that are generally suitable for families. These routes typically feature less challenging terrain and shorter distances, making them ideal for a leisurely ride with children.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while cycling in Ballydavey?
While cycling in the broader Ballydavey area, you might encounter several interesting landmarks. These include the historic Albert Memorial Clock, the iconic Big Fish (Salmon of Knowledge), and the Beacon of Hope Sculpture. For those interested in history, the Titanic Belfast is also within reach.
Are there circular touring bike routes available in Ballydavey?
Yes, Ballydavey offers several excellent circular touring bike routes. A popular option is the North Down and Ards Peninsula Loop, which provides extensive coastal cycling. Another great choice is the Cairn Wood to Helen's Bay loop, taking you through woodlands and coastal areas.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Ballydavey?
The best time for touring cycling in Ballydavey is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is typically milder, with longer daylight hours, making for more pleasant cycling conditions along the coastal paths and through the woodlands.
How long do touring bike routes in Ballydavey typically take to complete?
The duration of touring bike routes in Ballydavey varies significantly depending on the distance and your pace. For example, the Scrabo Tower loop from Seahill is a moderate 20.9-mile (33.6 km) route that typically takes around 2 hours 16 minutes, while shorter routes like the Cairn Wood to Helen's Bay loop (10.3 miles / 16.6 km) can be completed in about 1 hour 7 minutes.
Are there any routes that offer views of lakes or water bodies?
Absolutely. Many routes in Ballydavey offer stunning views of water bodies. The Holywood to Islandhill loop — Strangford & Lecale provides scenic views of Strangford Lough. Additionally, you might pass by Victoria Park Lake, offering a tranquil waterside experience.
What do other touring cyclists say about their experience in Ballydavey?
The touring cycling experience in Ballydavey is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 140 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, including coastal paths and lough views, and appreciate the variety of routes available for different skill levels.
Can I find routes that combine coastal and woodland cycling?
Yes, Ballydavey is known for its routes that blend coastal and woodland environments. The Cairn Wood to Helen's Bay loop is a prime example, leading you through both scenic woodlands and along the coast, offering a varied and engaging ride.
Are there any longer touring bike routes for experienced cyclists?
For more experienced cyclists looking for a longer challenge, the North Down and Ards Peninsula Loop is an excellent choice. This moderate 38.1-mile (61.3 km) path offers extensive coastal cycling and showcases open countryside, providing a substantial ride for those seeking more distance.
Is public transport an option for accessing touring bike trails in Ballydavey?
While specific public transport connections to every trailhead are not detailed in the route data, the Ballydavey region is generally accessible. It's advisable to check local bus or train services for connections to towns or starting points near your chosen touring bike route, especially for routes originating from places like Holywood or Helen's Bay.
Where can I find parking for touring bike trails in Ballydavey?
Parking availability for touring bike trails in Ballydavey can vary by trailhead. Many popular starting points, especially in towns or near significant attractions, often have designated parking areas. For specific routes, it's recommended to check the individual route details on komoot or local signage upon arrival for the most accurate parking information.
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