The best cycling routes around Cavan

Cavan, known as 'The Lakeland County,' features a distinctive drumlin countryside with rolling hills and numerous lakes. You'll find a mix of peaceful forest paths, quiet rural roads, and lakeside trails. The terrain offers both gentle gradients and more challenging ascents through its glacial formations, providing diverse experiences for cyclists.

Yes, Cavan offers several options for easier rides. The Sacred Heart Church, Omagh – Omagh loop from Omagh is an easy 8.7-mile (14.0 km) route that winds through the characteristic drumlin countryside. Additionally, the Killykeen Forest Park Family Cycle Trail is a popular 10.1-mile (16.3 km) trail perfect for families, offering peaceful forest paths and lakeside loops.

For those seeking a greater challenge, the Camowen River Weir – Sacred Heart Church, Omagh loop from Dromore is a difficult 45.9-mile (73.8 km) trail leading through varied terrain and drumlin hills. The Lake Gowna Loop also offers a challenging circular route for road cyclists looking to immerse themselves in Cavan's undulating drumlin landscape.

Cavan is rich in natural beauty. Many routes wind along the shores of its 365 lakes, including Lough Oughter, Lough Gowna, and Lough Ramor. You can also explore expansive forest parks like Killykeen Forest Park, Dún na Rí Forest Park, and Castle Lake Forest. In the north-western area, the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark offers rugged scenery and glacial features, including the Cavan Burren Park with its ancient tombs and limestone pavement. Don't miss the beautiful Tullydermot Waterfalls in north Cavan.

Yes, many of Cavan's touring cycling routes are designed as loops. For example, the Fivemiletown loop from Fintona is a moderate 22.4-mile (36.1 km) path offering views of the region's lakes and forest landscapes. The Lake Gowna Loop is another challenging circular option, and the Killykeen Forest Park Family Cycle Trail is also a loop.

Yes, if you need to rent a bike, the Cavan Adventure Centre, located near Cavan Town, provides bikes for hire. They also offer a range of other land and water-based activities.

While cycling, you might encounter historical points of interest within Deerpark Forest Park. A significant landmark is Clough Oughter Castle, a 13th-century castle situated on an island in Lough Oughter. While not directly accessible by bike, it's a popular attraction that can be reached by boat or kayak, adding an adventurous element to your visit.

Cavan is developing its cycling infrastructure. The Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway is a developing traffic-free greenway that links from County Meath into Cavan's southern lakelands, offering gentle terrain and scenic waterways. Killykeen Forest Park also features peaceful forest paths that are often traffic-free.

The Kingfisher Cycle Trail is a long-distance route that does wind through sections of Cavan's rural borderlands. It utilizes quiet roads, showcasing the county's lakes, drumlins, and connecting to various historic sites, offering a comprehensive touring experience.

Touring cyclists often praise Cavan for its distinctive drumlin countryside, abundant lakes, and extensive forest parks. The region offers a network of routes suitable for different ability levels, from easy family rides to more challenging excursions, all set within a beautiful natural landscape.

Absolutely. Cavan's numerous lakes offer opportunities for water-based activities like kayaking and fishing, which can be integrated into your cycling tour. Many forest parks also provide walking trails, allowing you to combine cycling with leisurely strolls. The Cavan Adventure Centre offers a range of land and water-based activities alongside bike hire.