4.8
(12)
150
riders
8
rides
Mountain bike trails Derryneill are located in a region characterized by diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, and coastal paths. The area offers a variety of terrain suitable for mountain biking, from flowing singletrack to more challenging routes. Riders can expect to traverse natural features such as woodlands and open areas, providing varied experiences. The region's topography includes moderate elevation changes, making it suitable for different skill levels.
Last updated: October 29, 2026
5.0
(3)
35
riders
16.0km
01:19
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride.
5.0
(1)
28
riders
31.9km
02:40
490m
490m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.

34
riders
12.0km
01:18
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
12
riders
Easy mountain bike ride.
6
riders
10.4km
01:03
290m
290m
Easy mountain bike ride.
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FACEBOOK (History of Newcastle, Co. Down, Hore's Bridge, 2026-08-15): https://www.facebook.com/HistoryofNewcastleCo.Down/photos/hores-bridge-over-the-spinkwee-river-sw-tollymore-was-built-in-1824-the-date-is-/754755631362196/ “… Hore's Bridge over the Spinkwee River, SW Tollymore, was built in 1824. …”
1
0
The stepping stones are currently fenced off. Please use the nearby bridges to cross the Shimna River.
2
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Wikipedia (Tollymore Forest Park, 2026-08-14): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tollymore_Forest_Park “... Parnell Bridge, named in recognition of Sir John Parnell who visited Tollymore in the late 18th century, was constructed in 1842. It was the last stone bridge to be built in Tollymore. …”
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Wikipedia (Tollymore Forest Park, 2026-08-14): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tollymore_Forest_Park “... The Hermitage is a small stone shelter designed by James Hamilton (2nd Earl of Clanbrassil) in the 1770s in memory to his friend the John Montagu, Marquess of Monthermer. It is built into the side of the gorge above the river and was used as a place for ladies to shelter while the men fished. There is an inscription in Greek within the Hermitage which translates as "Clanbrassil, to his very dear friend Monthermer 1770". …”
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Wikipedia (Tollymore Forest Park, 2026-08-14): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tollymore_Forest_Park “... Horn Bridge crosses a small culverted burn (stream) and is crossed by a gravel road. The burn below the bridge is covered with a board walk connected to a path. It was built c.1770 by either the 1st or 2nd Earl. ...”
1
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The park has no entry fee, you only have to pay 5 £ for parking.
1
0
Easy route no special gear required. Very scenic
0
0
In mid-April, you are greeted by a wonderful scent that comes from the flowering bushes beside the path - perhaps laurel? The fresh breeze mixes with the intense aroma that gives nature something very special. The bridge itself is surrounded by a quiet forest, which makes the crossing seem like a small oasis of relaxation. A brief moment that invites you to take a deep breath before heading back out onto the road.
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1
There are 8 mountain bike trails available around Derryneill, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars.
Yes, the Derryneill area offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. For example, the Castlewellan Lake – Bunkers Hill loop from Castlewellan is an easy 10.0-mile route that provides scenic views of Castlewellan Lake and surrounding woodlands. Another easy option is the Stepping Stones at Mourne AONB – Parnell's Bridge loop from Bryansford, which is 6.5 miles long.
The mountain bike trails around Derryneill, situated in the broader Northern Ireland region, feature diverse landscapes. You can expect a mix of forests, lakes, and coastal paths, with terrain ranging from flowing singletrack to more challenging sections. Routes often traverse woodlands and open areas, with moderate elevation changes.
Yes, the region offers family-friendly mountain bike paths. The Castlewellan Lake – Bunkers Hill loop from Castlewellan is an easy route suitable for families, offering pleasant views and a manageable distance. Many trails in the area are designed to accommodate various ability levels, including those suitable for a family outing.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Derryneill are circular. Examples include the popular Castlewellan Lake – Bunkers Hill loop from Castlewellan and the Bannanstown Road Climb – Tollymore Forest Park loop from Bryansford, both designed as loops for convenient riding.
While mountain biking near Derryneill, you can encounter several notable attractions and viewpoints. Highlights include the Slieve Croob Summit, offering panoramic views, and the scenic Tollymore Forest Park. The View of Mourne AONB – Castlewellan Lake loop from Dollys Brae Car Park specifically highlights views of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Yes, you can find trails that feature waterfalls. The Tollymore Forest Park – Donard Park Waterfall loop from Bryansford is a more challenging route that includes a waterfall. Additionally, the Shimna River Waterfall is a natural monument in the area that can be explored.
The mountain bike trails around Derryneill vary in length and duration. For instance, an easy route like the Castlewellan Lake – Bunkers Hill loop from Castlewellan is about 10.0 miles (16.1 km) and takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. A moderate trail such as the Bannanstown Road Climb – Tollymore Forest Park loop from Bryansford covers 19.9 miles (32.1 km) and typically takes around 2 hours 40 minutes.
The mountain bike trails around Derryneill are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 5 reviews. More than 100 mountain bikers have explored the area, often praising the diverse terrain, scenic forest sections, and the variety of options available for different skill levels, from easy family-friendly paths to more challenging routes.
Yes, for more experienced riders, there are difficult mountain bike routes available. The Tollymore Forest Park – Donard Park Waterfall loop from Bryansford is a challenging 25.2-mile (40.5 km) trail with significant elevation gain, offering a more demanding experience through varied terrain.
The Derryneill region, like much of Northern Ireland, offers mountain biking opportunities year-round. However, spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, and always check local weather forecasts.
Many trailheads and popular starting points for mountain bike routes in the Derryneill area, particularly those within forest parks like Castlewellan and Tollymore, typically offer designated parking facilities. For specific routes, such as the View of Mourne AONB – Castlewellan Lake loop, parking is available at locations like Dollys Brae Car Park.


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