Our Tracks & Trails
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Now that the days are brighter & the long evenings are in full swing why not get on your bike and see some of Northern Ireland’s most scenic spots. Northern Ireland boasts some excellent bicycle tracks & trails offering a range of routes for to suit all abilities & a great way to spend your summer days! Take the whole family out, hit the road with some friends or perhaps rent a bicycle for 2, wherever you are in Northern Ireland you’ll find some great routes. Here’s a wee taster of what Northern Ireland has to offer…
The Stunning Sperrins
The Sperrins offer excellent options of 12 circular waymarked routes where you can discover a unique landscape, rich in natural and archaeological heritage and folklore. You are guaranteed to enjoy the experience as it unfolds. The Sperrins Cycle Routes each have an individual leaflet with a detailed map and other useful information to guide you. Each leaflet also highlights points of interest along the way, where you can stop to explore, have a rest or a bite to eat.
discovernorthernireland.com/Cycling-Routes-in-the-Sperrins
Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trail
Challenge yourself to an exhilarating 6km Mountain bike Trail in the beautiful grounds of the scenic Blessingbourne Estate in County Tyrone. Blessingbourne offers testing single track riding and family friendly route combinations. The Blessingbourne trails have been created by the world class Phil Saxena, course designer for the Beijing Olympics.
Choose from a selection of trails to challenge all, from family fun to the more serious mountain bike riders who wish to test and improve their skills. Warm up on the fabulous Pump Track at the head of the trail before you head off to explore this 550 acre country estate. The trail meandering through pretty woodlands, skirting the edge of private lakes and nature reserve, offering fabulous views across the lake of the majestic Victorian Manor House. The head deep into the woods again, with beautiful views over the scenic Clogher Valley. Bikes are available for hire.
blessingbourne.com/
Castle Archdale
If you fancy a leisurely cycle with the family then why not Explore the beautiful shores of Lough Erne using the Lough aside paths at Castle Archdale. These family friendly trails are a great way to enjoy the wildlife & beautiful scenery of the Fermanagh Lakelands. Castle Archdale Country Park features a 6 mile cycle route weaves through 230 acres of mature forest, picnic site, nature trails, a marina & restaurant. Bikes & pedal carts are available for hire.
www.discovernorthernireland.com/Castle-Archdale-Country-Park
Belfast Bike Tour
Take a wee bike Tour of Belfast – a fun & eco-friendly way to see all the city’s sights – some of which are only reachable by bike! Local Guides will take you through belfast’s historic sites including Queen’s University & the giant’s Ring. If you’re interested in the Titanic then try out the Titanic Bike N Boat Tour, it is the most comprehensive itinerary of the Titanic Quarter by gaining access to areas that other tours can’t. By following a route through the Cathedral quarter, the tour weaves its way through the cobbled streets, steeped in maritime history, to the River Lagan before joining the Lagan Boat Company near the iconic Big Fish. A short cruise follows the Lagan into Belfast Port giving an authentic perspective of the birthplace of Titanic taking in many historical sites including Queens Island, the SS Nomadic and HMS Caroline. Returning to dry land the tour takes in the pump house, the slipways, Titanic Drawing Offices, Titanic Belfast and Samson and Goliath Cranes.
belfastbiketours.com
Ride the Mournes
The Mounres are the perfect location for Mountain Biking, whether you are just starting out or fancy a bit of a challenge you will certainly get the full mountain biking experience here! You may recognise the trails from our ni2012 TV ad – Ride the Mournes provide a range of activities & have packages for women, families, core skills, school groups & for the dare devils out there – there is ‘The Next Level’ course – which will take you out of your comfort zone on the trail and introducing you to skills and obstacles you have have avoided in the past.
ridethemournes.com/
For more inspiration head to: discovernorthernireland.com/cycling