2.7212447390362984 miles
Loop
Loughshore Trail
The Loughshore Trail is a unique cycleway, not only because of its location but because it uses quiet country lanes and consists of mainly flat terrain. As well as providing breathtaking views the trail also incorporates over 30 major sites of interest including marinas, nature reserves, parks and sites of archaeological interest.
TRAIL INFORMATION
When cycling the Loughshore Trail it is advisable to purchase the route map from www.sustrans.org.uk.
The route can be completed in one day or over a few days starting at various points around the Lough. A four day trip is suggested below.
Day One
Ballyronan Marina to Maghery Country Park (23 miles)
This part of the route follows minor country roads which passes numerous attractions. Some of which are Kinturk Cultural Centre, Coyles Cottage, Ardboe Cross and Abbey, Mountjoy Castle, Coney Islands and Washingbay Wetlands.
Day Two
Maghery Country Park to Kinnego Marina (32 miles)
This route does not follow along the Lough all the way, it verves off further away from the Lough passing through the town of Portadown, crosses the River Bann and back up again towards the Lough heading to Kinnego. Along the way you can stop off at Craigavon Wateresports Centre, Tannaghmore Gardens Farm and Museum, Oxford Island and Lough Neagh Discovery Centre.
Day Three
Kinnego Marina to Antrim Loughshore Park and Reas wood (33 miles).
Most of this route travels along side the Lough up towards Antrim through the towns of Glenavy and Crumlin. It passes Gawleys Gate Inn, Portmore Lough and Nature Reserve, Rams Island and Greenmount College.
Day Four
Antrim Loughshore Park and Reas Wood to Ballyronan Marina (25 miles)
This route runs very close to the Lough between the towns of Randalstown and Toome, where it also passes attractions such as Antrim Castle, Randalstown Castle, Cranfield Church, Portglenone Forest and Marina.
TRAIL INFORMATION
When cycling the Loughshore Trail it is advisable to purchase the route map from www.sustrans.org.uk.
The route can be completed in one day or over a few days starting at various points around the Lough. A four day trip is suggested below.
Day One
Ballyronan Marina to Maghery Country Park (23 miles)
This part of the route follows minor country roads which passes numerous attractions. Some of which are Kinturk Cultural Centre, Coyles Cottage, Ardboe Cross and Abbey, Mountjoy Castle, Coney Islands and Washingbay Wetlands.
Day Two
Maghery Country Park to Kinnego Marina (32 miles)
This route does not follow along the Lough all the way, it verves off further away from the Lough passing through the town of Portadown, crosses the River Bann and back up again towards the Lough heading to Kinnego. Along the way you can stop off at Craigavon Wateresports Centre, Tannaghmore Gardens Farm and Museum, Oxford Island and Lough Neagh Discovery Centre.
Day Three
Kinnego Marina to Antrim Loughshore Park and Reas wood (33 miles).
Most of this route travels along side the Lough up towards Antrim through the towns of Glenavy and Crumlin. It passes Gawleys Gate Inn, Portmore Lough and Nature Reserve, Rams Island and Greenmount College.
Day Four
Antrim Loughshore Park and Reas Wood to Ballyronan Marina (25 miles)
This route runs very close to the Lough between the towns of Randalstown and Toome, where it also passes attractions such as Antrim Castle, Randalstown Castle, Cranfield Church, Portglenone Forest and Marina.
GETTING TO THE START
The Loughshore Trail Cycle Route is known as Route 94 of the NCN (National Cycle Network). The trail is also linked to other main network routes in Northern Ireland. The route can be accessed from Belfast International Airport, which makes it easy to start cycling the minute you arrive. Car parking and good quality accommodation is available in close proximity to the airport. If traveling by car the International Airport is well signposted of the main M1 and M2 motorways.
- Facilities Toilet facilites are accessible at various locations around Lough Neagh (Ballyronan Marina, Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Kinnego Marina, Antrim Loughshore Park) Car parking is also available at all the mentioned locations.
- Getting to the Start The Loughshore Trail Cycle Route is known as Route 94 of the NCN (National Cycle Network). The trail is also linked to other main network routes in Northern Ireland. The route can be accessed from Belfast International Airport, which makes it easy to start cycling the minute you arrive. Car parking and good quality accommodation is available in close proximity to the airport. If traveling by car the International Airport is well signposted of the main M1 and M2 motorways.
- Traffic Information Cyclists will encounter traffic on main country roads as well as some farming vehicles. The route also passes through some towns and villages where cyclists can expect to encounter large volumes of traffic.
- Bike Hire Providers Craigavon Watersports Centre 1 Lake Road Craigavon www.getactiveabc.com Email: golfskiwatersports@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk Phone: 028 3834 2669 http://www.getactiveabc.com
- Accessible Facilities This route is mainly flat and follows country roads. Bike hire is available on route from Criagavon Watersports Centre. Cyclists can expect to encounter footbridges and gravel off paths at Cot Lane.
