Discover Northern Ireland has compiled a list of cycling trails for people to enjoy during Covid-19 restrictions and beyond.
There are over 140 km of purpose-built trails across the north - here are five epic mountain bike trails to get you started.
Davagh Forest
Located well off the beaten track in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains, this high-octane singletrack trail throws in some hair-raising rock features, like the iconic Eagle Rock and Boundary Rock for proficient bikers looking for a red trail rush. Younger or less experienced riders can spin their wheels on Davagh’s green and blue trails.
#KodakCorner Rostrevor
Whether you use Northern Ireland’s only uplift service or rely on pedal power, your rewards are the same stunning coastal views and mind-blowing singletrack descents. If downhill’s your game, both purpose-built trails knock it out of the park. A selfie at #KodakCorner on the 27km red trail is a must.
Epic Mourne views at Castlewellan
Picture yourself riding with the incredible Mourne Mountains as your backdrop. That’s what you get at Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails. More easygoing than Rostrevor, Castlewellan has trails for all abilities, so you can bring your entire gang along.
Catch some air on Ireland’s only official dirt jump park
Make Barnett Demesne Mountain Bike Trails & Jumps Park the perfect addition to your Belfast city break. You’ll find it in South Belfast and boasts Northern Ireland's only jumps park. This is more suited if you’re a rider aspiring to elite level technical ability…definitely not for the faint-hearted. If you’re not quite yet at that level, take on the family-friendly green and blue trails, or red trail for an adrenalin rush.
Impressive speed through a stately estate
You’ll find the unique Blessingbourne Trails in the grounds of this stonking 550-acre country estate in the Clogher Valley. It’s a cracking mix of wide-flowing blue trails and more technical red trails. The snaking singletrack trail has lots of features including jumps, table-tops, berms, rock-gardens and drops - as well as chicken-runs for your kids.
Five cycle routes for little legs
Davagh Forest Mountain Bike Trails, County Tyrone – 1.5 to 4.5 miles
Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails, County Down – 2.5 to 5 miles
Lagan & Lough Cycle Way County Antrim: Stranmillis to Shaw’s Bridge – 3 miles (one way)
Castle Ward Shore Trail, County Down – 1.2 miles (one way)
Castle Archdale Family Cycling Trail, County Fermanagh – 6 miles
