Cycle NI - Your definitive guide to cycling in Northern Ireland

Sawel Cycle Route

By cycling the scenic valleys and hill passes of the Sperrins you`ll gain an appreciation of this region`s ancient geology. Travelling this route will also bring you around the highest line of hills in the Sperrins - know as the Sperrin Ridge.

County

Londonderry, Tyrone

Distance

30 miles

Nearest Town

Plumbridge village

OS Map

Sheet 13

Route Type

Hill, Mountain, Riverside

Route Shape

Circular

AONB

Sperrins

Grid Ref (Start)

H484914

Public Roads

On Public Road

Grid Ref (End)

H484914

Terrain

Tarmac road surfaces, the hill climb is approx 140 metres vertically, which is a 3km linear cycle up to Sawel Pass.

Point of Interest

Glenelly the longest and most scenic valley in the Sperrins.
Sperrin Ridge the highest hills in the Sperrins.
Barnes and Butterlope Gaps - glacial over flow channels.

Route Description

Starting at Plumbridge follow the signed route along the Landahussy Road to Barnes then along the Corramore Road for 4km crossing the valley to Cranagh. Travel east to Sperrin hamlet then cycle uphill over Sawel Pass, sitting at 320 metres. Descent to go through Park village and follow the route to Aghabrack and on for a short climb up the Butterlope Glen. Descent to Aghalane and enter Glenelly again to travel west and finish at Plumbridge.

Getting to the Start

Ulster bus services run from Belfast to Londonderry and Strabane the Sperrin Rambler goes from Belfast to Omagh via Glenelly - for timetables visit www.translink.co.uk
By car from Belfast follow the signs for the M2 motorway to Maghera and Derry on the A6. Leave the A6 near Maghera following the signs to Draperstown, from Draperstown go along the B47 to Plumbridge.