Loughshore Trail

It's Ireland and the UK's greatest lake and for Irish cyclists, it's become a cycling rite of passage. Thousands now saddle up every year to ride the Loughshore Trail. Using cycle paths, bog roads and quiet country lanes, this flat forty mile route may even inspire you to have a go the full distance. 

Oxford Island, on the shore line, is the ideal place to start. Standing at the waters edge you can see this massive lough stretch off beyond the horizon. The traffic free section at the park entrance guides you all the way to the Craigavon lakes, where a  purpose built mountain bike trail lets you explore all the twists and turns around the City Park. If you're in need of an extra bike or two, then the Craigavon Watersports Centre will happily rent a few out. Fantastic urban cycle lanes lead you into Portadown town centre and back out on secluded country lanes, where the odd pheasant or rabbit might be the only traffic you'll meet.

Cycle into Maghery Country Park, an idyllic open park on the water's edge. During the summer a small ferry boat travels out to Coney Island, where Saint Patrick is said to have visited.  The new footbridge over the Blackwater takes you along the bog road to Washing Bay and beyond to Brocagh. This is probably the only hilly section you'll encounter. Pedalling up toward Moortown the scale of the Lough is suddenly revealed. Freehwheel towards Ardboe where the Cross, standing almost 20 feet high, has overlooked the Lough for over 1000 years and beyond at the Battery Harbour you can watch fishermen land the local catch. Ballyronan with it's sleepy marina and sandy beach makes for a serene finish.

Craigavon Watersports Centre will hire bikes and tandems, but if you need more assistance, then contact a specialist activity provider who will give you expert advice on bike hire, accommodation and lots more.

• Iron Donkey
• Bluelough Adventure Centre 
• Clearsky Adventure Centre 
• Corralea Activity Centre 

Day 1 - International Airport (Crumlin) - Ballyronan (57 miles / 92 km)

Follow the signs for "Loughshore Trail", NCN route 94, a few hundred metres from the Airport exit. Within minutes you're between the high hedgerows with the shoreline only metres from your wheel. About 10 miles down the road pull into The Portmore Lough Nature Reserve for a glimpse of the wildlife and plant-life that abounds around the Lough. Further on, at Gawley's Gate, a small pub with a quay overlooks the expansive water toward the Sperrin Mountains. A swig from the water bottle and a quick map check and off again toward the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, 40 minutes further on. It's a purpose built centre sitting in the Oxford Island Nature Reserve with incredible views across the Lough. The Tourist Information Centre on the ground floor can book accommodation further up the trail. Take the traffic free track through Craigavon Lakes into Portadown where you cross the Bann river and turn back to the shore line. The Maghery Footbridge, 10 miles downstream, begins the journey along the western shore, passing Mountjoy Castle and Ardboe High Cross on the way to your half way break at Ballyronan.

Day 2 - Ballyronan - (International Airport) Crumlin (37 miles / 60 km)

From Ballyronan Marina you can catch a spectacular sunrise before picking up NCN 94 signs North into Toome. It's a small village at the top left hand corner and the main centre for all eel fishing on the Lough. Stay with the shoreline and call in to the ruins of 12th century Cranfield Church a few miles further on. Unbroken views allow you to retrace your journey around the Lough. Randalstown pulls you away from the shore temporarily, before the cycle lane takes you into Antrim town on the water's edge. The Antrim Town Loop is fantastic signed cycle route that will take you from the Loughshore Park, through the town's ancient woodlands and art galleries. From Antrim it's quick 40 minute cycle back to the International Airport at Crumlin.

Just dipping your toe in the cycle touring waters for the first time? Then why not contact one of the expert activity providers in the area who will give you expert advice on bike hire, accommodation and lots more.

• Iron Donkey
• Bluelough Adventure Centre
• Clearsky Adventure Centre
• Corralea Activity Centre