Families

Comber Greenway

Families, this one’s for you - a short, traffic-free and level ride along a disused railway line through East Belfast! Great efforts have been made to enhance the route, including the planting of trees, shrubs and wildflowers, and a safe crossing is in place at the Holywood Arches (where the railway line used to cross the junction on a series of arches). A traffic-free path also links to Victoria Park alongside the Connswater River. This ride represents the first phase of a planned cycle and walking route all the way from Belfast Lough to Comber. 2.5 miles. Route 93

Antrim to Randalstown

This short ride along the Loughshore Trail provides plenty of points of interest and lovely, level cycling between these two County Antrim towns. Starting at Lough Neagh, you ride out along a recently improved path towards Randalstown. Clothworthy Arts Centre, set in magnificent woodlands, is worth a visit and the viaduct in Randalstown gives a fantastic view over the town. There are plans for an additional three-mile cycle route inland along the magnificent Six Mile Water, due for completion in 2007. 4 miles. Route 94

Craigavon Lakes

Family cycling heaven is found along the shores of Craigavon Lakes! The main route is just three miles long, and there are plenty of additional tracks for you to explore the 250 acres of parkland that surround the lakes. The paths along the lake shore and through the woods are entirely traffic-free and have well maintained tarmac surfaces, so are particularly ideal for family cycling. For a break from the pedalling, you can enjoy the delights of the Tannaghmore Animal Farm and the Barn Museum. Bikes are available for hire from the highly rated Craigavon Watersports Centre. 3 miles. Routes 9 and 94

DungannonLake Park

This traffic-free route is great for a family ride with young children. Dungannon Park, on the edge of Dungannon, is a beautifully kept area with a trout-fishing lake and lots of activities, and is wonderful for exploring by bike. The path also features a signposted traffic-free link to the Linen Green, which is situated in a refurbished linen weaving mill and contains an interesting exhibition on the rich heritage of the area. Retail facilities and refreshments are also available. 2 miles. Route 95

Enniskillen to Castle Coole

This is a perfect route for a quiet potter on a bike, finishing at Castle Coole, one of the finest neo-classical houses in Ireland. Following a refreshing bike ride by wandering its landscaped grounds and sumptuous interior makes for a great day out. From Enniskillen Castle on the banks of the River Erne, you follow a cycle path around the Lakeland Forum, over a bridge and briefly onto a minor road, until the path brings you past Ardhowen Theatre and into the grounds of Castle Coole. There are plenty of refreshments and toilets at either end of the ride. 2 miles. 

Riverside Path, Omagh

This generally flat and mostly traffic-free route takes you from Omagh, a bustling market town in the foothills of the Sperrins, to Gortnagarn. The route along the banks of the Camowen River begins from the car park at Cranny Fields off the Hospital Road. You cross a small wooden bridge, joining a private road which crosses the A505 and enters the leisure centre grounds. The signed path runs alongside Grange Park, to the stunning Wishbone sculpture, created by Niall Laird. The path continues, taking you all the way out to Gortnagarn. Toilets and refreshments are available along the route. 6 miles. Route 92

LaganCanal- Moira to Aghalee

SSShhhhhhh! This flat, peaceful and predominantly traffic-free bike ride is lovely, running alongside an expanse of water known in parts as the Broadwater and the Lagan Navigation Canal. In this quiet rural setting the only sounds you’re likely to hear are the gentle lowing of cattle in the fields, birdsong escaping from the hedgerows, or the splashing of waterfowl on the canal. Many swans glide by on the waterway in summertime, not to mention mallards, grebes and tufted ducks. Take care on the last half mile or so of the ride, which uses the public road into Aghalee. 3.5 miles. Route 9

Castle Archdale

This rural route offers lovely country park and waterside scenery, and is largely traffic-free. The area features views of Lower Lough Erne and a wide variety of leisure attractions, with opportunities to combine cycling with other activities. The path runs through the grounds of Castle Archdale Country Park, and is part of the Kingfisher Trail. Remains of the Archdale manor house, which was built in 1773, now house a youth hostel, tearooms, a countryside centre and museum. Other activities and facilities in the park include boat hire, fishing, pony trekking, a campsite, nature trail, wildlife pond and rare breeds enclosure. 3 miles. Route 91

Ecos Trail

The riverside paths along the River Braid offer families a short and pleasant traffic-free route, which extends to Ballykeel Housing Estate crossing the old wooden bridge. ecos Centre is the Environmental Centre for Northern Ireland, and gives visitors a chance to explore environmental issues. It’s set in 150 acres of woodland, so you really can cycle and walk on the wild side! To extend this route you can travel to the village of Brougshane along the on-road cycle lanes - Broughshane has a worldwide reputation for its amazing floral displays. 1.5 miles. Route 97

Dundrum Coastal Path

This short, entirely traffic-free coastal route is simply breathtaking! You follow the path of the former GNR railway line, hugging the shoreline and getting close to the many wading birds which frequent Dundrum Bay. This path is due for resurfacing in 2007. Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s ship the Great Britain famously grounded here in

1846 during a transatlantic voyage. In early summer the path is a riot of colour when the yellow whin blossom is at its finest, whilst the Mourne Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop as they sweep majestically down to the sea at nearby Newcastle. 1.5 miles. Route 93

BallymoneyTown Park

Ballymoney is a fairly level, compact town and so worth developing for cycling. The Council is building a marvellous Riverside Park and has upgraded paths for shared use. To access the route start at the Railway Station. These traffic-free paths are useful for families and there is a play park en route with cycle parking. The plan is to link the path as far as the bypass and create a circular route for cyclists. Route 96 will use the park as a section of the Lower Bann Cycle Way. Route 96

Rathlin Island

Biking on Rathlin Island is a terrific way to explore this magical, wild spot. Thirty minutes by ferry from Ballycastle, the ride starts at the harbour (bikes are available for hire), and you can head off towards either the South or the West lighthouses. At Mill Bay, seals bask on the rocks near the Boathouse Visitors’ Centre, whilst the RSPB viewpoint at West Light is a tremendous, cliff hugging location from which to see puffins and other sea birds including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. Only 100 people live on the island, so you shouldn’t see much traffic. A little hilly and the surface will be improved in the future. 4.5 miles. Route 93

Foyle Valley Cycle Route

Crossing and recrossing the border with the Republic of Ireland, this ride along the valley of the River Foyle links the historic walled city of Londonderry / Derry with Strabane (pronounced ‘Stra-bann’ with the emphasis on ‘bann’), just back over the border in Northern Ireland, near the confluence of the River Mourne with the River Foyle. The ride starts with a flat 4 1/2-mile traffic-free section right alongside the River Foyle, with views across to the green hills of Corrody,

Newry To Portadown Along the Canal

The fast train between Belfast and Dublin, calling at both Portadown and Newry, makes a one way trip along this splendid canal towpath a very easy option. Cycling south to north is recommended from Newry to Portadown, for two reasons: first to make best use of the prevailing winds, and secondly because Newry railway station is at the top of a hill and it’s far easier to freewheel down from here to the canal than to climb the hill from the canal up to the station! Opened in 1742, linking Newry to Lough Neagh, the canal operated for more than 200 years and was the first summit level canal in the British Isles. By 1777 Newry was the fourth largest port in Ireland, with a flourishing trade in linen and glassware. There are frequent interpretation boards along the way with the history of the canal, now in a state of complete disuse, and benignly overgrown with trees and other vegetation. The trail is mainly traffic-free but occasionally uses minor roads running parallel with the canal so you may see the odd vehicle. The Scarva Visitor Centre is a thoroughly recommended stopping or turnaround point as it serves excellent refreshments, is filled with interesting exhibits about the canal and regularly wins prizes for its floral displays. Further north, beyond the Point of Whitecoat, the canal joins the River Bann and the trail now runs parallel with the wide watercourse on its way through Portadown towards Lough Neagh. The ride ends just beneath the Bann Bridge just a stone’s throw from the heart of Portadown.

Castlerock to Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage Site, is a splendid destination for this scenic ride along the beautiful north coast of Ireland. Created from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries.

From Coleraine the ride uses cycle lanes and segregated cycle tracks to Portstewart and Portrush with fine sea views across to the Mull of Kintyre.

From Portrush to Bushmills, home of the famous Irish whiskey, the route follows quiet lanes parallel to the busy coast road with a climb up to 300ft with wonderful views.

From Bushmills, a delightful section of railway path takes you almost to the door of the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre. NB For safety reasons (a steep hill with a blind bend and lots of pedestrians) you are NOT allowed to cycle the mile down to the Giant’s Causeway from the Visitor Centre. Please do not abuse this sensible safety precaution.

You may well choose to break this ride up into several shorter sections, with Coleraine or Portrush as good starting points, both served by railway stations.

Lagan and Lough Cycle Route

Water is the linking theme of this ride as it makes its way along the River Lagan and Lagan Navigation Canal from Lisburn into the regenerated heart of Belfast, then out along the shores of Belfast Lough towards the Loughshore Park at Jordanstown via the North Foreshore Path.

From Lisburn a long wooded river and canalside section leads past former linen mills and right into the centre of Belfast via safe crossings at the Ormeau and Albert Bridges. Along the way you’ll spot some great artworks including some weights (where you can check out your eyesight!),a flying angel and one of only two huge ceramic UK maps showing the National Cycle Network routes throughout the country.

The Belfast Hills, particularly the dramatic outline of the Cave Hill, form a fine backdrop to the second part of the ride. After the ferry terminals and the dockland area you’ll cross onto the North Foreshore Path, which will take you all the way to Hazelbank Park and Whiteabbey with the vast shimmering expanse of Belfast Lough off to your right.

The fence along the first part of this section was erected to protect the numerous wading birds from being disturbed by dogs and walkers.

Find out more about these cycle rides here!