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 |
| Nearest Town | Plumbridge village |
| Distance | 30 miles miles |
| OS Map | Sheet 13 |
| Route Type | Hill, Mountain, Riverside |
| Route Shape | Circular |
| Public Roads | On Public Road |
| AONB | Sperrins |
| Grid Ref (Start) | H484914 |
| Grid Ref (End) | H484914 |
Tarmac road surfaces, the hill climb is approx 140 metres vertically, which is a 3km linear cycle up to Sawel Pass.
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.
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.
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.
Quiet upland roads with little traffic.
Shops and public toilets available in the 3 villages en route.
This route has accessible toilet facilities.
Entire route has tarmac surfaces, a steep incline brings the route to Sawel Pass.
The Sawel Cycle Route
Strabane Tourist Information Centre and Sustrans
www.sustransshop.co.uk/products/5069-ncn-the-sperrins-region
www.strabanedc.com
This information is provided by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, The Stableyard, Barnett's Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5PB.
Tel: 028 9030 3930
Fax: 028 9062 6248
info@cycleni.com
www.outdoorrecreationni.com
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information. We cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to our attention, the information will be amended accordingly.