Cycle Routes by VisitMourne

Banbridge Visitor Information Centre The Old Town Hall 1 Scarva Street, Banbridge BT32 3DA T: 028 4062 0232 www.banbridge.com

For more information on the new Rostrevor and Castlewellan mountain bike trails visit www.mountainbikeni.com Shrouded in magic and majesty, the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion are without a doubt the most picturesque in Ireland. Both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these compact range of dizzying peaks, rolling valleys, tranquil forests and golden coastline are ready and waiting to be discovered, enjoyed, experienced and never forgotten. hotels where you can watch the world go by at your leisure.

Cardiff

London

visitmournemountains.co.uk Mourne Foods Cycle Trail This trail offers a self-guided tour by bicycle, with gentle cycling either downhill or on flat ground (electric bikes are available too, so there are definitely no excuses!) Stop off with local producers, hear their stories and get the chance to buy directly from the farmer a truly memorable experience. 028 4372 3933 Newcastle Bike Hire Hire hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, kids bikes, tandem bikes and electric e-bikes. FREE drop off and pick up delivery service. 028 4372 3933 Bike Hire If you don’t have access to a bicycle you can always hire one. Here are a few places across the region where you can get your wheels. Quinn Cycles, Kilkeel, 028 4176 2654 McCumiskey Cycles, Newry, 028 3088 8593 A26

from Belfast 9 A4

A24

Easy Route Mostly gentle, mainly on the flat.

Moderate Route Varied with some steep sections.

A29

6 A2

The Cranfield/Greencastle Route

0 A5

A27

A26

The Spa

B25

A25

4 A2

Downpatrick Loughbrickland

Slieve Croob

Katesbridge A5 0

A2 8

Seaforde Clough

Dundrum Castlewellan

B25

A25

34 B1

A2 A25

Kilcoo

8 B1

25 B2

Mayobridge

Newry

Hilltown

Bryansford

Tyrella

Dundrum Bay

Mourne Mountains

A 29

Warrenpoint

Omeath

Annalong

B27

Rostrevor

Forkhill

A37

Rathfriland

B1 33

A 29

Bessbrook Camlough

Newtownhamilton

A25

Belleek

Meigh

Mullaghbane

B113

Creggan

B30

Crossmaglen

B25

Ballymartin A2

Killowen Carlingford Lough

M1 North from Dublin

Start & Finish

Saintfield

A24

Ballynahinch

Crossgar

A50

Dromara

Banbridge Scarva

Mourne Coastal Route Mourne Scenic Loops St Patrick’s Trail Patrick’s Way - Pilgrim Walk The Mourne Way Newry Canal Way Ring of Gullion Way

Kilkeel

Carlingford

Dundalk

The Head Road Route

A route with a visit to Greencastle, taking in nature reserves and a historic house.

The Poet’s Trail

A spectacular cycle trail beneath the High Mournes, with views across a countryside of patchwork fields and stonewalls to the Irish Sea.

Begin at Lower Square in Kilkeel. Head wild fowl wintering area. Your route west out of the Square onto Greencastle turns right onto Corcreaghan Road, Street. After about 3.2km (2 miles) the crossing the Whitewater River again road divides. Take the right fork and and up Chesney’s Brea to the Ballyardle proceed to a T-junction, turn right. At the crossroads. At the crossroads, note the next junction turn left, through the marshy old watering trough in the stable yard flood plain of the Whitewater River. wall of ‘Packolet’, the former home of General Francis Rawdon Chesney, the You come to a staggered crossroads, discoverer and surveyor of the route of turn left, then immediately right the Suez Canal. towards Greencastle, where there is a notable Anglo-Norman castle, the Turn left onto Ballyardle Road and then, ruins of the old Norman Church and at the fork, turn right onto the Belmont magnificent views of Mill Bay, the Road. At the end of the Belmont Road Eastern Mournes and Carlingford Lough. turn left onto Newry Road and then turn right onto Drumcro Road, where you can Return back to Greencastle crossroads and visit The Giant’s Grave, a Neolithic court turn left to cross Whitewater River. The grave at the back of Massforth Chapel’s reed marshes on your left are a nature graveyard. At the end of Drumcro Road reserve for wild fowl. there is a junction, turn right onto Mountain Road (the Burial Banks are on the right) and return to the start.

Newcastle

Ring of Cullyhanna Gullion B1

Start & Finish

Strenuous Route Longer routes containing steep ascents. A7

Hillsborough

A2 7

M1 A3

Craigavon B2

Dromore

Gilford 1 A5

A51

Lisburn M1 South Stewart Cycles, Warrenpoint, 028 4177 3565 Lurgan

Portadown A3

Armagh

Tandragee

A2 8

General Information Always cycle on the left in Northern Ireland and do not cycle on pavements. Cycling helmets are not compulsory, the choice is yours whether you wear one or not. Remember wearing a helmet will reduce the risk of head injury. If you cycle at night your bicycle must have a rear reflector and your back light must be working. Remember always wear sensible clothing and footwear and for long forays into the countryside cyclists should take provisions for their trips including water and some food. Remember insurance. Each route has been carefully crafted with directional arrows set out on the route map and all routes can be completed in either direction. M1

1 B1 10

Markethill

A21 A2

A 28

Kilkeel Visitor Information Centre Nautilus Centre Rooney Road, Kilkeel BT34 4AG T: 028 4176 2525 www.visitkilkeel.com

Dublin Belfast 3

visitmournemountains.co.uk

@visitmourne

Newcastle Visitor Information Centre 10-14 Central Promenade Newcastle BT33 0AA T: 028 4372 2222 www.downdc.gov.uk

Edinburgh

visitmournemountains.co.uk A29

The information in this guide is correct at the time of print and every care has been taken to ensure accuracy. However, Down District Council, Newry & Mourne District Council and Banbridge District Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes which may occur. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this guide, or in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of any company, individual or firm mentioned, or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded. ©2013.

CYCLE ROUTES Kilbroney Park

visitmournemountains.co.uk

visitmournemountains From the mountains to the coast, the reefs to the woodlands, the Mourne and Gullion region is easily accessible and accommodates both a relaxed pace or a full-on adrenalin rush, combined with clean air and stunning scenery. And, after a long day in the saddle, enjoy all the amenities of the great indoors, as a warm welcome awaits within the region’s many fine pubs, restaurants, spa facilities, villages and However you choose to experience it, the Mourne and Gullion region offers a host of activities and attractions for families, couples, groups of friends and visitors of any age, who want to get away from it all, explore unspoilt landscapes and enjoy a real sense of well-being.

Email info@visitmournemountains.co.uk Newry Visitor Information Centre Bagenal’s Castle Castle Street, Newry BT34 2BY T: 028 3031 3170 www.visitnewryandmourne.com

The stunning Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion region in the south east of Northern Ireland is a veritable open-air playground, providing coastal drives and hill walking to rock climbing, nature rambles, photography and canoeing to horse riding, bird watching, fishing and world class golf. Topping the list of must do activities in the area, though, has got to be cycling, whether at hi-octane speed on brand new world class mountain bike trails at Rostrevor or Castlewellan, seaside rides or cross country.

For further information on general touring, accommodation, short breaks and activity breaks please contact one of the following Visitor Information Offices or visit our website.

Mourne & Gullion Cycling 9 MAGNIFICENT CYCLING ROUTES THROUGH THE REGION

Essentials Distance 19.3km (12 miles) Grade Easy Advice A gentle cycle mainly on the flat. Points of Interest Cranfield Beach, Greencastle Castle, Carlingford Bay, The Giants Grave, The Burial Banks.

Begin at the Lower Square in Kilkeel. Continue until you reach a car park, Head east over the bridge hill onto then turn right onto Old Town Road and Newcastle Street. The ancient ruined continue to the crossroads. Turn right church on your right gives the town its onto Longstone Road. After half a mile name Kilkeel (Church of the Narrow Place). you will see the Standing Stone on your right. When you reach a T-junction, turn left onto Ballyveaghmore Road and follow this road until you come to another T-junction, then turn right onto Ballyveaghbeg Road and then left onto Mission Road. Take the first road on your left, Brackenagh Quarter Road. After half a mile turn left onto Mill Road and then right onto Aughnahoory Road. Hanna’s Close, a small enclave of 17th century cottages, is about 2km (1.25 miles) along this road down a lane on the right. Continue north on Aughnahoory Road until you come to a T-junction, then turn right onto Leitrim Road. Follow this road until you come to another T-junction. Turn right onto Head Road and continue to the Silent Valley. You can park your bike at the entrance and walk into the valley. Leaving Silent Valley turn left. Continue along Head Road with its panoramic views of the mountains and sea.

Further along the route you come to Mill Bay, an important migratory

After a mile turn left onto Anthony’s Road. At the T-junction turn right onto Council Road, almost immediately, at another T-junction, turn left onto Carrigenagh Road, taking take you back to the outskirts of Kilkeel. At the next T-junction turn right onto Newcastle Road, taking you back to the start.

Essentials Distance 25.7km (16 miles) Grade Moderate Advice Moderate, with some ascent. Points of Interest Hanna’s Close, Silent Valley, Longstone.

A route through the outstandingly beautiful Ring of Gullion, following the life and times of the poets of South Armagh. Start at Ti Chulainn Cultural Activity Centre in Mullaghbane. Begin by leaving the centre to the right, at the end of the road turn left and left again onto Mill Road. Follow waymarkers past the birth place of the poet Art Bennett (Info Board 2) and the last working flax mill in the area. You can take the opportunity to follow the signs to the right as you proceed up Mill Road and visit Ballykeel Dolmen, a well-preserved Neolithic monument over 5,000 years old, known locally as ‘The Hag’s Chair’. Return to Mill Road and at the junction go straight across B30 Crossmaglen - Newry Road onto Mullaghan’s Road. Continue, turning left to Cowans Road which is part of the Old Road structure dating back 500 years. Follow road to the

junction with the B30 at Mullach Ban Folk Museum, go straight across the B30 to the end of the Old Road, turning left along Tullymacrieve Road. Continue until Ballinaseck Bridge (Info Board 3). Turn right at the Bridge onto Ballinaseck Road. At the junction continue left to Cashel Road, left onto Cnoc an Damhsa Road and continue to junction with Cranny Road, turning left at next junction. From Cranny Road turn right onto Lough Road, passing Ring of Gullion Trekking Centre, turning left at the junction with Glendesha Road (Info Board 4). Continue to junction with Upper Road, turn left and left immediately onto Forkhill Road. Proceed into Mullaghbane turning right at sign for Ti Chulainn back to the start.

Essentials Distance 12.8km (8 miles) Grade Easy Advice Mainly minor country roads with moderately steep hills - a small section of Cowans Road, a disused country lane, may get muddy. Points of Interest Ti Chulainn Cultural Activity Centre, Cloverhill Golf Course, Ballykeel Dolmen.

visitmournemountains.co.uk

Finish

Start & Finish

Newry Canal Towpath From the 19th century Newry Town Hall along 32.2km (20 miles) of canal towpath, past historical landmarks and modern art pieces.

The route begins at Newry Town Hall, designed by William Batt and constructed in 1893. The style of the building is broadly classical and its most unusual feature is that it is constructed on a three-arched bridge astride the Clanrye River, which is the county boundary between Armagh and Down.

Newry Canal operated for more than 200 years and provided employment and generated wealth for the many towns and villages nearby. The Canal was the first summit level canal in the British Isles and has 14 locks between its entrance at Carlingford Lough and Lough Neagh. Dotted along the entire length of the route are historical landmarks, notably around Steenson’s Bridge. This particularly scenic stretch has a plethora of wildlife. Art pieces can be seen along the route including some Millennium Mileposts and a series of specially commissioned pieces which reflect the former work and nature of the Newry Canal.

Essentials Distance 32.2km (20 miles) Grade Moderate Points of Interest Steenson’s Bridge, Gamble’s Bridge, specially commissioned art pieces, Acton Interpretive Centre, Scarva Visitor Centre, Money Penny’s Lock.

Turn right onto Old Road and then left onto Bannanstown Road which joins Drumbuck Road. At T-junction, turn right and continue up Mill Hill into Castlewellan. Follow the A25 through Castlewellan and continue past the second roundabout in the direction of Rathfriland. Turn right onto Altnadue Road and follow until reaching a T-junction. Slievenalargy

Forests, villages and a nineteenth-century man-made lough.

Pass through lovely countryside with dramatic views of the Mourne Mountains.

An interesting circular route between the villages of Rostrevor and Hilltown, with dramatic views of Rostrevor, the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough.

At crossroads turn left onto Tullyree Road towards Kilcoo. At the village turn right onto Dublin Road and immediately left onto Ballymoney Road. At T-junction turn right onto Letalion Road and then take next right, passing Lough Island Reavy Reservoir on your right. At the end of reservoir turn left onto Largy Road, continue to end of the road and turn left. Continue straight ahead at crossroads onto Ballymagreehan Road.

At next T-junction turn right. At top of hill turn left onto Leitrim Road. Ahead are views of Slieve Croob and the village of Leitrim. Continue towards Leitrim, which you can visit, or follow route right onto Ballymaginty Road. At next T-junction turn right onto Clarkhill Road, then right again onto Old Road. The top of the hill affords spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay with town of Newcastle in the distance. At the end of this road turn left and then right onto Drumbuck Road. The route continues alongside Castlewellan Forest Park. At end of the road turn right onto Dublin Road. Continue into Castlewellan or follow route left onto Station Road, then turn right and continue towards Newcastle. At next crossroads continue across onto Corrigs Road, passing entrance to Maghera Church and Round Tower on your left. Continue to where it joins the A50. Turn left and return to Newcastle.

Start & Finish

Essentials Distance 40km (25 miles) Grade Strenuous Advice A long cycle with steep sections. Points of Interest Newcastle, Tollymore, Lough Island Reavy Reservoir, Leitrim, Castlewellan, Maghera Church and Round Tower.

Begin at Lower Square in Kilkeel. Head west onto Greencastle Street. When the road divides take the right fork and proceed to T-junction, turn right. At the next junction turn left, through the marshy flood plain of Whitewater River.

Continue until reaching T-junction, then turn left. The Whitewater Brewery, whose artisan beer comes highly recommended, is immediately on your left. Further up this road, cross the Whitewater River again. Carry on to Attical village and at the chapel turn left onto Attical Road. At the On reaching a staggered crossroads, end of this road turn right onto Moyadd turn left, then immediately right towards Road and then left onto Head Road, with Greencastle, where there is a notable more panoramic views of the mountains Anglo-Norman castle; the ruins of the old and the sea. After a mile turn onto Leitrim Norman Church and magnificent views Road. After 1.2km (0.75 miles) you of Mill Bay, the Eastern Mournes and cross straight over a crossroads but Carlingford Lough. Return to crossroads within 50.3m (55yd) you will turn left and turn left to cross Whitewater River. onto Aughnaloopy Road. This road takes Further along the route you come to you downhill to the Ballinran crossroads Mill Bay, an important migratory wild where you go straight across again. fowl wintering area. Follow Benagh Hanna’s Close, a small enclave of 17th Road along the shore. Your route turns century cottages, is signposted to your right onto Millbay Road but you could left. If you visit, return to the road and turn also continue straight to Tamlaght left down Aughnahoory Road, taking you Graveyard. If you visited Tamlaght, back into Kilkeel and at T-junction turn left return to Millbay Road, then turn left. onto Mill Road. Down the hill to another Continue to T-junction and turn left T-junction, turn right onto Newcastle Street, onto Newry Road, then right onto passing the ancient ruined church on your Glenloughan Road. This road has right which gives the town its name - Kilkeel wonderful views of the mountains (Church of the Narrow Place). This takes ahead and of Knockchree on your right. you back to the lower square.

Start in Rostrevor at the junction of Mary Street and Greenpark Road, follow Kilbroney Road uphill through the village, past the chapel on your right, to the junction with Newtown Road.

Essentials Distance 29km (18 miles)

Turn right onto Newtown Road, continuing uphill through pleasant countryside between Kilbroney River and Rostrevor Forest.

Grade Strenuous Advice Steep ascent Points of Interest Cranfield Beach, Greencastle Castle, Millbay, Tamlaght Graveyard, Hanna’s Close, Church of the Narrow Place.

Take a breather at the Yellow Water picnic area, then from here cycle uphill through the forest on the main road. The road now passes through open moorland. At the next junction, continue on Sandbank Road on the right until it meets New Line Road on the left.

meets the main Rostrevor to Hilltown Road. Turn right onto it and follow it into Hilltown. Leave Hilltown on the main road to Newry but after 0.4km (0.25 miles) turn left onto Yellow Road. After 2km (1.25 miles) the road climbs steeply again to the picnic area of Glenmore. Pause to enjoy the breathtaking views to the north and east.

After 0.8km (0.5 miles) turn left onto Lower Knockbarragh Road (second road on your left). After a short distance the road begins to go downhill following the Ghann River. Continue to follow this road until at a T-junction it joins the Retrace your journey back to the Upper Knockbarragh Road, turn left junction with New Line Road and turn onto this road which becomes the into it. At the next junction bear right Greenpark Road and it will take you onto Leitrim Road and follow it until it back into Rostrevor.

Essentials Distance 27km (17 miles) Grade Strenuous Advice A long cycle, with some steep sections. Points of Interest Rostrevor , Kilbroney River Valley, Yellow Water Picnic, Mass Rock Rocky River Picnic Spot, Hilltown, Glenmore Viewpoint, Carlingford Lough, Mountain Bike Trail.

You can also pick up or download our walking route cards and explore the region on foot.

Along the coast and into the hills, with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob Mountain.

Mountain vistas, ancient dolmens and farmland abound along this cycle route from Finnis to Castlewellan.

Turn left onto Ribadoo Road, continuing through crossroads and follow Clarkhill Road along Clarkhill Wood.

The Rostrevor Route

Slieve Croob Route

Legananny Route

From Finnis, cross the bridge and follow Dree Hill Road to T-junction. Turn left onto Clonvaraghan Road. At the top of the hill there is a glorious vista of Slieve Croob from the picnic area, which also has access to Slieve Croob Mountain. Just before reaching Seeconnell, turn right onto Macinnish Road, join Ardglass Road and continue to another T-junction.

Knockchree Route

From Newcastle, follow A50 towards Castlewellan. Turn left onto Tollymore Road and then right. Exiting at entrance to Tollymore Forest Park turn right onto Bryansford Road. At next junction turn left onto Hilltown Road. Pass through Bryansford alongside Tollymore Forest Park. Turn left onto Trassey Road and continue to crossroads. Go straight onto Moyad Road. Views of Slieve Croob open up in front of you. At end of the road turn right then take first left onto Bog Road. Lough Island Reavy Reservoir will now be visible on your left.

Start

The Newry Towpath route stretches from Newry Town Hall to the Bann Bridge in Portadown and is a signposted 32.2km (20mile) trip on part of route 9 of the National Cycle Network. Follow the waymarkers to begin the route.

Newcastle to Lough Island Reavy Route

Open Farm is signposted here and worth visiting. Crossing the A50, take Ballymagreehan Road to junction with Dolly’s Brae Road. Turn right and then left onto Leitrim Road which brings you into the picturesque village of Leitrim. At the crossroads, turn right onto Backaderry Road. Take a left turn onto Herons Road and continue reaching another crossroads. Head straight onto Benraw Road and continue until reaching a T-junction. To visit Legananny Dolmen, turn right and then left onto Legananny Road and follow signposts. Retrace your route back and turn right onto Legananny Hall Road, continuing until you reach a T-junction. Turn right onto Slievenaboley Road, passing the spectacular views of Windy Gap, until reaching a staggered crossroads. Turn right onto Carrigagh Road and continue to Finnis.

Essentials Distance 32km (20 miles) Grade Strenuous Advice A long cycle with some steep sections. Points of Interest Finnis, Slieve Croob, Seeconnell, Leitrim, Slievenalargy Open Farm, Windy Gap, Legananny Dolmen, Castlewellan.

From Castlewellan follow A25 towards Clough. Take first left onto Drumbuck Road, along the edge of Castlewellan Forest Park. Continue until reaching a T-junction. Turn left onto Clarkhill Road. Continue downhill and at the next crossroads continue straight onto Ribadoo Road. After 0.8km (0.5 miles), turn right onto Clonvaraghan Road, where you pass the Seeconnell Residential Home on your left. After the Seeconnell Residential Home, turn left into Slievenisky Road and continue along this road until T-junction. T left onto Ballywillwill Road. Slieve Croob is visible on your left. At next T-junction, turn left onto Drumnaquoile Road, keeping Slieve Croob on your left. Continue and pass the entrance to Drumkeeragh Forest on your right. Turn right onto Drumboy Road. At the end of Drumboy Road, turn right onto Drumkeeragh Road. After 6.4km (4 miles), turn right onto Cauleys Pipe Road. Continue straight at next crossroads with Drumnaquoile Road.

At next T-junction turn left onto Ballywillwill Road and then right onto Ballylough Road. Take second left onto Aughlisnafin Road. Continue to where road joins main A25 Castlewellan - Clough Road. Turn right onto Castlewellan Road, then immediately left onto Kilmegan Road. Pass Kilmegan historic Church on your right, before turning right onto Old Road. Passing Dundrum Inner Bay on your left, the route continues to the right onto Flush Road. You may visit Murlough National Nature Reserve before continuing. On joining Flush Road, spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains open up. You pass Slidderyford Standing Stone adjacent to the road on your right. At the end of this road turn left towards Maghera. Continue through village towards Bryansford. Turn right at the next crossroads onto Dundrinne Road and back to Castlewellan where you started.

Essentials Distance 40km (25 miles) Grade Strenuous Advice Strenuous but rewarding route with a medium gradient. Steep in some places. Points of Interest Castlewellan, Castlewellan Forest Park, Seeconnell, Slieve Croob, Drumkeeragh Forest, Dundrum Inner Bay & Murlough National Nature Reserve, Slidderyford Dolmen, Maghera.

Start & Finish

All maps based upon Crown Copyright and are reproduced with the permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright and database right 2013 CS&LA156.