Grand North of Ireland Self-Guided

Arrive in Belfast or Moira as preferred or what fits best with your inward travel plans. Full tour briefing and bike fitting will take place early next morning at your Moira accommodation at a pre-arranged time. If you decide to stay in Belfast you have the option to add a day either at the start or the end of your tour to see some of Belfast famous attractions. If you stay in Belfast you will have to transfer to Moira by train for the morning briefing.

Moira to Rostrevor - (Core Route 41 miles Ascent 1879 feet) Today is rural cycling taking in the County Down countryside along quiet country. Part of the route takes you on the 200-year-old Newry Canal on a cycle path past the village of Scrava which has an interesting visitors centre, Historical Newry, the combined Port and Resort town of Warrenpoint and on to Rostrevor a lively village on the coast nestling in the foothills of the Mourne mountains. Along the way stop to see St Bagnenal’s Castle and Museum in Newry and Narrow Water’s Castle between Newry and Warrenpoint

Rostrevor to Newcastle - (Core Route 27 miles Ascent 2342 feet) Leaving Rostrevor you will cycle through the stunning Mourne mountains to the picturesque resort town of Newcastle and the home of Royal County Down Golf regularity listed in the world’s top ten. Along the way you have the opportunity to stop at Hilltown, the Spelga and Silent Valley dams and the forest park at Tollymore. It’s a day for the camera.

Newcastle to Strangford - (Loop ride 34 miles Ascent 887 feet) Back to coastal cycling as the route meanders through the villages of Dundrum with its historical castle, architecturally interesting Killlough, the fishing village of Ardglass and into the beautiful loughside village of Strangford your home for the next two days and a chance to really unpack.

Strangford - Strangford (core Route 32 miles Ascent 887 feet) This is a day of options. Choose between crossing Strangford Lough on a quaint ferry and exploring the Ards Peninsula or a shorter loop to a stately home at Castleward. The day offers attractions such as Exploris marine park, Mount Stewart and Casleward stately homes leisurely cycling or some lovely walks if you prefer. This is real Game of Thrones territory for those who follow the TV series.

Strangford to Comber - (core Route 39 miles Ascent 1455 feet) On the move again, starting westwards towards the Historical town of Downpatrick, the focal point for St Patrick with his grave at Down Cathedral, Down Museum and the St Patrick centre all clustered together in the town centre. Your journey takes through both rolling County Down drumlins and Coastal cycling routes to your accommodation near Comber. Nendrum Monastic Site is worth a visit.

Comber to Belfast - (Core Route 13 miles Ascent 688 feet) You can cycle all the way to Belfast on the core Route which is mostly a dedicated Greenway cycling path. This short ride allows you to have some extra time in Belfast to see its many attractions including the world-renowned Titanic Experience which is on your way into the centre of Belfast. In Belfast, we can arrange a cycling option along the picturesque River Lagan Tow path.

Transfer to Antrim to start cycling Antrim to Aghadowey - (Core Route 42 miles Ascent 1259 feet) Today is rural cycling taking in the distinctive and charming Northern Irish countryside along quiet country roads as you meander alongside the British Isles biggest inland Lough (lake) and through the River Bann valley towards your next stop at Aghadowey. On the way, you pass the through typical Irish towns of Antrim, Toome and Portglenone. The full route is a comfortable 43 miles long but if that is a bit challenging on your first day we have shorter options available.

Aghadowey to Bushmills - (Core Route 36 miles Ascent 1134 feet) From your rural overnight accommodation, you continue to the county town of Coleraine before heading West towards Mussenden Demesne and the Bishops palace catching your first sight of the world-famous Causeway Coast which won’t be far from you until you return to Belfast at the end of your trip. Here we offer a loop extension to your core route over the very scenic Binevenagh Plateau. You return to Coleraine and follow the route East through the coastal resort towns of Portstewart and Portrush passing by the world class Royal Portrush Golf Links and the historical cliff clinging Dunluce Castle and into Bushmills where you stay overnight

Bushmills to Bushmills - (Loop ride 30 miles Ascent 979 feet) A rest day, if you like, as there is a lot to see in Bushmills. The Giants Causeway and the Bushmills distillery are the highlights. We recommend the Coastal walk from the Giants Causeway which is a great walk with spectacular views. If the bike calls, we have a rural cycling route nearby the River Bush which takes in the unique Dark Hedges made famous by the TV series “Game of Thrones” We find that about 50% of our cyclists are big fans and if you are there are several other famous G.O.T iconic places on this tour which we pass. If you are not they are all in beautiful locations.

Bushmills to Ballycastle - (core Route 15 miles Ascent 1032 feet) Short core ride along the Causeway Coastal Route but lots to see. Some people do the short route and spend time at the attractions, namely Carrick-a- Rede Rope bridge, Ballintoy Harbour and Kilbane Castle. Some people leave early visit the attractions and arrive in Ballycastle early where they either decide to visit Rathlin island (famous for its Puffin colony) or just chill out in Ballycastle. Some people when they get to Ballycastle decide to go on and do the spectacular but challenging, in parts, Torr Head loop. All of them report back that they have had a great day. It’s an infinitely flexible day.

Ballycastle to Cushendall -(core Route 36 miles Ascent 2390 feet) Today’s core route takes you through the heart of the Antrim Glens, experiencing an everchanging vista that at times leaves you feeling alone and as one with nature. Even the sheep seem surprised to see you as they wonder freely on what they clearly see as their roads The route takes you back by the Glenarriff Forest park where you can take a break and do one of their marked walks. Options abound today as you can alternatively choose to descend back to the coast through Glenann or Glendun and go to your destination Cushendall via Cushendun.

Cushendall to Belfast - (Core Route 50 miles Ascent 1796 feet) You can cycle all the way to Belfast on the core Route which follows the Coastal route to Larne and then via Carrickfergus and Whiteabbey to your last night’s accommodation. Some people jump on a train with their bikes at Larne or Carrickfergus in order to arrive a bit earlier. Scenic villages, a great juxtaposition of sea and coast, and some interesting Castles all add up to make this a memorable last day. There is a very spectacular Cliffside guided walk recently reopened at the Gobbins on Islandmagee. This needs to be booked well in advance so if this of interest let us know at your booking stage.