Activities on Northern Ireland's North Coast
Cycling in Coleraine Borough and the North Coast
Location: Coleraine
Occasional or novice cyclists may simply wish to spend a day-trip visiting well known attractions while on holiday on the North Coast. More experienced enthusiasts will typically complete the long distance mapped routes. These are as follows:
Belfast to Ballyshannon (242 miles) – NCN Routes 9, 91, 92 & 95
Ballyshannon to Ballycastle (236 miles) – NCN Routes 91, 92 & 93
A significant section of the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 93 passes through the north of the Borough. It is readily identified by distinctive signage.
Substantial sections of this route, linking Downhill, Coleraine, Portstewart, Portrush and Bushmills/Portballintrae, offer superb coastal scenery and are along traffic-free cycle paths. These sections are suitable for novice cyclists and families with young children. Experienced cyclists may choose to venture off the signed routes and explore the countryside at their leisure.
A cycling leaflet highlighting the above entitled “Cycling in the Borough of Coleraine” is available from tourist information centres.
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The Lower Bann Cycleway is a 45 mile linear cycle route between Toome and Castlerock, following the National Cycle Network Routes 96 and 93. The scenic route follows the Lower Bann River corridor from Lough Neagh to where the river enters the Atlantic Ocean of The Barmouth near Castlerock. The low-lying landscape of this river corridor provides a gentle cycle, leaving cyclists to enjoy the route at their leisure and take in the scenery of the Lower Bann.
Other cycling opportunities include two signed cycle routes centred on Garvagh, part of a network of routes throughout the Sperrins. The “Eagle’s Glen Cycle Route” (approx. 15 miles) explores the historic Errigal landscape centred on the picturesque Glenullin Valley, providing cyclists with superb views of the northern Sperrin’s foothills.
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The “Bann Valley Cycle Route” (approx. 15 miles), linking Garvagh and Kilrea, enables cyclists to enjoy the quiet country roads traversing the fertile landscape of the Bann Valley, with views of the Bann corridor and beyond towards the Antrim Hills. The busy rural market towns of Garvagh and Kilrea offer opportunities to explore local heritage and culture and enjoy traditional hospitality.
For more details about the various NCN routes and maps available visit www.sustrans.org.uk or ask for details at Coleraine Tourist Information Centre.
For further information contact Council’s Countryside Access/Rural Officer at (028) 7034 7234 or email mark.strong@colerainebc.gov.uk
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