Routes for Northern Ireland Cycling Holidays

Mountain Biking in the Sperrins
Route: Gortin Village, Gortin Glens Forest Park
Distance: 2 miles / 3 km
Starting Point: Gortin Village

Described by MBR Magazine (October 2002) as having “some of the best single track we’ve ridden….. the trail was tight but flowing”.

The Most demanding of road section of the NCN in Northern Ireland is to be found in Gortin Glens Forest Park, near Omagh in County Tyrone. This 3km/2miles section is nevertheless well worth the effort of attempting on an off-road bike if you fancy a challenge.

The route starts on the B46 road travelling east out of Gortin, quickly turning onto the scenic drive, which is a steep climb on the road leading up to and past the Gortin Lakes. At the top catch your breath and enjoy the views over the Sperrins. Continue on past the lakes and at the T-Junction take left turn and after 50 metres a right turn takes you off-road and into the Gortin Glens Forest Park.

Follow the NCN signposts along the forest road heading south. As you reach the top of the first climb you come to he “Devil’s Triangle” head straight up the road to the right. Behind you are spectacular views of the Sperrin Mountains and excellent examples of the glacial features found in the area. In front of you after another short climb you reach the viewpoint complete with milepost and wonderful view over the plain of Omagh. To the east is the majestic mountain of Mullaghcarn standing proud at 520 metres. There is also the possibility of encountering wide variety of wildlife along this route including red squirrels, deer, fox buzzard, grey heron and other bird life.

From the milepost the route descends steeply all the way to the forest exit via a bike friendly kissing gate. Take great care on this descent as the surface is rough and steep. For the more adventurous, the start of the mountain bike trail is on the left just before the gate.

All Cycling Routes in the Sperrins for Northern Ireland Cycling Holidays

Northern Ireland Cycling Holidays - National Cycling Network Route 92
Route: Enniskillen - Omagh - Newtownstewart -Sion Mills - Derry City.
Distance - 80 Miles

National Cycling Network Route 93
Route: Park to Limavady
Distance : 16 Miles

National Cycle Network Route 95
Route: Dungannon – Cookstown – Gortin – Newtownstewart – Castlederg – Pettigoe
Distance: 85 Miles

Northern Ireland Cycling Holidays - Circular Route 1 "The Sperrin Sprint"

Mountain Biking in the Sperrins
Route: Gortin Village, Gortin Glens Forest Park
Distance: 2 miles / 3 km