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Listed below are a few spectacular places to visit in the last few months of winter…so wrap up and get ready for the crisp winter air because there isn’t a better way to explore them than by bike!
o Lagan and Lough Cycle Way, Belfast
This is one of the most popular routes on CycleNI.com and it is no wonder why…traffic free, flat path, nice coffee stops and in the winter time it offers beautiful crisp winter scenery for the whole family to enjoy! The whole route itself is 21 miles long but can be accessed from various points so you can cycle shorter sections of it suiting any ability.
o Castlewellan Forest Park, Co. Down
Wheel your way around Castlewellan Lake on this 2.5 mile family cycling trail and keep your eyes peeled for birds such as Little Grebes, Cormorants, Mallards and Mandarin Ducks. Set within the Mournes Area of Outstanding Beauty you will be sure to catch some great glimpses during the winter season.
o Gosford Forest Park, Co. Armagh
One of my personal favourites…and the picture above says it all! Gosford is not only a fantastic cycle trail but a wonderful forest filled with incredible flora and fauna making it a winter wonderland at this time of year. The trail combines forest roads with two short sections of single track and is suitable for cyclists with basic off-road cycling skills and should take an average of 1 hour to complete.
This traffic-free route is great for a family ride with young children. The parks mature woodland, the winter mist above its tranquil lake and its stunning swans make this a place to remember!! The areas of high ground offer splendid viewpoints of surrounding town land and countryside with views of Lough Neagh on a clear day.
o Castle Archdale Family Cycling Trail, Co. Fermanagh
Explore 1000 years of history on the shores of Lower Lough Erne whilst riding this trail in Castle Archdale Country Park. The trail runs through secluded parts of the forest as well as on open areas where it hugs the shore of Lower Lough Erne offering stunning panoramic views. Experience the cold chills of the wintery forest as well as the clear cool mist of Lough Erne!
o Castlerock to Downhill Forest, Co. Londonderry
This short family cycle connects Castlerock village and Downhill Forest and is predominantly along traffic-free sections of NCN Route 93. Cyclists will be able to take in the winter sea breeze and scenery as they make their way along the coast and also experience the mystery of the cold forest as well as being able to view two of the tallest Sitka Spruce trees in Ireland, known by some locals as "Laurel & Hardy".
If these routes have inspired you to get out cycling...there are lots more routes listed on CycleNI.com.
Beverley has been with Outdoor Recreation NI since 2005 and has a keen interest in all 4 legged friends, spending alot of her time walking with her 8 stone Rottweiler - who is nearly the same size as her!! She also enjoys riding horses whether its completing rounds of jumps or out doing cross country in the fields.
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