BALLYSHANNON ROUTE DESCRIPTION

The Ballyshannon - Ballycastle Cycle Route takes in lakes, moorland, river valleys and dramatic coastline typical of Ireland. 

It starts on the Atlantic Ocean at Rosnowlagh Beach and follows the prevailing winds. Entering Northern Ireland at Belleek on Lower Lough Erne, it continues to criss-cross the border. At Pettigo there are two options; a northern route to Newtownstewart, and a southern one to Enniskillen and Omagh, rejoining south of Strabane. 

Crossing the River Foyle at Lifford, the route follows quiet roads to Carrigans and a railway path along the river to Craigavon Bridge in Londonderry. Riverside paths lead to the historical, walled city itself. Between Derry and Limavady, it passes the northern slopes of the Sperrin Mountains and the Roe Valley Country Park. 

A short, steep climb towards Coleraine brings cyclists to the unmistakable profile of Binevenagh Mountain and the viewpoint overlooking Magilligan Point, Inishowen and the Atlantic Ocean. The route crosses Coleraine's Millennium Bridge and uses dedicated cycle routes through the resort towns of Castlerock, Portstewart and Portrush. 

At Bushmills, famous for its whiskey, a coastal path leads to the spectacular Giant's Causeway, before turning inland on the Antrim Plateau towards Ballycastle, avoiding busy coastal roads. At Ballycastle, there is the option to continue by ferry to Raithlin Island or Campbeltown in Scotland (seasonal), or towards Belfast via the Antrim Glens. 

The award-winning official maps of the route, based on Ordnance Survey data, are available from Sustrans, book and cycle shops.