Mountain Biking

Craigavon Lakes Mountain Biking trail

10.6kms of mountain bike trail starting and finishing at Craigavon Watersports Centre, overlooking the lakes. The trail is suitable for cyclists with basic off-road riding skills and should take an average of 45mins to 1 hour 15mins.

The majority of the trail is purpose built singletrack with some wider tarmac sections. Some sections are more challenging than others and may include obstacles such as roots, rocks and sharp turns.

There is ample parking, bike hire, café and toilets at the watersports centre. Other facilities include a BMX and skateboard park and numerous walking trails.

Tannaghmore Gardens at the north end of the lakes has a rare breeds animal farm, barn museum, play area, gardens, picnic and BBQ areas, as well as parking and toilets.

For more information call 028 9030 3930 or click here to visit nimountainbiking.com

Gortin Glen

In 1996 The Gortin Glens Forest Park set an area aside for mountain biking. A wide variety of tracks to cater for all levels of difficulty were developed over 2 miles and plenty of hills.

For up-to-date information you can contact the Glens Development Group on 028 816 48217 or Forest Service

BelvoirPark Forest, Belfast

A mountain bike trail is currently being built at Belvior Park, by local bike club MTB Rider.

Strictly speaking cycling has historically been prohibited in the Forest, but on 1 November 2005 the "No Cycling" signs came down and a license agreement between MTBrider and Northern Ireland Forest Service came into effect.

The License Agreement allows MTBrider to develop a trail network that will be built to IMBA standards. This means the new trails will be environmentally sound, sustainable all year round, and will enhance conflict-free access for all forest users.

For more information email Andy Beavis at MTB Rider

Moneyscalp Wood

This site has been regularly used in the past as a training and competition venue for downhill. HOWEVER THE SITE IS NO LONGER LISTED BY FOREST SERVICE AS A VENUE FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING, and unfortunately this means that it is not officially open for use by mountain bikers.

You can find more information about Moneyscalp Wood, in The Mournes at NI Mountainbiking

And theres more!

There are 3 more family off-road trails currently being developed by the Countryside Access & Activities Network –all due for opening by summer 2006!

The new family trails will be at Castle Archdale, Castlewellan, and Gosford Park.

For more information visit nimountainbiking.com