Mournes and County Down

[Rob Archer]

I'm staying with my brother in Annalong (on the coast road between Kilkeel and Newcastle) in early september. I'll be arriving by bike from Dundalk via the Greenore - Greencastle ferry. I've got a couple of questions for anyone who knows the area:

1) Any recommended day rides through the Mournes? Living in Norfolk I love hills!

2) I'm planning to ride from Annalong to the Belfast Ferry Terminal. Any recommendations as to recommended routes (or ones to avoid)?

[Gontlib]

Here a couple of my rides that should be useful.
You could use the first one to do a loop through the Mournes from Annalong. Just cut across from Bryansford to Newcastle.
The second one is the route for the 2016 Gran Fondo.
Its a hilly route but avoids main roads and will take you right to Belfast harbour close to the ferry.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16966026
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/14125685

[Rob Archer]

Here a couple of my rides that should be useful.
You could use the first one to do a loop through the Mournes from Annalong. Just cut across from Bryansford to Newcastle.
The second one is the route for the 2016 Gran Fondo.
Its a hilly route but avoids main roads and will take you right to Belfast harbour close to the ferry.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16966026
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/14125685

They look good thanks. I might need to do a bit more main road riding on the route to Belfast though as I need to be there for the 15:30 ferry.

[Gontlib]

Then I would suggest Annalong, Newcastle, Downpatrick, Killyleagh, Comber. From Comber there's a mainly traffic free cycle path all the way into Belfast harbour following the Comber Greenway
http://www.cycleni.com/d/routes/37/Comber%20Greenway%20Map%20Whole.pdf

The main A24 from Newcastle through Ballynahinch to Belfast can be busy

[landsurfer]

My favourite and much ridden route ;

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Newca ... 597285!3e1

The coastal path continues from Helens Bay just about into the city centre ...