Cycle-friendly breaks in Northern Ireland: the best cycling routes near Clandeboye Lodge

• Best For: Families, beginners, leisurely rides.
• Type: Traffic-free cycle route (paved Greenway).
• Approx. Distance: 7 miles (11km) one way.
• Distance from Clandeboye Lodge: 15 minutes by car.

The Comber Greenway is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular cycling routes, following a former railway line between Comber and Belfast. It's entirely paved and almost completely flat, making it ideal for all ages and abilities.

• Best For: Road cyclists, scenery lovers, those seeking longer rides.
• Type: On-road cycling (mix of A/B roads and quieter lanes).
• Approx. Distance: Variable loops (e.g., Newtownards-Portaferry-Donaghadee loop is approx. 50 miles/80km).
• Distance from Clandeboye Lodge: 10 minutes by car

Offering some of the most stunning coastal cycle routes Northern Ireland provides, the Ards Peninsula allows for fantastic road cycling. Hug the shoreline of Strangford Lough (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) on one side, and the Irish Sea coast on the other. Create loops of varying lengths, passing through picturesque villages like Greyabbey, Portaferry and Donaghadee.

• Best For: Families, leisure cyclists, scenic short rides.
• Type: Mostly traffic-free cycle route (shared coastal path).
• Approx. Distance: Approx. 10 miles (16km) one way (Bangor to Holywood).
• Distance from hotel: 10 minutes by car.

The North Down Coastal Path runs along the shoreline between Bangor and Holywood, offering beautiful sea views and a mostly gentle route ideal for relaxed cycling. Its proximity to Clandeboye Lodge makes it an easy and accessible option for guests looking to enjoy cycling without travelling too far.

• Best For: Urban explorers, history buffs, leisure cyclists.
• Type: Mix of traffic-free cycle paths and quieter roads (NCN Route 93 section).
• Approx. Distance: Approx. 7 miles (11km) one way.
• Distance from Clandeboye Lodge: 20 minutes by car

This largely flat route links Belfast’s Titanic Quarter with Loughshore Park in Newtownabbey, offering a mix of urban waterfront cycling and open coastal paths. It’s particularly well suited to leisure cyclists and those new to longer rides.

• Best For: Families (easy loops), Mountain Bikers (all levels).
• Type: Forest cycle tracks (off-road trails, lakeside paths).
• Approx. Distance: Various loops from 1 mile to 12+ miles.
• Distance from Clandeboye Lodge: Approx 1 hour by car.

For cyclists seeking something more adventurous, Castlewellan Forest Park is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known mountain biking destinations. With a mix of purpose-built trails and forest paths, it caters to a range of abilities, from beginners to experienced riders.

• Best For: All abilities, nature lovers, easy distance riding.
• Type: Mostly traffic-free cycle route (riverside towpath).
• Approx. Distance: 11 miles (18km) one way (Belfast to Lisburn).
• Distance from Clandeboye Lodge: 30 minutes by car

Cyclists can follow the Lagan Towpath from Belfast city centre into tranquil countryside, passing through beautiful parks like Belvoir Forest and Lagan Valley Regional Park. It's a fantastic cycle trail to experience the transition from urban buzz to peaceful riverside tranquillity.

Located near Bangor in County Down, Clandeboye Lodge is well placed for guests planning cycling breaks across North Down, Belfast and the surrounding countryside.

Cyclists staying at Clandeboye Lodge benefit from:

• Proximity to some of Northern Ireland’s best-known cycling routes

• Secure bike storage available

• Easy access to Bangor, Holywood and Belfast

• A peaceful setting away from busy city centres

• The flexibility to combine cycling with dining, coastal walks and local attractions

• On-site Coq & Bull brasserie serving local, seasonal dishes

Whether you’re planning a short cycling getaway in County Down or a longer cycling holiday in Northern Ireland, Clandeboye Lodge offers a well-connected and comfortable base.