Singletrack

CROWN COPYRIGHT
The Knowledge
Total Distance: 21.97 miles (35.35km)
Elevation Gain: 4,030ft (1,228m)
Maps
Mournes 1:25,000 in various guises.
Getting There
If you’re based in Scotland, Wales or the North of England,
the ferry is a viable option with various routes into Belfast (30
miles), Dublin (85 miles) or even Rosslare (197 miles) if you
want to explore Ireland from the south up. If not, fly and hire
is easy, to either of the Belfast airports or Dublin just down
the motorway. The roads are quiet as soon as you leave the
main population centres and driving is stress free.
Eating and Drinking
This route deliberately drops as low as Donard Park for Niki’s
Kitchen Café or McCann’s bar, which has a beer garden, both
of which are basically within the car park and allow you to
keep bikes in sight and close at hand. This area gets extremely
busy on any sunny day during the summer holidays or at
weekends. There are plenty of other cafés, restaurants and bars
in the town if you’re staying over.
www.hughmccanns.com
www.nikiskitchencafe.co.uk
Bike Shops
Mourne Cycles on the Castlewellan Road about half a mile
outside Newcastle town have anything you’ll need including a
well-stocked workshop. Closed Thursdays and Sundays.
T: 028 4372 7272
A: Unit 7 63A, Castlewellan Road, Newcastle, BT33 0JX
Accommodation
Newcastle has plenty, as do other towns on the far side of the
Mournes. Thanks to the popular trail centre, nearby Rostrevor
has several bike friendly/specific options. All budgets can
easily be suited.
Finding Trails and Bike Hire
These are working forests and the trail layout changes along
with storm damage and felling work. Local guiding services
can help you maximise your visit by leading you to the best
trails for your ability level while coaching you to improve.
Bike hire is available on request.
www.rockandrideoutdoors.com
Other Info
Make a proper holiday of it. Visit Belfast and Dublin, head to
the stunning North Coast, see the Ring of Kerry, Connemara,
Galway, Wicklow Mountains, Donegal… the list goes on and
on. Ireland is a superb place with so much to see and do. I
loved it so much I moved here! The incredible riding has just
been the icing on the cake.
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