To Lough Neagh and Back

A challenging ride in parts, which passes through the flatlands to the west of Lisburn to reach Lough Neagh then climbs the lower slopes of the Belfast Hills before descending sharply back into Lisburn.

Leaving Lisburn on the Lagan Towpath the ride follows the Blaris and Bog Roads to reach the Maze Racecourse. Leaving the racecourse by the Dunnygarton Road the ride continues on the Cockhill and Halfpennygate Roads before turning left into the Thornbrook Road then the Hillsborough Road to reach Moira Main Street. At Moira take the Station Road then swing left into Chestnut Hill Road to reach a crossroads. Continue straight over into Old Church Lane and eventually reach the Ballinderry Road. Turn right and head uphill and take the first right, Chapel Road. Take the first left (Gortraney road) and continue to a T junction. Turn right and take first left into Haddockstown Road. At a minor T keep left and at the next T with Station Road turn left. Continue to a crossroads and go straight over. Follow Ogales Road and take the first left after approx. one mile onto Feumore Road. Take the first right then pass Sandy Bay and continue by the lough shore, turning sharp right and uphill to a T junction. At the junction turn left onto the B15. Turn left at the next crossroads and in approx. half a mile turn right into Pigeonstown Road. At the next T junction turn right and enter Glenavy. Leave the village by the main street and turn right into the B12 Glen Road. The Glen Road becomes the Scroggy Road and after passing over the railway line, keep left, left immediately and continue to the main A26 road. Take care turning right then turn left immediately. In a few hundred yards at a crossroads turn left and at the next T junction turn right into Carnkilly Road. At the next crossroads go straight over and again at the next crossroads. Follow Ballymote Road uphill to the Tullynewbank Road and turn right. Continue climbing then descend, continuing straight into the Ballypitmave Road towards Stoneyford. At Stoneyford pass straight through the village then turn right just past the reservoir. Continue on this road, with several sharp climbs, until it reaches the Sheepwalk Road at a crossroads. Go straight over and take the first left immediately into Ballyclough Road. Take care on this road as it descends steeply to the Glenavy Road. Continue straight over and with more steep descents arrive at a crossroads with the Ballinderry Road. Go straight over and take the first right into Knocknarea road. At the next crossroads turn left and at a Y junction keep right into Dagger Road to reach a crossroads with the Moira Road. Go straight over and at Maze village again go straight over and descend to a bridge over the River Lagan. Turn left into Bog Road then continue via the Blaris Road and Lagan Towpath back to Lisburn. NOTE If travelled in the reverse direction the hills are much steeper

Public roads: On Public Road

Getting to the start: Follow NCN Route 9 from Lisburn or Moira. Lisburn railway station is approx. 1mile away. If travelling by car follow signs for the Civic Centre. Ample car parking at the Civic Centre or nearby metered car parks.

Traffic: Mainly light traffic throughout except the Blaris Road which can be busy at times. Crossing straight over several A roads