Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails

Overview

Welcome to the Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails powered by Chain Reaction Cycles.

One of Northern Ireland's most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views and flowing singletrack; all just minutes from the lively village of Castlewellan.

Castlewellan Forest Park boasts all of this and more. With green, blue and red grade trails (including black options) Castlewellan is a must-visit for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities. Is is also open to ride 24 hours a day - however the car park closes at 8pm.

ORDER YOUR TRAIL CARD HERE

Check out #CastleWheelin photos on Instagram

All riders are reminded that Castlewellan Forest Park is a shared space used by families, walkers and horse riders. Please watch your speed when using forestry roads or where MTB trails intersect with other trails and roads.

Trailhead Facilities

Paid Car Parking

£5 per car / £12.50 per minibus

Cafe

Showers

Charge Applies

Bike Hire

Located at the Trailhead Life Adventure Centre offer a range of bikes with onsite facilities including bike wash, shower, coffee dock and free wifi. Hire is available 7 days a week.

See www.onegreatadventure.com for rates and online booking or call 028 4377 0714 for more info

Toilets

Bike Wash

Charge Applies

Trail Centre Conditions

Trail Ranger Update: 23/05/23

If you encounter any damage on the trails please email info@mountainbikeni.com

Click here for information on guidance on maintaining social distancing.

Green Trail

4km Green Trail - Allow 30 minutes

Blue Trail

4.5km Blue Trail - Allow 45 minutes

Red Trail

19km Red Trail - Allow 2 hours

Dolly’s Chute

Black Option

The Great Escarpe

Black Option

This gentle circular trail hugs the lakeshore and passes past under the shadow of Castlewellan Castle. The biking is very easy with only one slight gradient incline on the north side of the lake.

This wide trail is ideal for young families and/or those giving mountain biking a go for the very first time.

IS THIS TRAIL FOR YOU?

Conditions

Open

This easy going blue trail begins by running parallel to Castlewellan Lake on an elevated singetrack trail with incredible panoramic views before rejoining the gentler green route back to the trailhead.

The first half of this trail undulates through woodland on singletrack with a number of rollers thrown in to make for a fun trail, perfect for those looking develop to their bike handling skills.

IS THIS TRAIL FOR YOU?

Conditions

Open

The red trail enjoys the initial flowing singletrack and incredible views found on the blue trail before splitting off and ascending behind Castlewellan Castle and past a number of little known smaller lakes.

The fun then really begins when both the red and black options descend either side of Slievenaslat before sweeping back around to Cypress Pond.

There is a further black option 'Dolly's Chute' set to get your heart racing with 'Moorish Return' always a crowd pleaser for the homeward leg back to the trailhead.

IS THIS TRAIL FOR YOU?