200KM LEITRIM CYCLE ROUTE

This challenging route is designed for experienced cyclists as it covers the entire County of Leitrim.

The route features 2600m of climbing over 9 categorised climbs, each marked by continental style signs informing you of the name, duration, average gradient, altitude of each climb & permanent caution signs for steep descents where necessary. In addition, permanent directional signs for each climb are placed along the route. Starting in Manorhamilton takes the N16 towards Sligo. Take the first left turn onto the L2169 for Dromahair and Kilcoosey.

At the Y junction keep right following the cycling sign for Kilcoosey climb (2.4km at 6%). At the top of the climb, you meet the R286 turn right and at Shanvaus turn right onto the N16 and immediately turn left for Lurganboy climb (1km at 4%), following the signs. Pass through the village of Lurganboy, following the signs for Kinlough / Glenaniff, you meet the R280, turn left for Kinlough village. In Kinlough turn right onto the R281 towards Rossinver following the cycling sign for Glenaniff/Barr Climb. After some 4km turn right for Glenaniff Climb, (3km at 8%), for a challenging climb. The descent brings you into Glenaniff valley. After some 8km turn left onto the Barr Climb (4.3km at 4%). At the top of this climb the Lough Melvin viewing point is directly below you.

On the descent extreme caution is needed as it’s a narrow road with two hair-pin corners across small bridges.

At the stop sign turn right onto the R281 towards Rossinver. At the T junction turn left for Garrison in Co. Fermanagh. In the village turn right towards Kiltyclogher on the B52. After 8km turn right for Kiltyclogher village.

At Sean Mac Diarmada’s monument turn right onto the R283 in the direction toward Manorhamilton and Kilty Braes climb (3km at 4%) and right onto the L6180 for the Killea climb (5km at 3%). Turn left for the Cherrybrook descent (caution signs in place). This road meets the N16, turn left towards Enniskillen. After 1km turn left onto the R283 for Kiltyclogher then some 4km further on at the Y junction keep right following the cycling sign for Dowra/Bencroy.

After passing St. Michael’s Church you meet the N16 again, where you turn left towards Enniskillen / Glenfarne. Continue on this road until the junction for Dowra (care needed turning right). In Dowra, continue on towards Drumshanbo. After some 4 km in the village of Ballinaglera turn left following the cycling signs for Bencroy at each junction.

This climb is the longest on the route, 12 km at 3%. On the descent at the Y junction keep right following the cycling signs for Drumshanbo/Tarmon. Then at the T junction turn right into Drumshanbo. From Drumshanbo the route heads back up the R280 on the west side of Lough Allen towards Drumkeeran. After some 10 km the route turns left onto the Tarmon climb.

At 7 km long and average gradient of 4% this climb may not seem too hard, however in reality the first 2 km with ramps of up to 25% make this a very challenging climb where the correct gearing ratio is essential. After the climb you descend down Barragh More (caution needed) and you meet the R 280 again. Turn left for Drumkeeran village, and continue in the direction of Manorhamilton for some 6 km ,then take the left turn onto the R289 for Dromahair.

After passing through the village of Dromahair keep to the right following the cycling signs for Newtownmanor Climb (5.5 km at 3%) at the Y junction keep to the left up by Newtownmanor Church. Continue onto the R286 turning right which will bring you back to the N16 at Shanvaus. Then turn right and continue back the 4 km to Manorhamilton.

200KM LEITRIM CYCLE ROUTE