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Arguably Northern Ireland’s toughest leisure cycling event. 76 miles of tough climbs and fast descents. |
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| Leaving Dromara you head for Kinallen village, turning right for Annahilt and right again for "The Cornmill" at after 10 miles, the 320ft is no mountain but if you don't heed the calls of "LOW GEARS" you could be one of many who enjoy the walk to the top. Known locally as the "Chair lift" this is the start of The Hilly. Heading now out along quiet country lanes towards Spa, turning right past Spa golf club and lake. | |
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Straight ahead looms Slieve Croob and Drumkeeragh forest (19 Mlles, 902ft). From this point Belfast landmarks such as Cave Hill, City Hospital and the giant cranes of David and Goliath in the dockhands to the east of the valley can be seen clearly. A fast decent back towards Dromara, a Sharp left turn and a long steep climb up Dree Hill. (1183ft, 23miles) Close to the source of the river Lagan, stop here and Take a moment to look around, to northwest you can see as far as the Sperrin Mountains and to the Southeast the Dundrum bay and the Irish Sea beyond.
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A long descent down The Rib back towards Kinallen before the long steep climb ups the Windy Gap (909ft, 29miles) to the car park and the best views of The Mountains of Mourne. |
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Another fast descent into the small picturesque village of Leitrim with its Chapel and pub.
This is the location of our new tea stop. Out of Leitrim and you head for the main event, Spelga but before you get there you have to negotiate the long twisting lane to the foot of Foffany filtration plant, nick named Dog Alley you'll have to ride it to find out why. Then it's a Rough well-used road until the foot of Spelga. |
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Once on the climb you have to negotiate the "S", a tough, steep switchback at 683ft its another hard 3 miles up past the dam until the 1335ft summit in the heart of the Mournes with great views in every direction. What goes up come down, a 4 mile fast descent into Kilcoo, past Lough Island Reavy and onto the road to Horse Shoe Bend were you can experience the Electric Brae or false climb. A left turn takes you past the ancient battle site at Dolly's Brae and then drop back in to Leitrim. |
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With only 16 miles to go you now head towards Ballynahinch along narrow, undulating lanes into a hidden valley and
out through a farmyard and onto the climb past Sleive Croob Inn (802ft, 69miles). With only 8 miles to go don't be tempted to stop for refreshments, as you'll never get back on your bike. On past Ardglass forest and onto the ancient grave of Legananny Dolmen (820ft, 71 mile) is well worth a visit with It's beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. From here it's all down hill, through Finnis and back to Dromara Village. |
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For those who have lasted the course
refreshments including a BBQ await |
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