Clockwise around the Lough
where's the start, stops and finish?
The route will be signposted using the Lap The Lough logo with marshalls and outriders holding up traffic at main junctions to allow cyclists through safely. The terrain is very flat for an event of this length. There are a few small climbs around Ardboe, Antrim and along the eastern shore but nothing of alpine proportions.
The route starts from Kinnego harbour and proceeds clockwise around the Lough. To cross the Lower Bann we have to go through Portadown. From there we move back toward the shore line and follow the NCN and Loughshore Trail into Maghery to cross the footbridge. Warning - dismount on the Footbridge as the surface can be quite greasy. Also the road surface beyond the Ferry Bridge is pretty poor and the road narrows so best to ease off for a few miles.
From here we follow the Lough Shore trail as far as Brocagh where we cycle toward Ardboe, Ballinderry Bridge and into Ballyronan Marina. This is the 1st official stop and a chance to refill water and take on some food before heading around the top left hand corner and into Toome.
This year we are avoiding the main road into Randalstown and instead are taking the longer but quieter back road into the Randalstown. From here it's a short run into Antrim and the lunch stop at Clotsworthy in the grounds of Antrim Castle. At this point you will have covered almost two thirds of the Lap. Lunch will be available here and again take the opportunity to refill water bottles and fill your pcokets with bars before the last leg along the shoreline back to base at Kinnego.
More tea/coffee and a snack will be available at the finish in the marquee.
We reserve the right to amend the route if required.
Lap The Lough on Google
Download route to Google Earth.
View the Interactive Google Map
LTL on Map My Ride!
five counties
On the event you'll go through 5 counties, Armagh, Tyrone, Derry, Antrim and Down.
stops
Along the route there will be opportunites to stop and take on more water. It's not compulsory but it's advisable.
washingbay - waterstop - 20ml / 32km
ballyronan - waterstop/refuel - 36ml / 58km
antrim - lunch - 53ml / 85km
bartins bay - waterstop - 82ml / 125km
kinnego harbour - tea/snack - 95ml / 140km
download the routesheet
This is to give you an idea of where you'll be going. It's not necessary to carry this on the morning as the road will be well marked, signed and marshalled. However, it might be a precaution to stick it in your jersey pocket just in case. Click to download.
(2MB) © Crown Copyright
We reserve the right to amend the route if required. 
