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Embark on a difficult touring bicycle adventure with the Divis & Black Mountain loop, a challenging 23.5 miles (37.7 km) ride that climbs 1523 feet (464 metres) and takes around 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete. Starting from Lanyon Place in Belfast, you will quickly transition from urban streets to rugged landscapes. The terrain varies greatly, featuring gravel paths, stony roadways, and sections of heathland and blanket bog. As you ascend Divis and Black Mountain, you'll be rewarded with expansive panoramic views stretching across Belfast, Lough Neagh, and even as far as Scotland on a clear day. Be prepared for steep ascents and varied surfaces, making this route best suited for experienced touring cyclists seeking a strenuous ride. You will encounter grassland and heathland bog, which can be muddy, especially on the northern slope of Divis Mountain.

This loop begins conveniently from Lanyon Place in Belfast, offering good accessibility from the city centre. While the route is challenging, it is also multi-use, so you will share the trails with walkers. Ensure you have appropriate cycling equipment and a good level of fitness for the significant elevation gain and demanding terrain. Some sections include roughly-stoned and stepped ascents, so plan your visit during dry conditions to avoid overly muddy paths.

Beyond the physical challenge, this route offers a rich historical and natural experience. From the summit of Divis, you can see the trigonometry pillar, which was the first point used in mapping Ireland in 1825. The area also holds archaeological significance, with remains of a Bronze Age homestead, and was used as a rifle range during the Second World War. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife as you traverse the varied landscape of grassland and heathland bog.

Embark on an easy touring bicycle loop through Belvoir Park, a pleasant urban green space just outside Belfast. This 10.9-mile (17.6 km) route features predominantly flat terrain, with a mix of good tarmac on the Lagan Towpath and paved or gravel trails within the forest. You'll enjoy peaceful woodland views and ride along the banks of the River Lagan, experiencing diverse habitats like wet meadows and mixed beech woodland. With only 303 feet (92 metres) of elevation gain, this ride is designed for a relaxed pace, taking about 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete.

This accessible and largely traffic-free route is perfect for cyclists of all skill levels, including families. The Lagan Towpath, which forms a key part of the loop, has seen stile removal to improve accessibility, though you will encounter a gate at Shaw's Bridge. The trail offers a tranquil escape within the city, providing a convenient option for a quick ride without venturing too far from urban amenities. You can easily connect to this loop from various points along the wider Lagan Valley trail system.

Belvoir Park Forest is more than just a scenic ride; it's a significant "working forest within a city" and a vital green lung for Belfast. As you cycle, you can discover historical sites such as a 12th-century Norman motte and an 18th-century ice house. The route also connects seamlessly to the extensive Lagan Towpath and the Lagan & Lough Cycle Way, which are part of National Cycle Network Route 9 and 93, linking Belfast, Lisburn, and Jordanstown for longer adventures.