Bicycling

Bicycling. The Mournes and surrounding area are renowned for spectacular walking countryside, but increasingly have also become noted for top-class bike trails, seaside rides alongside beaches, tracks through sylvan forests, and cross-country cycle routes. Nine magnificent cycling tours through the region have been created and range from gentle cycling mainly on quiet, flat roads to longer routes with steep ascents. For details of these trails pick up the free leaflet from the tourist board office, "Make Your Day Cycle Routes," which includes a map and information on distance, grade, and points of interest. The tourist office can also supply details on bike rental. Central Promenade, Mourne Mountains, Newcastle, Co. Down, BT33 OAA. 0330/137--4046; visitmournemountains.co.uk.