Walking and Cycling
There is a growing network of walking and cycling routes in Derry and the surrounding areas, from traffic-free greenways to shared-use paths and on-road cycle lanes.
With over 60km of routes (15km of which is traffic-free), getting in and out of the city centre by foot and bike has never been easier or safer. Shared-use routes along Northland Road, Glengalliagh Road, Racecourse Road Greenhaw Road and Skeoge Bypass/Madam’s Bank Road link the North and West areas to the popular traffic-free greenway along the River Foyle. Collon Lane, a segregated walking / cycling track, is an ideal safe route to school with St Columb’s College, St Patrick’s, St Brigid’s and Greenhaw Primary Schools all nearby. Traffic-free routes (forming parts of National Cycle Network Routes 92 and 93) also run along the west and east banks of the Foyle, leaving the city to the south.
These routes also take in some of the city’s parks, including Bay Road Park, Ballyarnett Country Park and Galliagh Linear Park. From Summer 2011 the city’s only dedicated foot and cycle bridge will be opened, along with Waterside Greenways that will open up traffic-free access into St Columb’s Park and new public spaces at the former Ebrington Parade Ground.
Faughan Valley Cycleway
Three circular cycle routes in the Faughan Valley, ranging from 35 to 39 km in length. The routes pass Newbuildings, Mountcastle, Ness Wood Country Park, Eglinton, Claudy Country Park, Learmount Castle and Forest, and follow the River Faughan back to the city. For our leaflet Click here.
Foyle Valley Greenway
This 34km route is made up of traffic-free paths and quiet country roads and lanes, starting at the Craigavon Bridge and following the line of the former Great Northern Railway with views of the River Foyle. The route carries on to Lifford and Strabane.
Inis Eoghain Cycleway
A 55km loop linking the River Foyle to Lough Swilly in Donegal. More than one-third of this route is traffic-free, and it passes through Ballyarnett Country Park, Newtowncunningham and Carrigans before following the Foyle Valley Greenway back into the heart of Derry. For our leaflet/map Click here.
Connect2 Waterside Greenway
Scheduled for completion in 2011, this tranquil, traffic-free path will connect communities in the east and west of the city to the Foot and Cycle Bridge across the River Foyle.
Know Yer Routes!
Download the most recent version of the city’s bike map.