rostrevor mountain bike trails

Travelled across early from Cairnryan to Belfast and was surprised how quick it was to get to Rostrevor. Picked the Red route and off I went what a bloody climb to start things off but it was worth it for the views across the loch, but more than that the fantastic descent that was to follow. This is up there with Ae Red and Kirroughtree Black in my favourite trails. Brilliant day, will return next year.

It's brilliant- the red trail takes you to the very top with dramatic views and great descent down. Love it

Stayed at East Coast Adventure Glamping Site about 6 miles from the trails in the Knockbarragh Valley. They even gave us a transfer from the Pods to Kilbroney Park which took at 5/10 mins. Great spot. By the way the trails were free and the uplift was prices the same as other uplifts in Wales. We paid £60 between 4 of us for a pod for the night.

great trails both trail center and natural with some great views to stop and get your breath back, most do for any mountain biker!

The whole set up is world class from the trails and the facilities at the base (ample parking, children's playground, coffee shop and bike service facilities, including rentals) to the spectacular scenery and friendly local staff (and riders). Took the red trail which had a brilliant blend of features from berms, moguls and rocky descents through ever changing (and gorgeous) terrain. Fitness level needs to be pretty good as there is a good bit of climbing but they even provide an uplift service which eases the pressure on those who want to go for the thrill and go easy on the legs. Having done most of the (official) trails in Dublin, Wicklow and Limerick, this is by far the best in all of Ireland. Well worth a visit!

The trails at Rostrevor are relatively new but already they are providing a firm favourite with visitors and locals alike. Cutting through, around and over Slievemartin and the surrounding area in the Mourne Mountains, the trails are accessed in Kilbroney Forest Park, Rostrevor. Rostrevor sits on the shores of Carlinford lough with the Mournes on one side and the Cooley hills on the other, the scenery is breath taking here but nothing to what awaits you on the trails.The trail head for both the Red route (27km) and the Black Route (19km) start in the carpark in Kilbroney. The carpark and the trails are FREE to use as long as you like.There is a purpose built Car park for mountain bikers, there is also a bike wash and cafe in the main car park. East Coast Adventure have bikes for hire and offer an uplift service for those looking to tackle the Orange downhill routes.I have completed the red route several times and the black routes once. The black route uses sections of the red route to join the black sections.Both trails start in the main car park and after 1km of flat forest trail you are hit with an immediate steep climb. This is arguably the hardest you will work all day as the rest of the climbing has switchbacks to ease the work. Here though it's down into granny ring, head down and slieves up, alternatively you have always the option to walk this and take in the view across the valley.Your first taste of the trails proper await you after this climb with a nice flowing short section of trail to wet your appetite and allow you to catch your breath.You then join the main tracks again, passing the cross over points of the downhill trails, over a short piece of tarmac road and then the trail proper begins. You climb for a sustained period of time using narrow trails with switch backs that take you mind off the climb. The trees open and you are treated to your first 'big views' of the surrounding area as you circle round the Cloughmore Boulder. It's then a short journey to kodak corner. When you make it to here, you will have your camera out. Stunning views of Carlingford Lough and the surrounding area await you. Take this opportunity to have a rest and a chance to refuel as it's more work all the way to the top of Slievemartin. Part of the trail is called 'roll your sleeves up' so you know there is work ahead.Anywhere between 1 and 2 hours will see you make it from the start to the summit of Slievemartin and that's where the fun begins.As your wheels roll over the top of the trail, the speed increases, the trails flow and you almost forget to breath as you start the first section of the trail that roller coasters down the other side of the mountain. Shortly after this, the trails split, black and red, good sign posting keeps you informed. The red route carries over the mountain to miles of trail that keeps your senses and reactions sharp and focused. The black trails very quickly introduce you to the designers idea of rough fun.Back on the red trail there is a mixture of stoney trail, boardwalk and fresh air if your brave enough. Through forest, over open land and splashing through rivers the adventure continues. Then you emerge from a forest at the furthest point and join the 'yellow brick road' section. This section is itself reward enough for all the climbing. Fast flowing and full of jumps with a few tricky corners as you hurtle down the mountain.All too soon you are back on main tracks with some really good trail sections breaking off all the way back to the finish.The trails at Kilbroney are well worth a visit and there is somethere for everyone again and again.

There are trials here to suit cyclists of every ability. I stuck to the easier routes and my other half braved the more challenging ones. The scenery is second to none. Mountains, forests and coastline, all in one. Its worth the ride up, just to look down. The trails are very well maintained and the bike hire staff are helpful and well informed.

I tortured a friend to take me up these trails. It was a great days crac. i am a beginner and now I am looking to get into mountain biking again.

This trail park has lots to attract visitors. Excellent new and well maintained trails with different grades of difficulty. The views are stunning as you climb up towards Slieve Martin mountain, passing in and out of wooded sections and crossing a river as you head around the red loop. There are two downhill specific trails that are not for the feint hearted. I suppose you need a fair/reasonable level of fitness for the red/black trails(big climb at start) but I seen people of all ages/fitness levels, so if your tired take a rest in take in the fantastic scenery. Car parking, bike rental/wash, coffee shop and campsite.

7of us headed to Co. Down yesterday to try out the Rostrevor Trailcentre. It was long with plenty of intense steep climbs and great descents. They have graded the single tracks so you can choose whether you want to take a red route or a black route. Similar grading system to skiing I assume. The reds were nice and fast with plenty of rock sections and burns and ladders. The blacks and steeper technical sections and high speed sections followed by rock drops. It was tough but fun. I imagine a full suspension bike might have been a benefit on the rock drops . But all things considered, it was one of the best trail centres I've ever been to. They even have a van with a trailer for the downhillers who prefer not to climb, as well as a coffee shop, bike rental, bike wash, and a small shop

World Class. The distance is huge and the special sections are immense- can hire a bike for £20 for a half day!

The trails are breathtaking- over 20k of good quality general trails plus the specialised runs make this a world class experience with stunning views

The trails are top quality. I was a beginner so I'd give a forewarning that the trails are difficult for beginners. However, I enjoyed the day and the staff are excellent. The views from the top are amazing.