Days Out NI
Greenway & cycle trail Plumbridge

Central Sperrins Way

A free waymarked walking way through the heart of the Sperrins and the Glenelly Valley.

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Open accessRide it any time — best in daylight
FreeNo ticket needed
PlumbridgeGreenway & cycle trail
Get directions
55kmDistance
1-2 hoursHow long
FreeCost
TarmacSurface
Bikes bestBest for

Central Sperrins Way — A free waymarked walking way through the heart of the Sperrins and the Glenelly Valley.

  • Distance: Full way approx 48-55km (Gortin to Moneyneany); families typically walk a short out-and-back section.
  • Surface: Mix of quiet back roads and open mountain paths (not tarmac greenway).
  • Gradient: Hilly and exposed; around 540m of climbing over the full route.
  • Traffic-free: No - partly on quiet back roads, so not a segregated traffic-free trail.
  • Bike hire: None.
  • Buggy / scooter: No - hill paths and rough surfaces are not suitable for buggies or scooters.
Plan your visit

A mountain walking way, not a flat cycle path

The full Central Sperrins Way runs about 48 to 55km from Gortin to Moneyneany and forms Stage 17 of the Ulster Way. It is graded moderate over two days or strenuous in one, with around 540m of climbing, so this is a proper hill walk rather than a gentle riverside spin. The surface is a mix of quiet back roads and open mountain paths, not tarmac greenway, and there is no segregation from the occasional car on the road sections. You pass through the centre of the Sperrins and the Glenelly Valley, with views toward Sawel and Dart, the highest peaks in the county. Barnes Gap itself is a striking glacial overflow channel worth the visit on its own.

Free Waymarked Sperrin Mountains Glenelly Valley Barnes Gap car park Toilets at start
Good to know before you go:

Greenways and trails across NI host seasonal sportives, family cycle days and ranger-led walks; check listings for dates near you.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🚲Bikes (or hire on the day)Check whether you bring your own or can hire at the start.
  • 🪖Helmets for everyoneEspecially the kids — a comfy helmet makes the whole spin better.
  • 💧Water and snacksNot every route has a café on it, so pack a little something.
  • 🧥A light layerYou warm up cycling but cool down at stops — easy to peel on and off.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Cost
Free
Start / parking
Barnes Gap car park, junction of Landahussy & Mullaghbane Roads off the B47 Glenelly Road, between Plumbridge and Cranagh (toilets on site)
Distance
Full way approx 48-55km (Gortin to Moneyneany); families typically walk a short out-and-back section
Surface
Mix of quiet back roads and open mountain paths (not tarmac greenway)
Gradient
Hilly and exposed; around 540m of climbing over the full route
Traffic-free?
No - partly on quiet back roads, so not a segregated traffic-free trail
Bike hire
None
Buggy / scooter friendly
No - hill paths and rough surfaces are not suitable for buggies or scooters
Toilets / food
Toilets at Barnes Gap car park; no cafe at the trailhead, bring your own food and water
How long to allow
1-2 hours for a short family walk; the full way is a 1-2 day expedition
Address
Barnes Gap, Glenelly Road (B47), Plumbridge, Co. Tyrone
Questions

Before you go

Is it free?
Free
How long is the route?
Full way approx 48-55km (Gortin to Moneyneany); families typically walk a short out-and-back section
Is it traffic-free?
No - partly on quiet back roads, so not a segregated traffic-free trail
Can I hire a bike?
None
Is it buggy and scooter friendly?
No - hill paths and rough surfaces are not suitable for buggies or scooters
Getting there

Central Sperrins Way starts at Barnes Gap car park, junction of Landahussy & Mullaghbane Roads off the B47 Glenelly Road, between Plumbridge and Cranagh (toilets on site). Tap below for directions to the start.

Directions on Google Maps See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around PlumbridgeSee what else is close by More greenways & trails across NITraffic-free routes to walk and cycle
The story

About this trail

The Central Sperrins Way is a waymarked long-distance trail running through the heart of the Sperrin Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty straddling Tyrone and Derry. It forms Stage 17 of the Ulster Way, the round-the-province walking route, and links Gortin in the west with Moneyneany in the east via Plumbridge, Cranagh and the Glenelly Valley.

Its natural midpoint is Barnes Gap, one of two glacial overflow channels in the Sperrins, carved when meltwater forced its way through the hills at the end of the last Ice Age. The car park there occupies the site of the former Barnes National School. From this point several shorter circular walks branch off, including the Craignamaddy Circuit and the Vinegar Hill Loop.

The route is fully signed with waymarked posts and directional arrows, following a mix of quiet country roads and open hill paths beneath Sawel and Dart, the county's highest summits.