Cross Lake Loop

Level: Easy

Distance: 8km (height gain: 40m)

This gentle loop takes in a variety of terrain, including sandy beaches, tracks and very quiet roads. It follows a variation of the Cross Beach Loop, which is signposted with blue arrows. A hybrid bike is ideal for the mixed terrain, but most road bikes will manage the grassy tracks and sections of hard sand. As you cycle south along the beach, there are wonderful views over to the Inishkea Islands and the tiny island of Inishglora, the resting place of the mythical Children of Lir.

Pit-stop: The nearby town of Belmullet has a good variety of shops, cafés and pubs. There are plenty of really nice potential picnic stops along the route, too — look out for the picnic tables on the northwestern shore of Cross Lake.