Common Questions About Towpath Cycling

Yes — the 90km route follows the waterway the entire way, so you're never dealing with serious climbs. Most of it's on dedicated towpath, canal-side tracks, or quiet country roads. We've had riders in their 70s and 80s complete sections comfortably at their own pace.

Not at all. Our groups are self-paced, which means you ride at your own speed — there's no pressure to keep up with anyone else. If you've ridden a bike in the last few years, you're fine. We handle all the navigation and logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery.

A hybrid, gravel, or road bike works well. Avoid narrow road tyres — you want something with a bit of grip for towpath surfaces. We can recommend rental options in Leitrim if you don't have your own, and we'll brief you on basic maintenance before you go.

Our Discovery Rides are 4–6 hours with a lunch break, and you choose your own distance. On the longer Blueway tours, days are typically 30–40km. You don't have to do the full route — many riders drop out at a halfway point or take a support vehicle for part of the day. It's entirely flexible.

We arrange accommodation in small, comfortable guesthouses along the route and handle all the planning — you just show up and ride. We'll also arrange luggage transfer between stops if you're doing a multi-day tour, so you only carry a small rucksack.

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal — the weather's mild, days are long, and there's less traffic. Summer can be warm but busy; winter's quieter but shorter days mean less riding time. Read more in our guide to best seasons for Shannon Erne cycling .