The Borderlands Cycle
Visit WebsiteSchedule
| Saturday 08 August 2026 | 10:00am |
The Borderlands Cycle is a road and gravel cycling event set in the spectacular Mac Nean Valley and the surrounding hills of Cavan, Fermanagh and Leitrim. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Mac Nean lakes and hills, the area provides the ideal setting for a cycling event of this scale.
Four routes are available – 55km, 65km, 85km and 100km – catering for everyone from novice cyclists to experienced gravel riders, with a mix of road, gravel and challenging climbs throughout.
Route 1: The Banbh
Despite its headline distance, this route offers a solid challenge. Riders follow the route of the Black Piglet before turning left in Kiltyclogher to avoid some of the tougher climbs. At “The Rainbow”, the main road is followed, avoiding the 25% climb, before rejoining the route through Blacklion and returning to Belcoo.
Distance: 55km
Climbing: 600m
Route 2: The Black Piglet
This route takes in the forests of Ballintempo and Carrigan before crossing the border to Kiltyclogher for food. Riders then pass MacDiarmada’s homestead, follow the shores of Lough Mac Nean via Glenfarne Demesne and continue on to “The Rainbow” before returning to Belcoo on scenic back roads.
Distance: 65km
Climbing: 1,100m
Route 3: The Black Pig
Incorporating Belmore and Big Dog Forests, this route includes the full Black Piglet loop with more gravel, more hills and more lakes. It is a significant challenge with extensive climbing and impressive scenery around the shores of Lough Mac Nean.
Distance: 85km
Climbing: 1,400m
Route 4: The Full Boar
From Kiltyclogher, riders turn right and tackle the gravel climb to the top of Saddle Hill. The Full Boar is a demanding route that circumnavigates the beautiful Lough Mac Nean, offering a tough challenge matched by outstanding scenery throughout.
Distance: 100km
Climbing: 1,700m