Far and Wild
Connecting with spectacular places in the North West of Ireland
Part of a worldwide movement of leading outdoor organizations developing the frontiers of environmental learning.
What does that mean for us, based in the North West of Ireland? Here, the clues to our survival as a species are literally under our feet- in the rivers, rocks, stories and people that visitors discover through outdoor adventure. Our ancient values and traditions address the changes needed to support our planet long-term. Our outdoor instructors and ecologists expose you to what has always been indigenous to our culture- respect for nature, our ancestors and living sustainably yesterday, tomorrow and today.
Prices from
Guided
£ 80
Self-Guided
£ 40
Overview
Tour Operator Far and Wild
Tracing the ancient routes of settlers back to the Bronze age in Ireland
Each route offers progressive distances and options to complete longer or shorter journeys, depending on your energy levels. Cycle Sperrins suggests great places to eat and overnight, nestled in the hearts of communities through the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Included on our guided tours are the National Geographic listed (Top 10 Drives in the World) Glenelly Valley, the iconic Beaghmore Stone circle, fishing rivers, foraging and local food producers, pre-Christian and Christian monuments and sites, friendly hostelries and pubs, camping locations and cyclists rests!
The location of Cycle Sperrins includes counties Derry and Tyrone and the moderate hills (max 350m) in the centre of historic Ulster. The area was settled from early Bronze age times and comprises an adventurous tour through a wide range of fascinating archaeological sites. Small and minor roads provide hundreds of kilometers of accessible road-way perfect for cycle touring, guaranteeing that your Cycle Sperrins experience is off the beaten track.
Stay local, eat fresh and enjoy a healthy break in the secret that is the Sperrins with Cycle Sperrins. Cycle Sperrins is a unique cycle route visiting a number of local tourism businesses including Dart Mountain Cheese, Butterlope Farm, Bradkeel Social Farm, Ballynasollus Cottage, Gortin Activity Centre, Broughderg Tourism Centre, An Carn, and Benone Glamping.
Journeying through historic Ulster on a bike is a great way to go back to your roots and explore the hidden landscape at as leisurely a pace as you like. The small businesses we work with are run by local families and reflect the cultural heritage of the Sperrins area- which is diverse and varied.
A Cycle Sperrins tour is a relaxing unwind- after a few days in the hills you will have a new perspective on life- guaranteed!
Prices from
Guided
£ 70
Overview
Tour Operator Far and Wild
Far and Wild are now including food delights as part of their unique ‘slow adventure’ experiences.
Our Foodie City Cycle of the city takes in two great culinary experiences in a 2 hour cycle ride, focusing on quality local produce and some gentle exercise in between servings.
Our partners in great culinary services include examples like Pyke N’ Pommes Pod, Brón, and The Cottage who offer samples of their freshest fare to our tour participants.
The tour includes an historic view of the inner city and surrounding sites and can be tailored to your interests on request.
So get into slow, quality, locally-sourced food and a bit of exercise to work in all off with a new Foodie City Cycle Tour with Far and Wild- and avail of our introductory rate while it is going!
Prices from
Guided
£ 50
Overview
Tour Operator Far and Wild
Coille Dhoire Cycle Tour
Our latest tour, new for 2024 – Coille Dhoire – or the ‘Derry Woodland’ Cycle Tour, is a culinary biking adventure following the trail of the famous Oak Tree that gives Derry its ancient name. This 2 hour experience is a pleasant 10 mile round trip with inputs on ecological heritage en-route and relaxing bespoke refreshments at the half-way stage in the Arboretum area of Brookhall Estate.
Our expert local guide will accompany you from St Columbus Park in the heart of the Derry’s buzzing centre along the Foyle Greenway. You will cycle across the Peace Bridge and along the River Feabhail (or Foyle in English), an estuary with a celebrated legacy of Atlantic Salmon which forms the basis of native food progeny.
The river provides the context for the settlement of Doire or Derry, a wooded island whose settlement dates from pre-christian times and which derives its name from the totemic oak tree, or Dair in the Irish language. After a 20-30 easy cycle downriver to Brookhall Estate, you will visit some of the most unique trees in the river’s catchment. In the Arboretum, light refreshments including a hot beverage and a finger buffet with a range of local artist foods are on offer as part of the tour.
On your return cycle back to the city you will cross back from the west to the east bank of the river, learning about the inspiring and memorable foundation myth which gives the river is name. Derived from the Celtic and Irish Sea- God, this origin myth tells the story that brings the Coille Dhoire, or Derry Woodland to life.
Enjoy 2hrs of sightseeing, stories, laughter and fine food on our Coille Dhoire Cycle Tour.