Things to Do in Ballymena
Ballymena, a region in the heart of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, presents a diverse landscape ideal for outdoor pursuits. Its varied terrain encompasses dramatic natural features like volcanic peaks, dense forests, and river valleys, providing a compelling setting for activities. The area offers opportunities for several sports like touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, jogging, and more, with easy access to the wider Antrim Coast and Glens.
Things to Do in Ballymena
Ballymena provides a wide array of outdoor activities, with…
95
Routes
4.6
(203)
Average rating
1787
People visited
4.7
(77)
445
hikers
4.56km
01:21
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(45)
360
hikers
9.60km
02:47
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
35
hikers
8.72km
02:20
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
7.44km
02:03
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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44
riders
73.2km
03:28
690m
690m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
37
riders
116km
05:11
1,000m
1,000m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
34
riders
81.5km
03:45
830m
830m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.7
(39)
21
riders
36.6km
01:32
260m
260m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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10
riders
65.2km
04:09
770m
770m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
81.6km
05:10
880m
870m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
37.2km
02:27
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
riders
45.4km
03:10
440m
440m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
5
riders
42.8km
03:07
750m
750m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
31.3km
02:23
370m
370m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
15.3km
01:10
240m
240m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
114
runners
9.06km
01:01
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
13
runners
8.64km
00:54
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
runners
10.3km
01:05
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
runners
7.82km
00:49
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Ballymena?
Ballymena offers a variety of outdoor activities, including touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, jogging, and mountain biking. The region features over 200 routes across these sports, catering to different preferences.
What are the most popular hiking trails in Ballymena?
Popular hiking options include the climb up Slemish Mountain, which offers panoramic views. Glenariff Forest Park provides trails with waterfalls and elevated boardwalks. The Ecos Nature Park also features over 5 miles (8 km) of walking paths through diverse landscapes.
Are there cycling routes suitable for touring bikes in Ballymena?
Ballymena offers various routes for touring cyclists, including the Ecos Cycle Trail, a 17-mile route between Ballymena and Glenarm. Other options include routes along the Antrim Coast & Glens, such as the Broughshane to Waterfoot loop. More details can be found in the Cycling in Ballymena guide.
Where can I find road cycling routes in Ballymena?
The Ballymena region provides varied terrain for road cycling, including routes along the Antrim Coast & Glens. Examples include the Broughshane to Waterfoot loop and the Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop. The Road Cycling Routes in Ballymena guide offers further information.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Ballymena?
Yes, Ballymena offers family-friendly hiking options. The Ecos Nature Park provides well-maintained paths suitable for leisurely strolls. Additionally, komoot offers a specific guide for Family-friendly hikes in Ballymena.
What natural landmarks can be found in Ballymena?
A prominent natural landmark is Slemish Mountain, an extinct volcano offering 360-degree views from its summit. Glenariff Forest Park features notable waterfalls like the Inver River Waterfall and Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall. These areas provide diverse natural beauty.
How popular are Ballymena's outdoor routes on komoot?
Ballymena's outdoor routes are popular, with more than 21,000 visitors sharing their experiences on komoot. The routes have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, indicating high satisfaction among users.
Are there traffic-free cycling routes in Ballymena?
Yes, Ballymena offers traffic-free cycling options. The Ecos Cycle Trail includes sections of traffic-free paths within the Ecos Millennium Environmental Centre. Komoot provides guides for Traffic-free bike rides in Ballymena for both touring and road cycling.
Where can one go jogging in Ballymena?
Ballymena is well-suited for jogging, with trails in Ecos Nature Park providing well-maintained paths through woodlands and around a lake. Various riverbank loops and parklands also serve as excellent jogging routes. A guide for Running Trails in Ballymena is available.
Are there mountain biking trails in Ballymena?
Yes, Ballymena offers mountain biking opportunities. Komoot provides a dedicated guide for MTB Trails in Ballymena, detailing suitable routes for mountain bikers in the region.
What komoot guides are available for Ballymena?
Komoot offers several guides for Ballymena, including Cycling in Ballymena, Hiking in Ballymena, and Running Trails in Ballymena. Specific guides for family-friendly hikes, waterfall hikes, and traffic-free bike rides are also available.
How can I find more information about Ballymena?
More information about Ballymena and its attractions can be found on the official tourism website for the wider Mid & East Antrim area. The website is www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/tourism/things-to-do/. The Ballymena Visitor Information Centre can be reached at +44 (0) 28 2568 9430.
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