The best road cycling routes around Ballymoney

There are over 540 road cycling routes around Ballymoney, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a wide selection, from easy park loops to more challenging long-distance rides.

Road cycling around Ballymoney offers diverse landscapes. You'll encounter mostly paved surfaces, quiet country lanes, and routes with significant elevation gains for those seeking a challenge. The region features river valleys, forests, and proximity to the stunning Causeway Coast.

Yes, Ballymoney offers routes suitable for all abilities. The National Cycle Network Route 96, for instance, provides traffic-free sections along the Ballymoney River through Riverside Park, which is generally flat and ideal for families. Overall, there are 81 easy routes available.

The routes around Ballymoney primarily feature paved surfaces, including country lanes and quiet roads. This makes them suitable for road bikes. For example, the dedicated Ballymoney Cycle Route largely uses these types of surfaces, offering picturesque views.

Many routes offer breathtaking scenery. You can cycle past the beautiful Lissanoure Castle Estate, enjoy coastal views towards Whiterocks Beach and Dunluce Castle, or explore ancient sites like Dooey's Cairn. The region is also close to the Causeway Coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and offers views of the Maine and Bush River Valleys. For specific natural beauty, consider highlights like Cave Hill or the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park Rose Garden and Stone Monoliths.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Ballymoney offers routes with substantial elevation gains. There are 32 difficult routes, such as the demanding Shaw's Bridge – Picnic Café loop from Balmoral, which covers 91.5 miles with significant climbing. More challenging loops around Carnlough Harbour and Glennariff Forest Park also require good to very good fitness.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 110 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from quiet country lanes to coastal views, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities.

Yes, several suggested road cycling loops originate from Ballymoney. These include a moderate 29.3-mile loop to Whiterocks Beach and Dunluce Castle, and a 20.3-mile loop to Dooey's Cairn. The dedicated Ballymoney Cycle Route is also designed as a 25.4-mile loop, best ridden anti-clockwise for optimal scenic vistas.

Beyond natural beauty, you can explore historical sites like Dunluce Castle, a spectacular landmark overlooking the sea. Within Belfast, accessible from some routes, you can find Belfast City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock, and Shaw's Bridge.

Yes, many routes incorporate parks and green spaces. Within Ballymoney, Riverside Park offers pleasant riverside cycling. Routes like the Ormeau Park – Ormeau Park loop from Balmoral provide a pleasant ride through parkland, and the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park – Lagan Towpath loop from Balmoral leads through varied park and riverside scenery.

Yes, for those looking for longer rides, routes like the Shaw's Bridge – Picnic Café loop from Balmoral offer a substantial 91.5-mile journey. The region's integration into the National Cycle Network also allows for connections to longer routes like the Causeway Coast Cycle Route (NCN 93).