The best road cycling routes around Ballymoney

There are 6 road cycling routes around Ballymoney listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.

Road cycling around Ballymoney offers diverse landscapes, from quiet country lanes and scenic river valleys to more demanding sections with varied elevation. The terrain includes mostly paved surfaces, traversing areas like the Ballymoney River, the Maine and Bush River Valleys, and significant peatland resources. You'll find options ranging from moderate to difficult.

Yes, Ballymoney is part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 96, also known as the Causeway Gateway route. This route offers mainly flat and traffic-free sections, particularly along the Ballymoney River through Riverside Park, making it suitable for all abilities, including families.

The region around Ballymoney is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can explore areas like the Ballymoney River and Riverside Park, or the picturesque Maine and Bush River Valleys. Some routes may pass by the Learmount Castle, or offer views towards the Sperrin Road and Altnaheglish Reservoir. For those seeking coastal views, Route 96 links to the Causeway Coast Cycle Route (NCN 93), which features stunning scenery including historic ruins like Dunluce Castle.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Draperstown, Gortin and Plumbridge loop — Sperrins (63.6 miles) and the Lough Neagh loop from Dungiven - Sperrins (59.9 miles) offer significant elevation gain and challenging climbs. Another difficult option is the Lough Lark – Goles Stone Row loop from Feeny Road Bus Stop, which is 67.8 miles long.

The road cycling routes around Ballymoney are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from quiet country lanes to scenic river valleys, and the variety of routes catering to different ability levels.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Ballymoney are designed as loops. Examples include the Draperstown, Gortin and Plumbridge loop — Sperrins, the Lough Neagh loop from Dungiven - Sperrins, and the Lough Lark – Goles Stone Row loop from Feeny Road Bus Stop, all offering comprehensive circular experiences.

Absolutely. For those looking for a moderate challenge, routes such as the Roadbike loop from Feeny (48.2 km) and the Learmount Wood loop from Claudy (31.3 km) provide enjoyable rides with manageable elevation gains.

While specific seasonal data isn't available, the diverse landscapes of Ballymoney can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and summer generally offer the most favorable weather conditions for road cycling, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable.

Ballymoney is recognized for its internationally important peatland resources, including lowland raised bogs like Garry Bog and blanket bogs such as Slievanorra and Croaghan. These ancient landscapes, up to 10,000 years old, host unique plants and animals, offering opportunities for nature observation. You can learn more about these unique ecosystems via the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council website.

While specific public transport links to all trailheads are not detailed, Ballymoney is a well-connected town. The National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 96 connects Ballymoney and Coleraine, suggesting accessibility between these towns. For routes starting further afield, like the Lough Lark – Goles Stone Row loop from Feeny Road Bus Stop, the mention of a bus stop in the route name indicates some public transport access points.