The best cycling routes around Antrim

Antrim offers a diverse range of touring cycling experiences. You'll find everything from gentle rail trails, like the Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail Loop, to more challenging gravel loops with significant elevation gains. The region features a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, catering to various preferences and skill levels.

Yes, Antrim has options suitable for families. Routes with minimal elevation gain, such as the Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail Loop, are ideal for a relaxed ride with children. These routes often follow rail trails, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience away from heavy traffic.

Antrim's touring cycling routes offer breathtaking scenery. Along the coast, you'll encounter spectacular cliffs, green fields, and charming towns, especially on sections of the renowned Causeway Coastal Route. Inland, the Glens of Antrim provide forest-covered hills, deep valleys, and dramatic waterfalls like those in Glenariff Forest Park. Many routes also pass by natural reserves and rivers.

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Antrim offers routes with substantial climbing and varied terrain. Examples include the Greenfield State Park to Wapack National Wildlife Refuge loop, which covers 27.3 miles with significant elevation changes, and the Deering Habitat Reserve and Contoocook River gravel loop, known for its gravel paths and natural reserves.

Antrim is rich in historical and natural attractions. You can cycle past sites like Carrickfergus Castle, a 12th-century Norman fortress, or explore the beautiful gardens of Glenarm Castle. The iconic Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its unique basalt columns, is a must-see along the coast. For wildlife enthusiasts, Rathlin Island, accessible by ferry, is home to Ireland's largest seabird colony.

The best time for touring cycling in Antrim is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is milder, and daylight hours are longer, making for more pleasant riding conditions. The Glens of Antrim are particularly lush in spring and summer, while coastal routes offer stunning views year-round, though can be windier in colder months.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Antrim are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Deering Lake to Francestown gravel loop offers a circular experience through varied terrain. These circular routes are convenient for day trips and exploring specific areas.

Touring cycling routes in Antrim vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter, easier loops like the Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail Loop, which is about 12.2 miles (19.6 km) and takes around 1 hour 28 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Pleasant Pond loop from Bennington, can extend over 26 miles (41.8 km) and take several hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

While many outdoor areas in Antrim are dog-friendly, specific rules for cycling routes can vary. Generally, if your dog is well-behaved and can keep pace, or if you have a suitable dog trailer, you can bring them on many trails. Always ensure your dog is on a leash where required and check local regulations for specific parks or reserves you plan to visit, such as Glenariff Forest Park.

Yes, Antrim is well-suited for longer touring cycling trips, especially by incorporating sections of the 100-mile Causeway Coastal Route. This allows cyclists to experience spectacular cliffs, rolling green fields, and historic sites over multiple days. You can also cycle inland through the Glens of Antrim on quieter back roads to extend your journey and explore the diverse landscapes.

The terrain on Antrim's touring cycling routes is quite varied. You'll encounter flat, easy rail trails, undulating paved roads, and challenging gravel paths. Many routes feature rolling hills, and some difficult ones include significant climbs, particularly in the Glens of Antrim. Be prepared for a mix of surfaces, from smooth tarmac to rougher gravel, depending on your chosen route.

There are several touring cycling routes available in Antrim, offering diverse experiences for cyclists. This guide highlights some of the top options, but the region's extensive network of roads and trails provides many more opportunities for exploration on two wheels.