The best road cycling routes around Appletee
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77
rides
Road cycling around Appletee offers a diverse landscape for cyclists. The region features a mix of forest trails, coastal roads, and routes passing through historic estates and villages. Terrain includes rolling hills and some more challenging ascents, providing varied experiences for different skill levels.
Best road cycling routes around Appletee
- The most popular road cycling route is Glenariff Forest loop from Ballymena, a 45.5 miles (73.2 km) trail that takes 3 hours 28 minutes to complete. This route exploresβ¦
Last updated: June 26, 2026
42
riders
73.2km
03:28
690m
690m
The Glenariff Forest loop from Ballymena offers a rewarding road cycling experience through the scenic Antrim Coast & Glens. You will cover 45.5 miles (73.2 km) with a significant elevationβ¦
37
riders
116km
05:11
1,000m
1,000m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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15
riders
84.3km
04:06
760m
760m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
53.5km
02:21
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
72.9km
03:18
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Appletee
Tips from the Community
A row of terraced houses just outside the town of Randalstown. An important military location, these houses could've been used as barracks or staff housing. The symmetry of these houses is very pleasing as you ride past.
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An old-fashioned marina in a fishing village. An idyllic place to stop during the long walk on this stretch of the CCR.
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Antrim Castle Gardens are an absolute historical gem. You will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Walk into the past as you stroll around this magnificent setting, visiting beautiful features such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyshipβs Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene family. It provides a fantastic opportunity to come and learn about garden history how the lives of the key family members intertwine with the development of Antrim town and the surrounding areas.
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Nice small town to walk around and some great history of Randalstown
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Antrim Castle Gardens is the perfect place for a jog. It has flat gravel paths throughout as well as a wonderful medley of landmarks to discover such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Here you can discover the beauty of Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House. There's many beautiful landmarks along the way such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Start your walk off in the picturesque seaside village of Glenarm in County Antrim. There are a number of enjoyable things to do here such as visit the mighty Glenarm Castle, discover one of the many fantastic small eateries and bars, or take a walk down the marina.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Appletee?
There are over 80 road cycling routes documented around Appletee on komoot, offering a wide range of experiences for cyclists of all levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling in Appletee?
The Appletee region offers a diverse landscape for road cyclists. You'll find a mix of forest trails, scenic coastal roads, and routes that pass through historic estates and charming villages. The terrain includes both rolling hills and some more challenging ascents.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Appletee?
Yes, Appletee has a good selection of routes suitable for beginners. Out of the 83 available routes, 26 are rated as easy. These routes often feature gentler gradients and less demanding distances, perfect for those new to road cycling or looking for a relaxed ride.
Which routes offer coastal views in Appletee?
For stunning coastal views, consider the Cushendun Village β Waterfoot Beach loop from Ballymena. This route is a more challenging option but rewards cyclists with beautiful seaside scenery and passes through coastal villages.
Are there any challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Cushendun Village β Waterfoot Beach loop from Ballymena are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gain and longer distances. Overall, 2 routes in the region are classified as difficult, and 55 as moderate.
What are some popular loop routes for road cycling in Appletee?
Many of the region's best road cycling experiences are loop routes. Popular options include the Glenariff Forest loop from Ballymena, which explores a scenic forest area, and the Glenarm Castle β Larne Town Centre loop from Ballymena, which takes you through historic estates and town centers.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Appletee?
The road cycling routes in Appletee are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from forest paths to coastal stretches and historic parklands, and the variety of options for different skill levels.
Are there road cycling routes that pass through historic sites or villages?
Yes, several routes offer a glimpse into the region's history and charm. The Glenarm Castle β Larne Town Centre loop from Ballymena leads through historic estates and town centers. Another option is the Antrim Castle Gardens β Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Ballymena, which passes by notable historical landmarks.
What is the typical distance for road cycling routes in Appletee?
The distances for road cycling routes in Appletee vary significantly. For example, the popular Glenariff Forest loop from Ballymena is about 45.5 miles (73.2 km), while the more challenging Cushendun Village β Waterfoot Beach loop from Ballymena covers 75.3 miles (121.2 km). You'll find routes ranging from shorter, easier rides to longer, more demanding excursions.
Are there road cycling routes that explore forest areas?
Yes, the Appletee region is known for its beautiful forest paths. A prime example is the Glenariff Forest loop from Ballymena, which allows cyclists to immerse themselves in the scenic Glenariff Forest area.
Can I find routes that are suitable for a family road cycling outing?
While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always available, the 26 easy-rated routes in Appletee are generally more suitable for families or those cycling with children. These routes typically have less traffic and gentler gradients, making for a more enjoyable and safer experience.
What are some of the longer road cycling routes in the Appletee area?
For longer rides, the Cushendun Village β Waterfoot Beach loop from Ballymena is one of the longest, spanning 75.3 miles (121.2 km). Another substantial option is the Glenarm Castle β Larne Town Centre loop from Ballymena, which is 52.4 miles (84.3 km) long.
Most popular routes around Appletee
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