The best road cycling routes around Ballykeel

There are nearly 100 road cycling routes around Ballykeel, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has contributed 96 routes in total, ensuring a wide selection for your ride.

Yes, Ballykeel offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. There are 17 routes specifically graded as easy. A good option to start with is the Motte loop from Ballymena, which is a shorter, less challenging ride.

For those seeking a challenge, Ballykeel features several demanding routes, including 3 graded as difficult. The Cushendun Village – Waterfoot Beach loop from Ballymena is a particularly long and difficult option, offering extensive coastal views and significant elevation changes over 75.3 miles (121.2 km).

Road cycling routes around Ballykeel offer diverse scenery, from the lush landscapes of Glenariff Forest to the dramatic vistas of the Antrim coastline. You'll encounter a mix of forest paths, coastal roads, and rolling hills, often passing through rural areas and historical sites.

The road cycling experience in Ballykeel is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the varied terrain, from challenging climbs in the Glens of Antrim to scenic coastal stretches, and the well-maintained road network that allows access to both natural beauty and historical points of interest.

Many of the road cycling routes in Ballykeel are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the popular Glenariff Forest loop from Ballymena is a moderate circular route exploring varied terrain.

The best time for road biking in Ballykeel is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and more predictable. Summer months offer the longest daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially for coastal routes where conditions can change rapidly.

Yes, several routes incorporate historical sites. The Glenarm Castle – Larne Town Centre loop from Ballymena, for instance, leads through varied landscapes and past historical sites like Glenarm Castle. Another route, the Antrim Castle Gardens – Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Ballymena, takes you past significant historical landmarks.

Parking availability varies depending on the specific starting point of your chosen route. In Ballykeel and surrounding towns like Ballymena, you can typically find public car parks. For routes starting in more rural areas or at specific attractions, dedicated parking facilities may be available, though it's always advisable to check in advance.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Ballykeel pass through or near towns and villages where you can find cafes, shops, and other establishments for refreshments. Coastal routes, in particular, often have stops in charming seaside villages. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify potential stops along the way.

Ballykeel's road cycling routes feature varied elevation changes. While some routes offer gentle undulations, particularly in more rural areas, others extend into the Glens of Antrim, presenting more significant climbs and descents. Routes like the Cushendun Village – Waterfoot Beach loop from Ballymena can involve over 1000 meters of elevation gain, offering a good workout.

The region is known for its scenic beauty, especially along the Antrim coastline and within areas like Glenariff Forest. Many routes offer stunning viewpoints, particularly those that hug the coast or climb into the Glens, providing panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. The Cushendun Village – Waterfoot Beach loop from Ballymena is noted for its extensive coastal views.