The best road cycling routes around Barnish

There are over 90 road cycling routes available around the area referred to as Barnish, primarily exploring regions like Antrim, Divis Mountain, and the Lough Shore. These routes offer a variety of experiences for different skill levels.

The routes in this area cater to various skill levels. You'll find 26 easy routes, 59 moderate routes, and 6 more challenging difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners to experienced cyclists.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in this region are designed as loops. For example, the Divis Mountain & Antrim Castle loop from Antrim is a popular moderate route that takes you through diverse landscapes and offers significant elevation gain.

The routes offer varied scenery, from open country to areas with historical points of interest. You can expect views of Divis Mountain, the Lough Shore, and routes passing by historical sites like Antrim Castle. A good example is the View of Lough Shore loop from Antrim, which provides scenic vistas.

While specific 'family-friendly' routes are not explicitly categorized, the area offers 26 easy-grade routes that might be suitable for families looking for less challenging rides. These routes typically have less elevation gain and shorter distances.

The road cycling routes around Barnish are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 2 reviews. Cyclists often appreciate the varied terrain, the loops exploring areas like Divis Mountain and the Lough Shore, and the opportunities to experience both open country and historical sites.

Along the routes, you can explore several interesting landmarks. These include the historic Antrim Castle Gardens, the scenic Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim, and the ancient Antrim Round Tower. You might also pass by Randalstown Forest or the unique The Protector of the Lough monument.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking longer distances and more elevation, routes like the Antrim Castle Ruins – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Antrim offer a moderate challenge over 65.7 miles (105.7 km) with significant elevation gain. Another option is the Antrim Castle Gardens – Glenarm Castle loop from Antrim, which is over 100 km long.

Certainly. The Antrim Castle Ruins – Randalstown Heritage Houses loop from Antrim is a moderate 28.6-mile (46.1 km) trail specifically designed to lead through areas featuring heritage houses, offering a cultural aspect to your ride.

Route durations vary significantly based on distance and difficulty. For example, a moderate route like the Divis Mountain & Antrim Castle loop from Antrim typically takes around 3 hours 5 minutes, while shorter routes can be completed in about 2 hours.

While specific parking locations are not detailed in the route descriptions, most routes start and end in Antrim, suggesting that parking facilities would be available within or on the outskirts of the town, or at designated trailheads for popular loops.