The best road cycling routes around Crookedstone

There are over 115 road cycling routes available around Crookedstone, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find routes varying from easy to challenging.

Yes, Crookedstone offers several easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Antrim Castle Gardens – Antrim Castle Ruins loop from Crumlin is an easy 24.4-mile (39.4 km) route with moderate elevation gain, perfect for a more relaxed ride.

For those seeking a challenge, routes like the Antrim Castle Ruins – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Antrim offer significant climbs, reaching over 2,636 feet (804 meters) in elevation over 65.7 miles (105.7 km). Another demanding option is the Antrim Castle Gardens – Glenarm Castle loop from Antrim, which covers over 62 miles (100 km) with substantial elevation.

Road cycling routes around Crookedstone traverse varied landscapes, including rural roads, areas with some elevation gain, and scenic countryside. You can expect a mix of moderate climbs and flatter sections, offering diverse views and riding experiences.

Many routes pass by notable attractions. For instance, you can cycle past Antrim Castle Gardens, explore the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim, or see historical sites like the Antrim Round Tower. The routes offer opportunities to combine cycling with sightseeing.

The road cycling routes in Crookedstone are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 14 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the mix of moderate climbs and rural roads, and the opportunities to explore historical sites and natural features.

Yes, many of the popular road cycling routes around Crookedstone are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Divis Mountain & Antrim Castle loop from Antrim and the Antrim Castle Ruins – Randalstown Heritage Houses loop from Antrim.

Route lengths vary significantly. You can find shorter rides, such as the Antrim Castle Ruins – Randalstown Heritage Houses loop from Antrim at 28.6 miles (46.1 km), or longer excursions like the Antrim Castle Ruins – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Antrim, which is 65.7 miles (105.7 km).

While the guide focuses on road cycling, which often involves shared roads, some easier and shorter loop routes with less elevation might be suitable for families with older children or those comfortable cycling on rural roads. Always check the route details for specific conditions and traffic levels.

Many routes in the Crookedstone area pass through or near towns and villages where you can find cafes, shops, or other establishments for refreshments. For example, the Antrim Castle Ruins – The Rinkha Ice Cream Parlour loop from Antrim explicitly mentions an ice cream parlour in its name, indicating potential stops along the way.

The region offers enjoyable cycling conditions through much of the year. Spring and summer generally provide the most pleasant weather for road cycling, with longer daylight hours. However, the diverse terrain means routes can be explored in various seasons, depending on personal preference and weather conditions.