Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Road cycling routes
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Moyle

Ballymacdoe

The best road cycling routes around Ballymacdoe

5.0

(1)

375

riders

27

rides

Road cycling routes around Ballymacdoe are situated within the Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland, offering diverse terrain for cyclists. The area features coastal roads with views of Red Bay and the Sea of Moyle, alongside routes that ascend into the surrounding mountains. Cyclists can expect varied landscapes, including rolling green hills and dramatic glens, characteristic of this rural Irish region. The roads provide a mix of challenging climbs and scenic stretches.

Best road cycling routes around Ballymacdoe

  • The most…

Last updated: May 1, 2026

5.0

(1)

79

riders

#1.

Glenarm Castle – Carnlough Harbour loop from Waterfoot

77.7km

03:20

400m

400m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 23 more rides around Ballymacdoe.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Ballymacdoe

Cycling around Ballymacdoe

Running Trails around Ballymacdoe

Hiking around Ballymacdoe

Tips from the Community

Yummy
November 1, 2025, Chaine Memorial Tower

The tower is an exact replica of an Irish round tower and is 27 m high and 7.5 m wide at the base.

Translated by Google

2

0

Puffin
November 1, 2025, Chaine Memorial Tower

The Chaine Memorial Tower, or "The Pencil" as it is known locally, is an impressive lighthouse made of Irish granite, built in 1887 as a memorial to James Chaine, the developer of Larne Harbour. The tower was converted into a lighthouse by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in March 1899.

Translated by Google

3

0

For walkers, Waterfoot is a pleasant alternative to the main road, as it passes close to the beach and behind the dunes, with beautiful views and no traffic.

Translated by Google

1

0

An old-fashioned marina in a fishing village. An idyllic place to stop during the long walk on this stretch of the CCR.

Translated by Google

2

0

Affectionately known as ‘The Pencil’ The granite tower was built in 1887 as a memorial to James Chaine, the Harbour's developer. It's an accurate replica of an Irish Round Tower and was converted into a lighthouse by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1899. Has stood like a sentinel over the Lough ever since.

0

0

Beautiful little harbour located in the seaside village of Cushendun. The Mary McBrides across the road from here sells delicious food and real ales. There is also a café and convenience store nearby where you can pick up some snacks and take a respite on the sandy shore nearby.

2

0

Especially nice and interesting at low tide

Translated by Google

0

2

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.

3

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Ballymacdoe?

Road cycling routes in Ballymacdoe, located within the Glens of Antrim, offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find coastal roads with stunning views of Red Bay and the Sea of Moyle, as well as routes that ascend into the surrounding mountains. Expect a mix of rolling green hills, dramatic glens, and both challenging climbs and scenic, flatter stretches.

Are there routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easier ride?

Yes, Ballymacdoe offers a variety of routes for different skill levels. While many routes feature challenging climbs, there are also options for easier rides. For instance, komoot lists 2 easy routes and 17 moderate routes, providing choices for those seeking a less strenuous experience.

Can I find circular road cycling routes in Ballymacdoe?

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Ballymacdoe are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Glenarm Castle – Carnlough Harbour loop from Waterfoot and the Glenariff Descent – Glenarm Castle loop from Waterfoot.

What are some scenic viewpoints or natural features I can see along the routes?

The routes around Ballymacdoe are rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy breathtaking sea views of Red Bay, the Sea of Moyle, and even Scotland in the distance. Mountain vistas are also common. Specific natural attractions include the Cushendun Caves and several waterfalls like Inver River Waterfall and Cranny Falls, which can be explored nearby.

Are there any routes that offer views towards Torr Head?

Yes, the Waterfoot Beach – View of Torr Head loop from Waterfoot is a great option for coastal cycling with views towards Torr Head. This route covers approximately 38.4 miles (61.8 km) and offers stunning vistas of the coastline.

What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Ballymacdoe?

The Glens of Antrim offer beautiful scenery year-round, but for road cycling, spring and summer generally provide the most favorable weather conditions. These seasons typically have milder temperatures and less rainfall, making for more comfortable rides and clearer views of the coastal and mountain landscapes.

How many road cycling routes are available in the Ballymacdoe area?

There are over 30 road cycling routes available around Ballymacdoe on komoot, offering a wide range of distances and difficulty levels to explore the Glens of Antrim.

What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Ballymacdoe?

The road cycling routes in Ballymacdoe are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from coastal paths to mountain vistas, and the picturesque landscapes of the Glens of Antrim.

Are there any local cycling clubs or communities in the area?

Yes, the Glens Cycling Club holds regular Sunday cycles that depart from Cushendall, indicating a strong local cycling community and well-regarded routes in the vicinity of Ballymacdoe.

Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in Ballymacdoe?

While specific parking locations for each route are not detailed here, Ballymacdoe's location in the rural Glens of Antrim and its proximity to villages like Cushendall suggest that parking is generally available in or near the starting points of routes, such as Waterfoot or Cushendall itself. It's advisable to check specific route details for recommended parking.

Are there any routes that pass through the dramatic Glens of Antrim?

Absolutely. Routes like the Glenariff Descent – Glenarm Castle loop from Waterfoot wind directly through the dramatic Glens of Antrim, offering varied terrain and stunning scenic vistas characteristic of the region.

What is the longest road cycling route available in Ballymacdoe?

One of the longer routes available is the Glenarm Castle – Carnlough Harbour loop from Waterfoot, which spans approximately 48.3 miles (77.7 km) and offers expansive coastal views.

Most popular routes around Ballymacdoe

Cycling around Ballymacdoe

Most popular attractions around Ballymacdoe

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.

Moycraig LowerGlenananTavnaghoneyTavnaghdrissaghBallyvoolyCashlanFalmacrillyCloghy EastGlebeCoshkibClegnaghGlenvilleLubitavishMoneyvartTavnaghanTirkillyTavnaghowenCloughglassCarrowcroeyDrumnaheighLagavaraToberkeaghCroaghmoreBallynastraidBallypatrickBallypatrick ForestBallynvennaghtMoyarget LowerBallenyCorlaneKilnadoreGrortnagross MiddleKnockenyCushendallBallynahavilleCloghsTavnagharryKnockans SouthBallyfadIssbawnTullyGortnagross LowerCulbidagMullinaskeaBallynalougherCarnahaghCarnaneeLeggMiddle ParkEllanaboughMount EdwardsFauchilParkmoreGlenariff ForestBeaghsKiloughagBelliskKnockans NorthGortacleeCraignamaddyBallyoglaghCoolmaghraKnocksogheyMagheracashelGlenstagheyCraiganeeBallintoy DemenseCloghcorrBroughgammonBallintoyGlenmakeeranDrumacullinTemplastraghCauseway Coast AONBCroaghbegEsheryBunshanacloneyTurnarobertLiscolmanIslandroseCarnmoonLoughlynchStraidbillyBallydivityCarravindoonCregganboyRoonivoolinClareTurraloskinCarnmoonNovallyKinkeelGortconnyCarnsampsonCarnduffMagheramoreKnockansAghrunniaghtMonancloghCape CastleTureaghLaneyFallinerleaTimpanBallybrackFalnaglassIslands Of CarnmoonKnockbrackGoodlandBighouseCoolnacoppogeBallureInispollanTavnaghrannyAgolaghTornamoneyCarnamaddySleansArdicoanDiraBallynarry UpperArtimacormickDrumnageeLisbellanagroagh MoreFeighAraboyCurrysheskinDrumnagessanLisbellanagroagh BegCloontyBallynarry LowerCastlecatCoziesCloghcorTenaghsLossetCoolkennyBallyreagh UpperBarnishDuncarbitGortmillisDrumahamanBallyveelyFarranmacarterDrumaroanBallyligBallynagardGreenanDrummansDunmakelterDoonfinGortamaddyBallyreagh LowerCoolaveelyCloghanmurryBroom-BegBallynagloghBrackneyDrumadoonBroughanleaClare MountainTornaroanBallyberidagh NorthKilrobertBallyberidagh SouthEglishGlebeDrumaridlyEssanArdaghCarneatlyBroom-MoreMullartsMagherindonnelTullaghoreChurchfieldAghaleckKilcregCorvallyCarey MillTervillinTavnaghboyBreenDrumahittBallydurnianCraigfadBonamargyTown ParksCrossToberbillyDrumeenyStroanDrumnakeelClegganBroughmoreAcravallyTornabodaghTwenty AcresCraigbanDrumawillinBallyvoyDrumavoleyBallyloughBallylough BegCabraghBallylough MoreCavanGlebeKnocknagarvanBrockaghsKnockacullyMullartsRananaghBallyaganCloney (Part Of Straid)DrumnasmearStraidMaghereeroyKnocknacarryUnshanaghSavaghDrumcudreeTromraDunouraganCarnasheeranShaninishKinuneClegnaghDromoreCallisnaghCloghy WestClyttaghanLagelughDrumnacurCarrowreaghMazesKilmoyleCushleake Mountain MiddleCladyGrange Of Inispollan Mountain

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Middle Park

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy