The best cycling routes around Eglish
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19
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Touring cycling routes around Eglish traverse a landscape characterized by the Antrim Coast & Glens, offering a mix of coastal roads, forested areas, and rolling hills. The region features diverse terrain, from the scenic glens to the foothills of Slemish Mountain and the Sperrins. These routes often include sections through dense woodlands and along historic sites, providing varied cycling experiences. The area's topography presents both challenging climbs and more moderate paths suitable for different skill levels.
Best touring cycling routesβ¦
Last updated: May 13, 2026
10
riders
65.2km
04:09
770m
770m
The Broughshane to Waterfoot loop offers a challenging touring bicycle experience through County Antrim's diverse landscapes. You will cycle through the Antrim Plateau, the scenic Glens of Antrim, and pastβ¦
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Embark on a difficult touring bicycle adventure with the Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop from Ballymena. This challenging 48.1-mile (77.4 km) route, featuring 2442 feet (744 metres) of elevationβ¦
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4
riders
81.6km
05:10
880m
870m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
51.1km
03:36
780m
780m
Cycle the difficult Broughshane to Slemish Mountain loop, a 31.7-mile route with 2555 feet of gain and panoramic Antrim Coast views.
120km
07:18
1,030m
1,030m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Eglish
Tips from the Community
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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Legend has it that this was the first known Irish home of Saint Patrick. The Mountain juts out of the surrounding plain, and is visible for miles around. The dramatic Slemish is actually the central core of a long extinct volcano. The legend goes that following his capture and being brought as a slave to Ireland, St Patrick worked as a shepherd at Slemish Mountain for about six years.
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Wonderfully expansive forest and the lovely Glenwhirry river as a bonus. Apparently this place is well known for having been haunted by an ancient apparition! Always the same four Druids appear. To observe, then vanish.
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The Queen of the Antrim Glens. Part of the Glenariff Glen has been designated as a National Nature Reserve. The timber boardwalk that winds through the glen and alongside the river gorge was first built about 100 years ago and has been carefully reconstructed to provide one of several spectacular walks. These include Rainbow Trail, Scenic Trail, Viewpoint Trail, and Waterfall Walk Trail...Yes there's a lovely Waterfall.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach MhΓ³r), meaning βbig place of birch treesβ. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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Contained within the ruins is a sculpture of the crucifixion, which is thought to date from the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest in Ireland. St Lurach founded an important church here in the 6th century. It was plundered by Vikings in 832 and burned in 1135. Following the 12th-century ecclesiastical reforms this was the seat of a bishop from the mid 12th to the mid 13th century, then served as parish church until the new church across the road was built in the early 19th century. This long history is reflected in the much patched and altered fabric, and the big uneven graveyard.
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There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
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If you cycle along the beautiful coast road you will inevitably come through Carnlough. Carnlough Harbor is also central to the filming of Game of Thrones. On the screen, it turned into the free city of Braavos.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Eglish?
There are over 20 touring cycling routes around Eglish listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences across the Antrim Coast & Glens, the Glens, and the Sperrins.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Eglish?
While many routes in the Eglish area are rated as difficult due to the hilly terrain, there is at least one easy touring cycling route available. These routes are generally shorter and have less elevation gain, making them ideal for those new to touring cycling or looking for a more relaxed ride.
What are the most challenging touring cycling routes near Eglish?
The Eglish area features several challenging touring cycling routes with significant elevation gain. For instance, the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey β Sperrins is a difficult 74.3-mile (119.5 km) route with over 1000 meters of ascent. Other difficult options include the Cullybackey to Waterfoot loop β Antrim Coast & Glens and the Broughshane to Slemish Mountain loop.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in the Eglish region?
For families, it's best to look for routes explicitly marked as 'easy' or 'moderate' and consider their length and elevation profile. While specific family-friendly routes aren't highlighted, the region's diverse terrain means there are likely shorter, flatter sections that can be enjoyed by all ages. Always check the route details for distance and elevation before heading out.
What is the best season for touring cycling around Eglish?
The best season for touring cycling around Eglish is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is milder, and the days are longer, offering more comfortable conditions to enjoy the coastal views, forested areas, and rolling hills. Always be prepared for changeable weather, even in summer.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available near Eglish?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Eglish are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Broughshane to Waterfoot loop β Antrim Coast & Glens and the Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop from Ballymena β Antrim Forest & Glens.
What kind of scenery can I expect on touring bike routes in Eglish?
Touring bike routes around Eglish offer a rich variety of scenery. You can expect stunning coastal roads along the Antrim Coast & Glens, serene passages through dense woodlands and glens, and panoramic views from the rolling hills of the Sperrins and near Slemish Mountain. Many routes also pass by historic sites, adding cultural interest to the natural beauty.
Are there touring cycling routes that pass by pubs or places to eat in the Eglish area?
Many routes in the Eglish area, especially those passing through towns or coastal villages like Carnlough Harbour (featured in the Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop), will have opportunities to stop at local pubs or cafes. It's advisable to check the route map and local information beforehand to plan your refreshment stops.
What should I wear for touring cycling in Eglish?
Given the changeable weather in Northern Ireland, it's best to dress in layers. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are highly recommended, even in summer. Comfortable cycling shorts, a moisture-wicking base layer, and appropriate footwear are essential. Don't forget a helmet, gloves, and sunglasses.
Are there any unique or particularly scenic touring bike routes near Eglish?
The region offers unique routes that combine natural beauty with historical significance. The Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey β Sperrins takes you through the Sperrins mountains to ancient megalithic sites. For coastal beauty, the various loops along the Antrim Coast & Glens provide breathtaking sea views and dramatic landscapes.
How long do touring cycling routes around Eglish typically take to complete?
The duration of touring cycling routes around Eglish varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. For example, the Broughshane to Waterfoot loop β Antrim Coast & Glens, at 40.5 miles (65.2 km), typically takes around 4 hours and 9 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes like the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop can take over 7 hours.
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