The best cycling routes around Altmore Lower

There are 14 touring cycling routes around Altmore Lower, offering a variety of experiences from easy coastal rides to challenging climbs through glens.

Yes, Altmore Lower offers 1 easy touring cycling route. For a more relaxed ride, consider the Waterfoot Beach – Carnlough Harbour loop from Cushendall, which is 32.3 km long and features minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for those seeking a less strenuous experience.

Advanced touring cycling routes in Altmore Lower often feature significant elevation changes and winding coastal roads. For example, the Cushendun Village and Harbour – Ballycastle Harbour loop from Cushendall covers 68.7 km with nearly 900 meters of ascent, providing a demanding ride rewarded with spectacular sea views.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Altmore Lower are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Glennariff Forest Park to Dooey's Cairn loop — Antrim Coast & Glens and the moderate Waterfoot Beach – Glenariff Waterfall loop from Waterfoot.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter stunning waterfalls like the Inver River Waterfall and Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall, especially within or near Glenariff Forest Park. Coastal routes also offer breathtaking vistas and rock formations such as the Cushendun Caves.

Yes, touring cycling routes can lead you past charming points of interest. You might pass through picturesque fishing villages and discover landmarks like Carnlough Harbour, an idyllic old-fashioned marina that makes for a pleasant stop.

The coastal and forest trails of Altmore Lower are enjoyable throughout much of the year. However, for the most pleasant conditions, late spring to early autumn typically offers milder weather and clearer views, which are ideal for experiencing the rugged coastline and glens.

Route durations vary significantly based on distance and difficulty. Easy routes, like the Waterfoot Beach – Carnlough Harbour loop from Cushendall, can take around 3 hours 40 minutes, while more difficult routes, such as the Glennariff Forest Park to Dooey's Cairn loop — Antrim Coast & Glens, may require over 4 hours to complete.

Absolutely. The touring cycling routes around Altmore Lower are renowned for their spectacular views. The quiet, winding coastal roads offer breathtaking vistas of the sea, and on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Scotland. Routes through Glenariff Forest Park provide varied and picturesque panoramic landscapes.

Yes, the region is known for its beautiful waterfalls. Routes that pass through or near Glenariff Forest Park, such as the Glenariff Forest – Inver River Waterfall loop from Antrim Coast & Glens AONB, offer excellent opportunities to see features like the Inver River Waterfall and other cascades.

Over 90 touring cyclists have explored Altmore Lower using komoot. While the average rating is 2.0 stars from 1 review, the region is widely appreciated for its rugged coastal scenery, the challenging climbs that lead to rewarding views, and the diverse landscapes encompassing forests and glens.

Many routes embrace the stunning coastline. The Cushendun Village and Harbour – Ballycastle Harbour loop from Cushendall is a prime example, leading through coastal villages and offering continuous sea views. The Torr Head Coastal Road is also a notable highlight for its dramatic vistas.