The best road cycling routes around Cloghs

Road cycling routes around Cloghs primarily traverse the scenic Antrim Coast. You can expect coastal roads, lush glens, and undulating terrain. The landscape is shaped by ancient valleys and coastal features, offering varied gradients for road cycling, from challenging climbs to more level stretches.

There are over 30 road cycling routes available around Cloghs, offering a diverse range of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community.

The routes around Cloghs offer a mix of difficulty levels. You'll find a few easy routes, but the majority are moderate (around 19 routes), with a significant number of challenging options (around 13 routes) for those seeking more demanding climbs and longer distances.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Cloghs are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Glenarm Castle – Carnlough Harbour loop from Waterfoot is a popular circular option, as is the Glenariff Descent – Glenarm Castle loop from Waterfoot.

The routes offer stunning coastal views of the Irish Sea and take you through picturesque villages. You can also experience significant descents through areas like Glenariff. The Waterfoot Beach – View of Torr Head loop from Waterfoot, for instance, provides coastal roads with significant elevation changes and views towards Torr Head.

Yes, the area around Cloghs features several beautiful waterfalls. You might encounter the Inver River Waterfall or the Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall. There's also a notable Waterfall and Bridge on the Glenariff River that adds to the scenic beauty.

Beyond waterfalls, you can explore other natural wonders. The Torr Head Coastal Road itself is a highlight, offering dramatic views. Additionally, the fascinating Cushendun Caves are a notable natural monument in the vicinity.

The road cycling routes around Cloghs are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 5.0 stars from over 1 review. More than 500 road cyclists have already used komoot to explore this varied terrain, often praising the scenic coastal roads and challenging climbs.

Many routes pass through small villages, offering opportunities for breaks. For example, the Glenarm Castle – Carnlough Harbour loop from Waterfoot passes through coastal villages. The Cushendun Village – Ballycastle Beach loop from Cushendun also takes you through Cushendun Village.

The duration of routes varies, but many popular options range from approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. For instance, the Glenarm Castle – Carnlough Harbour loop from Waterfoot typically takes around 3 hours 19 minutes, while the Glenariff Descent – Waterfoot Beach loop from Cushendall is about 3 hours.

While many routes feature undulating terrain and significant elevation changes, there are a few easier options available. The region offers a network that caters to different ability levels, so it's best to check the specific route details for those marked as 'easy' if you're looking for a less strenuous ride.