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United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Antrim

Ballynalough

The best cycling routes around Ballynalough

4.0

(11)

134

riders

21

rides

Touring cycling routes around Ballynalough traverse a diverse landscape, offering a mix of quiet country roads and varied terrain. The region features rolling hills and can include coastal views, providing a range of scenic backdrops for cyclists. This area, situated within Ireland's broader landscape, presents opportunities to explore both natural beauty and historical points of interest.

Best touring cycling routes around Ballynalough

  • The most popular touring cycling route is Divis & The Black Mountain loop from Belfast — Mossley West

Last updated: May 13, 2026

#1.

Divis & The Black Mountain loop from Belfast — Mossley West

48.0km

03:20

650m

650m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

11

riders

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Tips from the Community

Puffin
November 17, 2025, Carrickfergus Castle

Impressive, massive fortress in an ideal waterfront location.

Translated by Google

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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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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.

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Carrickfergus Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking Belfast Lough. Built in the 12th century, it stands as a historic icon, showcasing impressive architecture and giving you a glimpse into Ireland's past.

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These impressive arches of reinforced concrete where first used in 1934. The main viaduct is 630ft long, 70ft at its highest and has ten arches. There are three viaducts carrying the lines from Belfast to Ballymena / Londonderry and Larne Harbour across the Three Mile Water and Valentine’s Glen, to the north of Whiteabbey station.

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For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Irish landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. Nestled on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. Unlike many other castles of this era, Carrickfergus Castle sits in excellent condition. In fact, despite being besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, and playing an important military role until 1928, it's one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland, and the only preserved castle of its age open to the public.

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Great Climb and worth it. Divis and the Black Mountain are the highest points boasting views across the north. Divis or Dubhais meaning ‘black ridge’ refers to the dark basalt bedrock. The Mountains rest in the heart of the Belfast Hills and provide a backdrop to the cities landscape. A mosaic of grassland and heathland bog, they are home to a host of wildlife and archaeological remains. Divis stands at 478 metres (1,562ft) and Black Mountain at 390 metres (1,275ft)

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Belfast Castle sits at the foot of Cave Hill and is one of the most iconic locations to view the stunning skyline of Belfast City Built in the 1860s, the estate remains a perfect location for locals and tourists to explore the surrounding natural woodland, parkland and gardens. It’s also home to the Cave Hill Adventurous Playground, archaeological sites, a visitor information centre, eco trails and orienteering routes. It also contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland and is home to many different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and Belfast’s rarest plant, the town hall clock.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available around Ballynalough?

There are 25 touring cycling routes around Ballynalough, offering a diverse range of experiences for cyclists. These include 5 easy routes, 10 moderate routes, and 10 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.

What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Ballynalough?

Touring cyclists in Ballynalough can expect a varied terrain, including quiet country backroads, rolling hills, and some routes that offer stunning coastal views. The broader region of Ireland features landscapes shaped by glacial valleys, lakes, and mountains, with semi-natural oak woodlands, heathland, and peat bogs providing diverse scenery.

Are there any challenging touring cycling routes in the Ballynalough area?

Yes, Ballynalough offers several challenging routes. For example, the Divis & The Black Mountain loop from Belfast — Mossley West is a difficult 48 km trail with significant elevation gain through mountainous terrain. Another demanding option is the Heart Attack Hill – Chaine Memorial Tower loop from Mossley West, a 61.8 km path known for its challenging climbs and coastal landmarks.

What are some scenic viewpoints or natural attractions I can see while cycling around Ballynalough?

While cycling around Ballynalough, you can encounter several natural attractions. Routes often pass by areas like Cave Hill, which offers panoramic views, and the expansive Divis and the Black Mountain. The region's landscape is characterized by glacial valleys and lakes, providing picturesque backdrops for your ride.

Are there any historical sites or landmarks along the touring cycling routes?

Yes, touring cycling routes in the Ballynalough area can lead you past significant historical and cultural landmarks. You might cycle near Belfast Castle, a historic site, or the Clonard Martyrs' Memorial Garden. The Carrickfergus Castle – Beach with View of Bangor loop from Mossley West, for instance, takes you through coastal areas with historical sites.

What do other touring cyclists think about the routes in Ballynalough?

The touring cycling routes in Ballynalough are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 3.9 stars from over 9 reviews. More than 130 touring cyclists have explored the varied terrain using komoot, often praising the quiet country roads and diverse scenery.

Are there any long-distance touring cycling routes available?

Yes, Ballynalough offers longer routes for those seeking extended rides. The Glenarm Castle – Carnlough Harbour loop from Templepatrick Park & Share is a difficult 90.5 km route, while the Heart Attack Hill – Glenarm Castle loop from Ballymartin Park & Ride covers 78.6 km, both offering significant distances and elevation.

What is the best season for touring cycling in Ballynalough?

While specific weather conditions can vary, Ireland generally offers pleasant cycling conditions from spring through autumn. The mild climate means that many routes are enjoyable for much of the year, though checking local weather forecasts is always recommended, especially for mountainous or coastal areas.

Are there options for moderate touring cycling routes?

Absolutely. Ballynalough has 10 moderate touring cycling routes. An example is the Carrickfergus Castle – Beach with View of Bangor loop from Mossley West, a 44.3 km trail that leads through coastal areas with historical sites and is often completed in about 2 hours 45 minutes.

Can I find routes that combine coastal views with historical elements?

Yes, several routes in the Ballynalough area offer a blend of coastal scenery and historical points of interest. The Carrickfergus Castle – Beach with View of Bangor loop from Mossley West is a prime example, providing coastal views alongside historical sites like Carrickfergus Castle. The broader Irish landscape, including areas like the Wild Atlantic Way, is renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs and historical landmarks.

What kind of natural features define the cycling landscape around Ballynalough?

The cycling landscape around Ballynalough is characterized by its diverse natural features. You'll find quiet country roads winding through rolling hills, and some routes offer views of the coastline. The wider region is known for its glacial valleys, prominent lakes, and surrounding mountains, often featuring semi-natural oak woodlands, heathland, and peat bogs.

Most popular routes around Ballynalough

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