Ballymena, a region in Northern Ireland's Mid & East Antrim area, offers diverse landscapes suitable for outdoor pursuits. Its topography ranges from the prominent Slemish Mountain and the wooded valleys of Glenariff Forest Park to the flat paths of Ecos Nature Park and proximity to the Antrim Coast. This varied terrain supports several sports like touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, and jogging. The region provides a range of environments for outdoor activities, from challenging ascents to gentle riverside paths.
33
Routes
4.9
(96)
Average rating
884
People visited

4.7
(77)
445
hikers
4.56km
01:21
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
3
hikers
7.44km
02:03
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(4)
83
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
30
hikers
6.62km
01:42
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
riders
65.2km
04:09
770m
770m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

51.1km
03:36
780m
780m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
riders
29.6km
02:31
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
114
runners
9.06km
01:01
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
runners
17.9km
01:51
60m
60m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
9.42km
00:59
90m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
25.5km
02:49
310m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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34
riders
81.5km
03:45
830m
830m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

14
riders
49.7km
02:24
720m
720m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

8
riders
28.5km
01:13
190m
190m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

8
riders
73.0km
03:32
770m
770m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Ballymena offers diverse outdoor activities, including Touring cycling, Hiking, Road cycling, and Jogging. The region's varied landscapes support routes for different skill levels and preferences. More than 3,000 visitors have rated routes in Ballymena with an average of 4.54 out of 5 stars.
Ballymena features prominent natural landmarks such as Slemish Mountain, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views. Glenariff Forest Park, known as the 'Queen of the Glens,' contains impressive waterfalls. Ecos Nature Park provides woodlands, lakes, and meadows close to the town center.
Ballymena offers a variety of hiking trails, from challenging ascents to easy strolls. The 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) circular trail to the summit of Slemish Mountain is popular. Other options include routes around Killylane Reservoir & Ballyboley Forest. Find more details in Hiking around Ballymena.
Ballymena provides options for both road and touring cyclists. The Ecos Cycle Trail is a 17-mile (27-kilometer) route primarily on quiet roads. Various routes around Glenariff Forest and towards Carnlough Harbour are also available. Explore more in Cycling around Ballymena and Road Cycling Routes around Ballymena.
The Ecos Cycle Trail is a 17-mile (27-kilometer) route connecting Ballymena and Glenarm. It primarily utilizes quiet minor roads and traverses parts of the Antrim Plateau. This trail offers a scenic cycling experience through varied landscapes.
Ecos Nature Park offers 5 miles (8 kilometers) of mostly flat footpaths suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with some main trails being wheelchair accessible. These paths are ideal for peaceful walks, jogging, and observing wildlife. For easy hikes, consult Easy hikes around Ballymena.
Slemish Mountain is a prominent natural landmark near Ballymena, an extinct volcano rising to 1,434 feet (437 meters). It offers hikers 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. A 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) circular trail leads to its summit.
Glenariff Forest Park, known as the 'Queen of the Glens,' covers over 2,900 acres (1,185 hectares). It is famous for its waterfalls, including the Inver River Waterfall and Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall. Scenic trails with paths and wooden walkways allow visitors to admire the cascades.
Outdoor activities in Ballymena are highly rated on komoot, with an average rating of 4.54 out of 5 stars. More than 3,000 visitors have shared their experiences, contributing to the community's insights on the region's routes.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for Ballymena, covering various activities. These include Cycling around Ballymena, Hiking around Ballymena, and Easy hikes around Ballymena. Guides for road cycling and running are also available.
Official tourism information for Ballymena and the wider Mid & East Antrim region is available through the local council. The official website is midandeastantrim.gov.uk. For general inquiries, the phone number is +443001245000.

