3.9
(12)
109
riders
14
rides
Road cycling routes around Carnkilly Upper traverse the diverse landscapes of Northern Ireland, featuring coastal vistas, rolling terrain, and historic landmarks. The region offers mostly paved surfaces, with routes often passing by significant natural features and historical sites. Cyclists can experience varied elevation gains across the area's distinct geographical features, including views of Lough Neagh.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4.8
(11)
38
riders
48.9km
02:00
250m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
11
riders
75.6km
03:10
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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7
riders
39.6km
01:41
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
53.3km
02:15
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
62.7km
02:42
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Carnkilly Upper
Lough Neagh is a real gem for cyclists, especially if you enjoy pedalling along the water. The paths around the lake offer a varied mix of rolling shoreline landscapes, gravel paths and beautiful viewpoints that give you a different perspective of the water every time. What makes this place special is not just the nature, but also the stories that are in the air here - from sunken kingdoms to legendary giants who are said to have created the lake with a single throw. The atmosphere here changes constantly with the weather: on clear days the water sparkles in the sun, while clouds cast a mystical veil over the lake. The picnic areas along the shore invite you to take a short rest and watch the swans and ducks gliding leisurely across the surface. But not everything is idyllic - recent environmental problems such as the blue-green algae plague are a constant theme. It shows that this magical place needs care and attention to maintain its charm. The best way to do this is on a bike that can handle going off the beaten track. The wind can sometimes blow strongly across the lake, which requires a bit of extra energy, but you will be rewarded with great views. A tour around Lough Neagh combines history, nature and small adventures - an experience that always reveals new facets.
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Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, it contains over 800 billion gallons of water. Lough Neagh has a unique and diverse habitat with many rare species of plants, bugs, waterfowl, birds and fish. But it isn’t just the wildlife and the beauty of the landscape that make Lough Neagh so unique. It is also the colourful myths and legends. It is said to have its very own Atlantis! According to myth the people of one of the kingdoms of ancient Ireland had a magical spring of freshwater. When the people became greedy the spring rose up and flooded the kingdom, leaving an underwater city beneath.
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Antrim Castle Gardens are an absolute historical gem. You will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Walk into the past as you stroll around this magnificent setting, visiting beautiful features such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene family. It provides a fantastic opportunity to come and learn about garden history how the lives of the key family members intertwine with the development of Antrim town and the surrounding areas.
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Take in the fabulous views of Lough Neagh from this stretch of road.
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Take in the beautiful views of Lough Shore whilst cycling along this stretch of road.
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Great views of Lough Neagh with the welcome addition of picnic benches to watch over the waters while you stop for a snack.
1
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Pretty bay of Lough Neagh, good place to stop and appreciate the water.
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There are 16 road cycling routes around Carnkilly Upper, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars.
Road cycling routes in Carnkilly Upper feature diverse landscapes, including coastal vistas, rolling terrain, and views of Lough Neagh. The surfaces are mostly paved, with some segments potentially unpaved on more challenging rides, as noted in the region's characteristics.
Yes, Carnkilly Upper offers 5 easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners. An example is the Bartin's Bay – View of Lough Neagh loop from Crumlin, which is 48.9 km long and offers scenic views of Lough Neagh.
While there are no routes explicitly rated as 'difficult', there are 11 moderate routes that include varied elevation gains, providing a good challenge. For instance, the Bartin's Bay loop from Crumlin covers 53.3 km with over 330 meters of elevation gain.
The region is rich in natural and historical attractions. Cyclists can encounter stunning coastal scenery like Whiterocks Beach, the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle, the iconic Dark Hedges, and the spectacular Giant's Causeway. Many routes offer picturesque views of Lough Neagh.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Carnkilly Upper are designed as loops. Examples include the Bartin's Bay – Bartin's Bay, Lough Neagh loop from Crumlin and the View of Lough Neagh – View of Lough Neagh loop from Crumlin, both offering circular journeys.
The best time for road cycling in Carnkilly Upper is generally during the warmer, drier months, typically from late spring to early autumn. This period offers more favorable weather conditions for enjoying the coastal vistas and rolling terrain.
Carnkilly Upper, like much of Northern Ireland, experiences a temperate maritime climate. This means mild temperatures year-round, but also a likelihood of rain and changeable conditions. It's advisable to check local forecasts and be prepared for varying weather, even on shorter rides.
While specific parking locations are not detailed for every route, many routes originate from towns like Crumlin, where public parking facilities are typically available. It's recommended to check local council websites or mapping services for parking options near your chosen starting point.
Public transport options, such as bus services, connect various towns and villages in the Carnkilly Upper region. However, accessibility for bicycles can vary, so it's best to consult Translink's official website for specific routes and bicycle carriage policies before planning your journey.
Yes, the region offers several easy routes that are suitable for families. These routes typically have less elevation gain and are shorter in distance, providing a pleasant experience for riders of all ages. The 5 easy routes available are a good starting point for family outings.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from 12 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, from coastal stretches to views of Lough Neagh, and the variety of routes catering to different ability levels.
Yes, towns and villages along or near the cycling routes, such as Crumlin and others mentioned in the region's research, offer various cafes and pubs where cyclists can refuel and relax. These establishments provide opportunities to experience local hospitality.


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