The best cycling routes around Ballykeel
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riders
17
rides
Touring cycling routes around Ballykeel, Northern Ireland, are primarily characterized by the diverse landscapes of the Antrim Plateau and the Antrim Coast & Glens. The region features a mix of quiet country roads, traffic-free paths, and challenging climbs through glens and along the coastline. Cyclists can expect significant elevation changes, offering panoramic views across the varied terrain. The area provides a robust network of routes suitable for experienced touring cyclists seeking demanding rides.
Best touring cycling routes around Ballykeel
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Last updated: June 25, 2026
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.
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5
riders
81.6km
05:10
880m
870m
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.
120km
07:18
1,030m
1,030m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Ballykeel
Tips from the Community
As you cycle through the rolling landscape of County Tyrone, the Wellbrook Beetling Mill is an absolute must for a stopover. Situated in an idyllic, wooded stream valley along the Ballinderry River, this 19th-century water mill provides a stark contrast to the tranquility of its surroundings. This is the last working 'beetling mill' in the United Kingdom. "Beetling" was the final step in traditional Irish linen production: using enormous wooden hammers (beetles), powered by a water wheel nearly five metres high, the linen was processed for hours until it acquired its characteristic sheen. When the mill is running, you can hear the rhythmic thudding from afar β an impressive sound that takes you straight back to the industrial heyday of Northern Ireland.
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High above Cookstown, at the foot of the impressive Sperrin Mountains, you will find the Beaghmore Stone Circles. This is one of Ireland's most fascinating archaeological sites. Only rediscovered in the 1940s during peat cutting, the bog revealed a complex of seven stone circles, ten stone rows, and numerous Bronze Age burial mounds. For a cyclist, the road to Beaghmore is an experience in itself. The route takes you away from the inhabited world into a vast, quiet landscape where the wind has free rein. The complex itself exudes an enormous sense of peace and is the perfect place to get off your bike and soak up the prehistoric atmosphere.
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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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Legend has it that this was the first known Irish home of Saint Patrick. The Mountain juts out of the surrounding plain, and is visible for miles around. The dramatic Slemish is actually the central core of a long extinct volcano. The legend goes that following his capture and being brought as a slave to Ireland, St Patrick worked as a shepherd at Slemish Mountain for about six years.
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Wonderfully expansive forest and the lovely Glenwhirry river as a bonus. Apparently this place is well known for having been haunted by an ancient apparition! Always the same four Druids appear. To observe, then vanish.
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The Queen of the Antrim Glens. Part of the Glenariff Glen has been designated as a National Nature Reserve. The timber boardwalk that winds through the glen and alongside the river gorge was first built about 100 years ago and has been carefully reconstructed to provide one of several spectacular walks. These include Rainbow Trail, Scenic Trail, Viewpoint Trail, and Waterfall Walk Trail...Yes there's a lovely Waterfall.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach MhΓ³r), meaning βbig place of birch treesβ. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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Contained within the ruins is a sculpture of the crucifixion, which is thought to date from the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest in Ireland. St Lurach founded an important church here in the 6th century. It was plundered by Vikings in 832 and burned in 1135. Following the 12th-century ecclesiastical reforms this was the seat of a bishop from the mid 12th to the mid 13th century, then served as parish church until the new church across the road was built in the early 19th century. This long history is reflected in the much patched and altered fabric, and the big uneven graveyard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Ballykeel?
There are over 20 touring cycling routes documented around Ballykeel, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes primarily explore the diverse landscapes of the Antrim Plateau and the Antrim Coast & Glens.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Ballykeel?
The touring cycling routes around Ballykeel are generally suited for cyclists with good to very good fitness levels. Out of the available routes, 10 are classified as difficult, 9 as moderate, and only 1 as easy. This indicates a focus on more challenging rides with significant elevation changes.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes near Ballykeel?
While many routes are geared towards experienced cyclists, the region does offer some easier options. For instance, the Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs, mentioned in the region research, provide picturesque parkland with a network of walks that can be adapted for easier cycling, though specific touring routes might be more challenging. The guide data indicates only one easy touring cycling route, so options for very young families might be limited to specific traffic-free paths not explicitly listed as touring routes.
What kind of landscapes and scenic views can I expect on Ballykeel's touring cycling routes?
Touring cycling around Ballykeel offers dramatic and varied landscapes. You can expect panoramic views across the Antrim Plateau, challenging climbs through glens, and scenic coastal paths along the Antrim Coast & Glens. Routes like the Broughshane to Waterfoot loop showcase the stunning Antrim Coast & Glens, while the Broughshane to Slemish Mountain loop offers views dominated by the distinctive Slemish volcanic plug.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling routes in the Ballykeel area?
Yes, Ballykeel offers several long-distance touring cycling routes. For example, the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey is a challenging 74.3-mile (119.5 km) ride with over 3,300 feet (1,000 m) of elevation gain, typically taking over 7 hours to complete.
What are some of the most challenging touring cycling routes around Ballykeel?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Cullybackey to Waterfoot loop stand out. This route covers 50.7 miles (81.6 km) with significant elevation, often completed in about 5 hours 10 minutes. Another demanding option is the Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop from Ballymena, which is 48.1 miles (77.4 km) long and features substantial elevation gain through forest landscapes and along the coast.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available in Ballykeel?
Many of the touring cycling routes around Ballykeel are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Broughshane to Waterfoot loop and the Broughshane to Slemish Mountain loop, both offering comprehensive circular tours of the region's scenery.
What historical sites or attractions can I explore near the cycling routes?
The region around Ballykeel is rich in historical sites. While cycling, you might consider visiting Clough Castle Ruins, an Anglo-Norman earthwork castle, or Dundrum Castle, which offers panoramic views of the Carrigs Estuary and the Mourne Mountains. The Twelve Arches Bridge over the Carrigs River is another scenic historical spot. For those exploring the Ballymena area, the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey takes you towards ancient megalithic sites.
When is the best time of year for touring cycling in Ballykeel?
The region's diverse landscapes can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and summer generally offer the most favorable weather conditions for touring cycling, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable. Winter cycling is possible for hardy riders, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wet conditions.
Are there opportunities for mountain biking or other adventure activities in the area?
Yes, beyond touring cycling, the broader region offers mountain biking opportunities, with secure bike storage often available. For other adventure pursuits, Skypark, Ireland's largest adventure park, provides aerial courses, ziplining, and more. Cranfield Alpacas offers unique alpaca experiences, and the Mourne Mountains are known for rock climbing and bouldering.
What are some notable natural features to look out for while cycling?
Cyclists can enjoy the tranquil waters of Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs, which are part of the Kilkeel Cycle Route. The distinctive shape of Slemish, a volcanic plug, dominates the skyline along routes in the Ballymena area. The Glens of Antrim offer stunning natural beauty, and the Antrim Coast & Glens routes provide breathtaking coastal vistas.
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