The best cycling routes around Drumgurland

There are 15 touring cycling routes around Drumgurland, offering a variety of experiences. Most of these, 13 to be exact, are classified as difficult, providing a significant challenge for experienced cyclists.

Yes, Drumgurland is known for its challenging touring cycling routes, with 13 out of 15 routes rated as difficult. For instance, the Larne to Waterfoot loop — Antrim coast & Glens is a demanding 91.1 km path with over 1,300 meters of elevation gain, offering extensive coastal scenery. Another challenging option is the Waterfoot loop from Larne - Antrim Coast & Glens, which covers over 107 km with similar elevation.

Cycling around Drumgurland, you'll encounter the dramatic landscapes of the Antrim Coast & Glens, featuring diverse terrain and significant elevation changes. Routes often include stunning coastal roads with sea views, inland glens, and prominent hills like Slemish Mountain. You might also pass by natural attractions such as Glenariff Waterfall and Waterfoot Beach.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Drumgurland are circular. A notable example is the Larne to Slemish Mountain loop — Antrim Coast & Glens, a 61.4 km trail that offers a rugged and elevated experience around Slemish Mountain. Another option is the Magheramorne to Chaine Memorial Tower loop, which is a 42.6 km route.

Along the touring cycling routes, you can explore various attractions. The Glenarm Castle – Carnlough Harbour loop from Larne Town takes you through picturesque seaside villages like Glenarm, home to Glenarm Castle, and Carnlough, where Carnlough Harbour was a filming location for Game of Thrones. Other nearby points of interest include The Gobbins Coastal Walk and Blackhead Lighthouse.

The touring cycling routes in Drumgurland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic coastal scenery, the challenging elevation gains, and the diverse landscapes of the Antrim Coast & Glens that make for a rewarding experience.

Yes, several villages along the Antrim Coast & Glens offer amenities for cyclists. Glenarm village, for example, serves as a charming starting point and provides small eateries, bars, and a marina. Carnlough, another village you might pass through, also has options for refreshments. Larne, a common starting point for many routes, offers a wider range of services.

While specific public transport options directly to trailheads can vary, Larne is a major town and a common starting point for many routes, offering better connectivity. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules for services to Larne or other coastal towns along the Antrim Coast & Glens to plan your access.

The Antrim Coast & Glens can be enjoyed throughout much of the year, but the best time for touring cycling is generally during the warmer, drier months from late spring to early autumn (May to September). This period offers more predictable weather and longer daylight hours, though coastal routes can still be exposed to wind.

The majority of touring cycling routes in Drumgurland are rated as difficult due to significant elevation gains and longer distances, making them less suitable for young families or beginners. While the region offers diverse outdoor exploration, specific easy, family-friendly touring cycling routes are limited among the listed options.

Many touring cycling routes in Drumgurland start from towns like Larne, Glenarm, or Carnlough. These towns typically offer public parking facilities. For routes starting from specific points along the coast or glens, look for designated car parks or roadside parking areas, especially near popular attractions or villages.