The best road cycling routes around Ballyprior More
5.0
(5)
340
riders
32
rides
Road cycling around Ballyprior More offers routes through the scenic Antrim Coast & Glens, characterized by coastal roads, rolling hills, and verdant valleys. The terrain includes varied elevations, from gentle coastal stretches to more challenging climbs inland. This region provides diverse landscapes for road cyclists, featuring views of the Irish Sea and passage through rural areas.
Best road cycling routes around Ballyprior More
- The most popular road cycling route is Larne Town to Waterfoot loop – Antrim Coast & Glens, a 58.8 miles (94.7 km) trail that takes 4 hours 34 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain along the Antrim Coast.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Glenoe Waterfall loop from Larne, a moderate 18.3 miles (29.5 km) path. This route offers a scenic ride through the countryside, passing by Glenoe Waterfall.
- Local road cyclists also love the Glenarm Castle – Straidkilly Trail loop from Glynn, a 28.4 miles (45.7 km) trail leading through rural landscapes and near Glenarm Castle, often completed in about 2 hours 9 minutes.
- Road cycling around Ballyprior More is defined by coastal paths, rolling hills, and scenic rural roads. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more advanced routes with substantial climbs.
- The routes in Ballyprior More are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 300 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Ballyprior More's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
9
riders
94.7km
04:35
1,310m
1,310m
Embark on the Larne Town to Waterfoot loop, a difficult racebike route that spans 58.8 miles (94.7 km) and features a significant 4293 feet (1308 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging ride typically takes about 4 hours and 34 minutes to complete. You will experience dramatic coastal vistas as the route hugs the Irish Sea, passing through charming villages and serene glens like Glenarm and Glenariff, which are rich with woodlands. Expect invigorating inclines and descents as you navigate the undulating terrain, with rugged hillsides on one side and expansive sea views on the other, often framed by farms and stone walls.
When planning your ride, be aware that the Antrim Coast Road can get busy with sightseers and motorcyclists, especially on Sundays. To fully appreciate the scenery and avoid crowds, you might consider riding on weekdays or earlier in the morning. The route offers several opportunities to pause for refreshments in coastal villages such as Glenarm, Carnlough, and Waterfoot, allowing you to break up the journey. While primarily on paved surfaces, some segments might be unpaved and require careful navigation.
This loop is considered one of the best road cycling routes in the Larne area and within the Antrim Coast & Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is part of the renowned Antrim Coast Road, a region celebrated for its extraordinary landscapes and diverse terrain, including high cliffs and deep river-cut valleys. The trail is ideal if you are seeking both challenging climbs and breathtaking scenery, making it a standout experience for road cyclists in Northern Ireland.
1
riders
29.5km
01:27
340m
340m
This moderate 18.3-mile road cycling loop from Larne takes you to the picturesque Glenoe Waterfall, with 1104 feet of elevation gain.
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5.0
(1)
43
riders
45.7km
02:09
540m
540m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
48
riders
98.0km
04:35
950m
950m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
27
riders
94.5km
04:38
1,270m
1,270m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Ballyprior More
Tips from the Community
The tower is an exact replica of an Irish round tower and is 27 m high and 7.5 m wide at the base.
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The Chaine Memorial Tower, or "The Pencil" as it is known locally, is an impressive lighthouse made of Irish granite, built in 1887 as a memorial to James Chaine, the developer of Larne Harbour. The tower was converted into a lighthouse by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in March 1899.
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Avoid this road unless you have a light racing bike and are called Tadej Pogacar. Gradient gets up to 17%. Great view though!
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Glenariff is one of nine valleys in the Glens of Antrim. These impressive glens were created by glaciers millions of years ago during the Ice Age and shaped by the tides. Glenarm, Glenariff, Glendun, Glencorp, Glenaan, Glenbllyeamon, Glenshesk, Glencloy, and Glentaisie are a scenic gem located on the coast of Northern Ireland.
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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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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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Here you can walk through the forest instead of avoiding cars on the Coast Road. Either for about half like me or you continue to follow the International Appalachian Trail. But I don't know where it comes from.
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Nature reserve with waterfalls
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Ballyprior More?
There are over 35 road cycling routes around Ballyprior More, catering to various skill levels. This includes 6 easy routes, 24 moderate routes, and 7 challenging routes for experienced cyclists.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly road cycling routes in the area?
Yes, Ballyprior More offers 6 easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners. While specific easy routes aren't detailed here, the region provides options with less elevation gain, allowing for a more relaxed ride through the scenic countryside.
What are some challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Larne Town to Waterfoot loop – Antrim Coast & Glens is a difficult 58.8-mile route with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Glenarm Castle – Carnlough Harbour loop from Larne Town, covering 98.3 miles with substantial climbs.
Are there road cycling routes that pass by scenic viewpoints or attractions?
Absolutely. The Glenoe Waterfall loop from Larne offers a scenic ride passing by Glenoe Waterfall. You can also find routes near coastal attractions like Blackhead Lighthouse or the dramatic The Gobbins Coastal Walk, which offer stunning views of the Irish Sea.
Are there any circular road cycling routes around Ballyprior More?
Many routes in the region are designed as loops, offering convenient circular rides. Examples include the Larne Town to Waterfoot loop – Antrim Coast & Glens, the Glenoe Waterfall loop from Larne, and the Glenarm Castle – Straidkilly Trail loop from Glynn.
What is the typical length and duration of road cycling routes in this area?
Route lengths vary significantly. You'll find shorter loops like the Glenoe Waterfall loop from Larne at 18.3 miles (29.5 km), taking around 1 hour 26 minutes. Longer routes, such as the Larne Town to Waterfoot loop, stretch to 58.8 miles (94.7 km) and can take over 4 hours.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Ballyprior More?
The road cycling routes in Ballyprior More are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from coastal roads with sea views to challenging climbs through rolling hills and verdant valleys.
Is Ballyprior More suitable for family-friendly road cycling?
While many routes feature varied elevations, there are 6 easy routes that could be more suitable for families or those looking for a less strenuous ride. It's advisable to check the elevation profiles and distances of individual routes to ensure they match your family's ability.
When is the best time of year for road biking around Ballyprior More?
The Antrim Coast & Glens region, including Ballyprior More, generally offers pleasant cycling conditions from late spring through early autumn (May to September). During these months, you can expect milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, ideal for enjoying the coastal and rural scenery.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the road cycling routes?
Yes, many routes pass through or near towns and villages where you can find cafes and shops. For example, the visitor centre for The Gobbins Cliff Path is a known spot. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify points of interest and refreshment stops along the way.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Ballyprior More?
The terrain around Ballyprior More is diverse, featuring a mix of coastal roads with stunning sea views, rolling hills, and verdant valleys. You'll encounter varied elevations, from relatively flat coastal stretches to more challenging inland climbs, providing a dynamic cycling experience.
Most popular routes around Ballyprior More
Most popular attractions around Ballyprior More
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