The best cycling routes around Bellasses

There are over 20 touring cycling routes in the Bellasses region, offering a variety of experiences from easy coastal rides to more challenging climbs. The komoot community has explored these routes over 190 times.

Yes, Bellasses offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the View of Portrush Harbour – Portstewart Promenade loop from Portstewart is an easy 15.6 km (9.7 miles) path, often completed in under an hour, providing pleasant coastal scenery. Another great option is the Portstewart Promenade – West Strand Promenade loop from Portrush, also an easy route of similar length.

The terrain around Bellasses is quite varied. You'll find flat sections along the coast, particularly around promenades and beaches, offering smooth riding. Inland and towards elevated areas like Binevenagh and Gortmore, routes feature more undulating paths and challenging climbs, providing expansive views.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Bellasses are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Binevenagh loop from Coleraine – Binevenagh, which offers significant elevation gain, and the moderate Portstewart Promenade – View of Portrush Harbour loop from Coleraine, known for its coastal views.

Bellasses offers stunning coastal and elevated viewpoints. Along your rides, you can enjoy sights like the East Strand Beach, the bustling Portstewart Promenade, and the tranquil Portrush National Nature Reserve. Higher routes, such as the Gortmore Viewpoint – Mussenden Temple loop from Dhu Varren, provide panoramic vistas over the landscape and coastline.

The touring cycling routes around Bellasses are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, from dramatic coastal paths with harbour views to challenging climbs offering expansive vistas from elevated areas like Binevenagh and Gortmore.

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Binevenagh loop from Coleraine – Binevenagh are ideal. This difficult 61.4 km (38.1 miles) route features significant elevation gain and rewards riders with expansive views from higher ground. Another demanding option is the Gortmore Viewpoint – Mussenden Temple loop from Dhu Varren, which also includes substantial climbing.

While touring cycling is possible year-round, the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable weather conditions in Bellasses, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. This is ideal for enjoying the coastal scenery and elevated viewpoints. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable.

Given the coastal towns and villages like Portstewart, Portrush, and Coleraine that many routes pass through or start from, you'll find various cafes, pubs, and restaurants. The promenades, such as Portstewart Promenade, are particularly good spots for refreshments with scenic views.

While popular coastal routes can see more activity, especially during peak season, exploring some of the inland or more challenging routes might offer a quieter experience. Early mornings or weekdays are generally the best times to find less crowded paths, even on popular trails.

The duration of touring cycling routes in Bellasses varies significantly depending on the distance and difficulty. Easy coastal loops, like the 15.6 km (9.7 miles) View of Portrush Harbour – Portstewart Promenade loop from Portstewart, can be completed in under an hour. More difficult and longer routes, such as the 61.4 km (38.1 miles) Binevenagh loop from Coleraine – Binevenagh, can take over four hours.