The best road cycling routes around Ree

There are over 70 road cycling routes available around Ree, offering a diverse range of options for cyclists. These routes are primarily located in the area surrounding Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, within the Antrim Coast & Glens region.

When road cycling around Ree, you can expect a diverse landscape featuring coastal roads, rolling hills, and scenic glens. The region is characteristic of the Antrim Coast & Glens, offering varied elevations and picturesque views across the countryside and coastline.

Yes, Ree offers a good selection of routes suitable for beginners. Out of the over 70 routes, 24 are classified as easy, providing gentler terrain and manageable distances for those new to road cycling.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Ree has 9 routes classified as difficult. These routes often feature significant elevation gain and longer distances, such as the Torr Head loop from Ballymoney – Antrim Coast & Glens, which covers 54.1 miles (87.1 km) with over 1,100 meters of ascent.

Many of the road cycling routes around Ree are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Ballycastle loop from Ballymoney – Causeway Coast and the Joey's Bar loop from Ballymoney.

For longer rides, you can explore routes like the Waterfoot Beach – Carnlough Harbour loop from Ballymoney, which spans approximately 78 miles (125.6 km), or the Waterfoot Beach – View of Glendun Valley loop from Ballymoney, covering about 70.6 miles (113.6 km).

The road cycling routes in Ree are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from coastal paths to rolling hills and scenic glens, and the options available for different ability levels.

The routes around Ree, particularly those along the Antrim Coast & Glens, offer numerous scenic viewpoints. You can expect breathtaking coastal scenery on routes like the Ballycastle loop and significant coastal views on the challenging Torr Head loop.

While specific data for Ree isn't available, road cycling in Northern Ireland is generally best enjoyed from late spring through early autumn (May to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. However, the coastal routes can be ridden year-round, with appropriate gear for changing weather conditions.

With 24 easy routes and 37 moderate routes, Ree offers many options that could be suitable for families, depending on their experience level. The varied terrain includes less strenuous paths through the countryside, allowing families to choose routes that match their comfort and ability.

Road cycling in Ree during winter is possible, but cyclists should be prepared for colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and potentially wet or windy conditions, especially along the exposed coastal sections. It's advisable to check local weather forecasts and ensure your bike and gear are suitable for winter riding.

Specific parking information for individual routes is not detailed in the guide. However, as Ballymoney serves as a common starting point for many routes, you would typically find parking options within or on the outskirts of the town, or in other local villages along the routes.