The best cycling routes around Ballykeel

There are over 220 touring cycling routes available around Ballykeel, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars.

Touring cycling near Ballykeel offers diverse landscapes, from the lush countryside and quiet minor roads traversing the Antrim Plateau to the dramatic scenery of the Antrim Coast. You can enjoy picturesque views inland and stunning coastal vistas, including access to the famous Causeway Coast Cycle Route.

Yes, Ballykeel offers a good selection of routes suitable for beginners. There are 67 easy touring cycling routes available, providing gentler terrain and shorter distances to help you enjoy the area at a leisurely pace.

Many routes offer access to interesting natural and man-made attractions. You might encounter natural monuments like Cave Hill or explore the serene Victoria Park Lake. The Ecos Cycle Trail also passes through the ecos Millennium Environmental Centre, offering opportunities to explore its 150 acres of parkland.

While Ballykeel is inland, it serves as a convenient base for accessing the breathtaking Antrim Coast. Cyclists can incorporate sections of the Causeway Coast Cycle Route (part of National Route 93) into their tours, which runs along the North Atlantic coast and features natural wonders like the Giant's Causeway.

The Ecos Cycle Trail is a significant 17-mile route connecting Ballymena to Glenarm. It primarily follows quiet minor roads over the Antrim Plateau and passes through the ecos Millennium Environmental Centre. As Ballykeel is within Ballymena, you can access this trail from the town, offering a great option for a scenic touring ride.

Yes, the general Northern Ireland cycling network, accessible from Ballykeel, includes traffic-free paths and country lanes that are ideal for family-friendly cycling. These routes allow cyclists to enjoy the beautiful scenery at a leisurely pace, making them suitable for all ages.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Ballykeel are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Holywood to Islandhill loop — Strangford & Lecale is a popular circular option, offering varied terrain through coastal areas and countryside.

The touring cycling routes around Ballykeel are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 180 reviews. Cyclists often praise the access to scenic landscapes, the quiet minor roads, and the variety of terrain, from the Antrim Plateau to coastal paths.

While specific route details regarding dogs can vary, many country lanes and traffic-free paths in Northern Ireland are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and on a lead where necessary. Always check local signage and be mindful of livestock and other trail users.

As Ballykeel is a residential area within Ballymena, parking is generally available within Ballymena town itself, which serves as a convenient starting point for many routes. For specific trailheads like the Ecos Cycle Trail, dedicated parking facilities are usually provided at access points.

Ballymena, where Ballykeel is located, is well-served by public transport, including bus and train services, which can provide access to the wider region. This allows cyclists to reach various starting points for touring routes, including those leading towards the Antrim Plateau or the coast.

A great moderate option is the North Down and Ards Peninsula Loop. This 38.1-mile path showcases beautiful coastal views and takes you through the scenic Ards Peninsula, offering a rewarding experience for touring cyclists.