The best cycling routes around Ballybracken
4.0
(7)
83
riders
16
rides
Best touring bike trails Ballybracken offer a diverse landscape for cyclists. The region features routes along the Lough Neagh Shore, providing lakeside views, and extends towards coastal areas with harbours and rural settings. Cyclists can expect a mix of flat sections and more challenging hilly terrain, as indicated by routes like "Heart Attack Hill." The area provides varied environments suitable for different cycling preferences.
Best touring cycling routes around Ballybracken
- The most popular touring cycling route is Antrim Castle Gardensβ¦
Last updated: July 9, 2026
5.0
(2)
9
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
90.5km
05:28
750m
750m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
78.7km
04:58
870m
870m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
3
riders
28.0km
01:40
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
45.0km
02:41
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Ballybracken
Tips from the Community
The Protector of the Lough statue shows the mythological giant Finn McCool standing guard at Antrim Marina on the shores of Lough Neagh. It's an eight-metre-tall sculpture created by Spanish artist Casto Solan to celebrate the local folklore of the Lough.
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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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Antrim Castle Gardens are an absolute historical gem. You will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Walk into the past as you stroll around this magnificent setting, visiting beautiful features such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyshipβs Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene family. It provides a fantastic opportunity to come and learn about garden history how the lives of the key family members intertwine with the development of Antrim town and the surrounding areas.
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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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Enjoy a scenic section of running along the shoreline of Lough Neagh . The path is made of gravel and entirely flat making it perfect jogging material. The lough itself holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's water!
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Antrim Castle Gardens is the perfect place for a jog. It has flat gravel paths throughout as well as a wonderful medley of landmarks to discover such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Scenic section of walking along the shore of Lough Neagh from Antrim. The lough holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and this footpath gifts you with some gorgeous vantage points to enjoy it from.
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Here you can discover the beauty of Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House. There's many beautiful landmarks along the way such as Large Parterre, Her Ladyship's Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Admission to the castle is free and is open 24 hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Ballybracken?
There are 18 touring cycling routes around Ballybracken, offering a diverse range of experiences from easy lakeside paths to challenging hilly terrain.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Ballybracken?
Yes, Ballybracken offers several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the Antrim Castle Gardens β Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim loop from Ballycraigy is an easy 8.5-mile (13.7 km) trail with scenic lakeside views. Another easy option is the Dianaβs Courtyard CafΓ© β Foxes Pub loop from Templepatrick.
Are there challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists in Ballybracken?
Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Heart Attack Hill β Glenarm Castle loop from Ballymartin Park & Ride offer significant elevation gain over 48.9 miles (78.7 km) through hilly terrain. There are 6 difficult routes in total.
What kind of scenery can I expect on touring cycling routes in Ballybracken?
Ballybracken's touring cycling routes feature a mix of landscapes. You can expect picturesque lakeside views along the Lough Neagh Shore, coastal scenery with harbours, and rural settings with rolling hills and forests.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available in Ballybracken?
Many of the touring cycling routes in Ballybracken are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Antrim Castle Gardens β Lough Neagh Shore loop and the Antrim Castle Gardens β Antrim Castle Gardens loop from Ballyclare.
What attractions can I see along the touring cycling routes in Ballybracken?
Several routes pass by interesting attractions. You can cycle past Antrim Castle Gardens, enjoy views of Killylane Reservoir, or explore Ballyboley Forest. Some routes also offer views of Slemish Mountain.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Ballybracken?
The komoot community rates touring cycling in Ballybracken highly, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 9 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from tranquil lakeside paths to challenging hilly sections, and the scenic coastal views.
Are there cafes or pubs along the touring cycling routes for refreshments?
Yes, some routes are designed to pass by or near refreshment stops. For example, the Dianaβs Courtyard CafΓ© β Foxes Pub loop from Templepatrick explicitly mentions a cafΓ© and a pub in its name, indicating opportunities for breaks.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Ballybracken?
The best time for touring cycling in Ballybracken is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. However, routes can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn offering beautiful foliage.
Is public transport available to access touring cycling routes in Ballybracken?
While specific public transport links to every trailhead are not detailed, some routes, like the Glenarm Castle β Carnlough Harbour loop, start from Park & Share locations such as Templepatrick, which often have good transport connections. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific access points.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Ballybracken?
Many touring cycling routes in Ballybracken start from locations with designated parking. For instance, routes like the Heart Attack Hill β Glenarm Castle loop begin from Park & Ride facilities such as Ballymartin Park & Ride, offering convenient parking options.
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