5.0
(1)
33
riders
6
rides
Touring cycling routes around Knockmacolusky traverse a landscape characterized by coastal stretches, picturesque villages, and rolling hills. The region offers varied terrain, from routes along the Antrim Coast to inland paths connecting historical sites. Cyclists can expect a mix of elevations, with some routes featuring significant climbs and others remaining relatively flat near the coastline.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
63.7km
04:13
900m
900m
This difficult 39.6-mile touring cycling loop takes you through Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast & Glens, featuring Torr Head and The Dark He
10
riders
69.6km
04:32
890m
890m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
11
riders
32.3km
01:54
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
51.7km
03:21
700m
700m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
29.8km
01:54
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Knockmacolusky
Not as impressive in nature anymore, some trees or branches have been removed.
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For walkers, Waterfoot is a pleasant alternative to the main road, as it passes close to the beach and behind the dunes, with beautiful views and no traffic.
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Nice harbour, with ferries to Rathlin Island (opposite, half an hour away) that leave every hour. Lots of ice cream shops nearby and a nice park, very relaxing area.
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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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Definitely one for the climbers this, as its known for being one of this part of Northern Ireland's steepest climbs, The vistas are well worth all the effort. You can see over to Scotland on a clear day, and the quiet narrow winding road that hugs the rugged coastline is really something quite special.
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This iconic moody avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. Two centuries later, the trees remain a treat and are one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. Most recently used as a film location in Game of Thrones.
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Beautiful little harbour located in the seaside village of Cushendun. The Mary McBrides across the road from here sells delicious food and real ales. There is also a cafΓ© and convenience store nearby where you can pick up some snacks and take a respite on the sandy shore nearby.
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There are 8 touring cycling routes documented on komoot for the Knockmacolusky area. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy coastal rides to more challenging paths with significant climbs.
Yes, Knockmacolusky offers a couple of easy touring cycling routes. A great option for beginners is the Waterfoot Beach β Carnlough Harbour loop from Cushendall, which is 20.1 miles (32.3 km) long and takes about 1 hour 54 minutes to complete, leading through scenic coastal areas and past beaches.
The terrain around Knockmacolusky is quite varied, featuring coastal stretches, picturesque villages, and rolling hills. You'll find a mix of elevations, with some routes offering relatively flat sections near the coastline and others presenting significant climbs, especially as you move inland or along certain coastal roads.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Knockmacolusky are designed as loops. For example, the popular Cushendun to The Dark Hedges Loop and the Cushendun Village and Harbour β Ballycastle Harbour loop from Cushendall are both circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location.
The Knockmacolusky area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Along your rides, you might encounter highlights such as the dramatic Torr Head Coastal Road, the unique Cushendun Caves, or the scenic Cushendun Harbour. For those interested in history, Ossian's Grave and a Former RAF radar station are also notable points of interest.
Many routes in Knockmacolusky offer stunning coastal views and scenic vistas. The region is known for its picturesque landscapes, especially along the Antrim Coast. Routes like the Cushendun Village and Harbour β Ballycastle Harbour loop from Cushendall are specifically highlighted for their scenic harbours and coastal villages, providing ample opportunities for breathtaking views.
The duration of touring cycling routes in Knockmacolusky varies significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty. You can find shorter rides, like the Waterfoot Beach β Carnlough Harbour loop from Cushendall which takes under 2 hours, to longer, more challenging tours such as the Cushendun to The Dark Hedges Loop, which typically requires over 4 hours to complete.
Yes, there are several moderate routes available. The Cushendun Harbour β Cushendun Picnic Area loop from Cushendall is a good example of a moderate touring cycling route, covering nearly 30 km with a manageable elevation gain, making it suitable for cyclists looking for a bit more challenge than an easy ride without the intensity of a difficult one.
The touring cycling routes around Knockmacolusky are well-regarded by the komoot community. Over 40 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the region, often praising the varied terrain that connects coastal scenery with historical sites and picturesque villages. The mix of elevations ensures there's something for different ability levels.
Absolutely. Many routes in Knockmacolusky are designed to showcase both the stunning Antrim Coast and the charming inland areas. For instance, the Cushendun to The Dark Hedges Loop connects beautiful coastal scenery with a famous inland landmark, offering a diverse cycling experience.
Yes, the routes often connect picturesque villages and towns, providing opportunities for stops. The Cushendun Village and Harbour β Ballycastle Harbour loop from Cushendall, for example, passes through several scenic harbours and villages, making it ideal for cyclists who enjoy exploring local communities and taking breaks.


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