The best road cycling routes around Lisnamanny

There are over 30 road cycling routes around Lisnamanny listed on komoot, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. These routes explore the scenic Glens of Antrim and the broader Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Yes, the Lisnamanny area offers several easier road cycling routes. For example, the Roadbike loop from Cloughmills is an easy 26.9-mile (43.3 km) trail through rural landscapes, typically completed in under two hours. Another easy option is the Motte loop from Cloughmills, which is 27.2 miles (43.8 km) long.

Road cycling around Lisnamanny features diverse terrain, from undulating basalt plateaus and deep glens to forest-covered hills and coastal sections. You'll encounter both gentle bays and more exposed moorland, with routes offering varied elevation gains as they traverse the Glens of Antrim.

Absolutely. Experienced riders seeking a challenge will find routes with significant elevation gains. The Descent Into Glenarm – Waterfoot Beach loop from Cargan is a difficult 66.1-mile (106.3 km) route with over 1,200 meters of ascent, featuring descents into Glenarm and coastal sections.

Yes, the region offers several long-distance options. The Descent Into Glenarm – Waterfoot Beach loop from Cargan is a challenging 66.1-mile (106.3 km) route. Another substantial option is the Waterfoot Beach – View of Glendun Valley loop from Martinstown, a moderate 47.2-mile (75.9 km) path.

The routes often pass through the scenic Glens of Antrim and the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB. You might encounter dramatic landscapes, forest-covered hills, and views of the coastline. While cycling, you could also be near attractions like Winding Roads Above Glenariff Forest.

While not directly on every road cycling route, the area around Lisnamanny is known for its waterfalls. You can find highlights such as Inver River Waterfall, Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall, and a Waterfall and Bridge on the Glenariff River, which are often accessible nearby or as short detours from cycling paths.

The Glens of Antrim and the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer generally offer the most favorable weather for road cycling, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Autumn also provides stunning scenery with changing foliage.

While many routes involve varied terrain and elevation, some of the easier, shorter loops through rural landscapes, like the Roadbike loop from Cloughmills, might be suitable for families with older children or those comfortable with moderate distances on quiet roads.

The Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) provides a spectacular backdrop for road cycling. It features a high undulating basalt plateau cut by deep glens, offering a diverse topography of gentle bays, blunt headlands, exposed moorland, and sheltered valleys. This variety ensures constantly changing and breathtaking views for cyclists. You can learn more about the AONB on the DAERA website.

Yes, several routes in the region incorporate coastal sections, providing awe-inspiring views of the North Atlantic Ocean. The Descent Into Glenarm – Waterfoot Beach loop from Cargan includes coastal stretches after descending into Glenarm, offering dramatic seaside vistas.

Road cyclists using komoot frequently praise the varied terrain and stunning scenery around Lisnamanny. The region is known for its quiet roads through the Glens of Antrim and the dramatic coastal views, making it a highly regarded destination for those seeking both challenging climbs and picturesque rides.