The best cycling routes around Carniny
40
riders
17
rides
Touring cycling around Carniny, located near Ballymena in Northern Ireland, offers diverse landscapes for cyclists. The region is characterized by varied terrain, including coastal areas, glens, and hills, providing a range of elevation profiles. Routes often traverse well-paved surfaces and feature scenic backdrops of the Antrim Coast and Glens. This area provides options for different fitness levels, from moderate to more challenging rides.
Best touring cycling routes around Carniny
- The most popular touring cycling route is Broughshane to Waterfoot loopβ¦
Last updated: June 25, 2026
10
riders
65.2km
04:09
770m
770m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
riders
81.6km
05:10
880m
870m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
51.1km
03:36
780m
780m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
120km
07:18
1,030m
1,030m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Carniny
Tips from the Community
As you cycle through the rolling landscape of County Tyrone, the Wellbrook Beetling Mill is an absolute must for a stopover. Situated in an idyllic, wooded stream valley along the Ballinderry River, this 19th-century water mill provides a stark contrast to the tranquility of its surroundings. This is the last working 'beetling mill' in the United Kingdom. "Beetling" was the final step in traditional Irish linen production: using enormous wooden hammers (beetles), powered by a water wheel nearly five metres high, the linen was processed for hours until it acquired its characteristic sheen. When the mill is running, you can hear the rhythmic thudding from afar β an impressive sound that takes you straight back to the industrial heyday of Northern Ireland.
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High above Cookstown, at the foot of the impressive Sperrin Mountains, you will find the Beaghmore Stone Circles. This is one of Ireland's most fascinating archaeological sites. Only rediscovered in the 1940s during peat cutting, the bog revealed a complex of seven stone circles, ten stone rows, and numerous Bronze Age burial mounds. For a cyclist, the road to Beaghmore is an experience in itself. The route takes you away from the inhabited world into a vast, quiet landscape where the wind has free rein. The complex itself exudes an enormous sense of peace and is the perfect place to get off your bike and soak up the prehistoric atmosphere.
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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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Legend has it that this was the first known Irish home of Saint Patrick. The Mountain juts out of the surrounding plain, and is visible for miles around. The dramatic Slemish is actually the central core of a long extinct volcano. The legend goes that following his capture and being brought as a slave to Ireland, St Patrick worked as a shepherd at Slemish Mountain for about six years.
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Wonderfully expansive forest and the lovely Glenwhirry river as a bonus. Apparently this place is well known for having been haunted by an ancient apparition! Always the same four Druids appear. To observe, then vanish.
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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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Beaghmore (Bheitheach MhΓ³r), meaning βbig place of birch treesβ. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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Contained within the ruins is a sculpture of the crucifixion, which is thought to date from the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest in Ireland. St Lurach founded an important church here in the 6th century. It was plundered by Vikings in 832 and burned in 1135. Following the 12th-century ecclesiastical reforms this was the seat of a bishop from the mid 12th to the mid 13th century, then served as parish church until the new church across the road was built in the early 19th century. This long history is reflected in the much patched and altered fabric, and the big uneven graveyard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Carniny?
There are over 20 touring cycling routes around Carniny, offering a variety of experiences. These routes cater to different fitness levels, from moderate to difficult, and showcase the diverse landscapes of the region.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly touring cycling routes in Carniny?
While many routes around Carniny are moderate to difficult, there is at least one easy touring cycling route available. The region's varied terrain means you can find options with mostly well-paved surfaces and less elevation, particularly around areas like Carn, which features routes such as the Maguiresbridge Road loop (24.1km, 120m elevation).
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Carniny?
Touring cycling routes near Carniny feature diverse terrain, including coastal areas, glens, and hills. You can expect varied elevation profiles, from moderate climbs to more challenging ascents. Many routes utilize well-paved surfaces, offering scenic backdrops of the Antrim Coast and Glens, as well as woodlands and moorlands.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Carniny?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Carniny are designed as loops. For example, the Broughshane to Waterfoot loop β Antrim Coast & Glens is a popular circular route, as is the Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop from Ballymena β Antrim Forest & Glens.
What are some notable landmarks or natural features to see along the cycling routes?
The region offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. While cycling, you might encounter dramatic coastlines, glens, and mountains, particularly along the Antrim Coast. Areas like Carnmenellis in Cornwall, which shares similar characteristics, feature exposed granite hilltops, small streams, and ancient field patterns. Historical elements such as Neolithic settlements, granite walls, and remnants of 19th-century mining industries can also be found in the broader region.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Carniny?
Touring cyclists frequently praise the diverse landscapes and varied challenges offered by the routes around Carniny. The combination of coastal paths, glens, and hills provides a rich cycling experience. Routes like the Cullybackey to Waterfoot loop β Antrim Coast & Glens are particularly popular for their scenic beauty and engaging terrain.
Is Carniny suitable for family-friendly touring cycling?
While many routes are moderate to difficult, the region does offer options for varying skill levels. For family-friendly cycling, it's advisable to look for routes with lower elevation gains and mostly well-paved surfaces. The 'easy' rated routes would be the most suitable starting point for families.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Carniny?
Specific parking locations vary by route start point. However, given the region's focus on outdoor activities, you can generally expect parking facilities near popular trailheads or in nearby towns and villages like Ballymena, Broughshane, or Cullybackey, which serve as common starting points for many routes, such as the Broughshane to Slemish Mountain loop.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Carniny?
The best time for touring cycling in Carniny generally aligns with milder weather conditions, typically spring through autumn. During these seasons, you can enjoy the diverse landscapes without the challenges of winter weather, making for a more pleasant experience along routes that traverse coastal areas, glens, and hills.
Are there any cafes or pubs along the touring cycling routes for a break?
Yes, touring cycling often involves passing through charming towns and villages, offering opportunities for breaks. While specific establishments aren't listed for every route, areas like Carnlough Harbour, which is part of the Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop, are known for their local appeal and would likely have options for refreshments.
Can I reach the touring cycling routes in Carniny by public transport?
Public transport options to reach the starting points of touring cycling routes in Carniny would typically involve services to larger towns like Ballymena, which is a central hub. From there, local bus services might connect to smaller villages or areas closer to specific trailheads. It's recommended to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
What is the longest touring cycling route available around Carniny?
One of the longer and more challenging routes is the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop from Cullybackey β Sperrins, which covers approximately 119.5 km (74.3 miles) and features significant elevation gain, making it a demanding ride for experienced cyclists.
Most popular routes around Carniny
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