The best cycling routes around Straid
4.2
(5)
39
riders
14
rides
Touring cycling around Straid offers a diverse landscape for exploration. The region features a mix of coastal paths along the Antrim Coast & Glens, forested areas like Glennariff Forest, and the more rugged terrain of the Sperrins. Cyclists can expect routes that traverse varied elevations, including some significant climbs. The area provides opportunities to experience both scenic coastal views and inland natural beauty.
Best touring cycling routes around Straid
- The most popular touring cycling route is Glennariff Forest and Carnloughβ¦
Last updated: June 25, 2026
8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
81.6km
05:10
880m
870m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
120km
07:18
1,030m
1,030m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
63.5km
03:53
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
29.2km
01:45
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Straid
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.
8
0
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.
9
0
An old-fashioned marina in a fishing village. An idyllic place to stop during the long walk on this stretch of the CCR.
2
0
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.
0
0
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.
1
0
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.
0
0
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.
2
0
There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical difficulty levels for touring cycling routes around Straid?
Touring cycling routes in the Straid area primarily range from moderate to difficult. There are 9 moderate routes and 8 difficult routes available. The terrain often includes varied elevations, significant climbs, and extensive views, particularly along the Antrim coastline and through the Sperrins.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Straid?
While many routes around Straid feature challenging ascents and longer distances, making them more suitable for experienced touring cyclists, there are some options that might be more manageable. For instance, the Motte loop from Ballymena is a moderate route, shorter in distance at approximately 18 miles (29 km), which could be a good starting point for those looking for a less strenuous ride.
What are some good starting points for touring cycling routes in the Straid area?
Many touring cycling routes around Straid begin from nearby towns and villages that offer good access to the scenic areas. Popular starting points include Ballymena, which serves as a gateway to routes like the Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop, and Cullybackey, a starting point for routes heading into the Sperrins or along the Antrim Coast.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Straid?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the Straid area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop, the challenging Cullybackey to Waterfoot loop, and the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop.
What is the best season for touring cycling in Straid?
The best season for touring cycling in Straid is generally spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder and more stable, offering better conditions for enjoying the coastal paths, forested areas, and rolling hills. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and potentially wet or icy conditions, especially on higher ground.
What kind of scenic viewpoints can I expect along the touring cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes around Straid offer a variety of stunning scenic viewpoints. Along the Antrim Coast & Glens, you'll encounter extensive coastal vistas overlooking the Irish Sea. Inland, routes through areas like Glennariff Forest provide beautiful forest scenery, while rides into the Sperrins offer panoramic views of rolling hills and rugged landscapes.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about touring cycling in Straid?
The touring cycling routes around Straid are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscape, which includes a mix of coastal paths, forested glens, and the rolling hills of the Sperrins. Cyclists appreciate the challenging ascents and the rewarding views, as well as the opportunity to experience both natural beauty and charming harbour towns.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in the Straid area pass through or near towns and villages where you can find cafes, pubs, and shops for refreshments. For example, the Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop includes Carnlough Harbour, which offers options for a break. Planning your route with komoot can help you identify specific points of interest for stops.
How long do the touring cycling routes around Straid typically take to complete?
The duration of touring cycling routes around Straid varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. For example, the Glennariff Forest and Carnlough Harbour loop, at 48.1 miles (77.4 km), typically takes around 4 hours 48 minutes. Longer routes like the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop, covering 74.3 miles (119.5 km), can take over 7 hours. It's important to consider your own fitness level and planned stops when estimating completion times.
What are some of the key geographical features encountered on touring cycling routes in Straid?
Touring cycling around Straid is characterized by its diverse geography. You'll encounter the dramatic coastal roads of the Antrim Coast & Glens, the lush, forested areas such as Glennariff Forest, and the rolling, often rugged, hills of the Sperrins. Routes frequently involve varied elevations, from sea-level paths to significant climbs into the uplands.
Are there any specific attractions or landmarks to look out for on the touring cycling routes?
While specific attractions are not detailed in the route data, the region itself is rich in points of interest. For example, the Beaghmore Stone Circles loop takes you past the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles. Other routes along the Antrim Coast offer views of charming harbour towns like Carnlough and the natural beauty of the Glens of Antrim.
Most popular routes around Straid
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
