The best cycling routes around Ballyboley

Ballyboley Forest itself is currently completely closed to all visitors, including cyclists, due to tree disease and felling. Many previous trails have been destroyed. However, the wider region around Ballyboley, within the Antrim Coast & Glens Area of Natural Beauty, offers numerous alternative cycling opportunities.

There are over 10 touring cycling routes available around Ballyboley, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the surrounding area.

The touring cycling routes around Ballyboley cater to a range of abilities. You'll find options from easy, relatively flat loops to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain. For example, the Woodburn Reservoir loop from Anglers Car Park is rated easy, while the Heart Attack Hill loop from Burnside is considered moderate due to its climbs.

The touring cycling routes around Ballyboley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from open moorland to scenic reservoir areas, and the variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels.

Yes, there are easy touring cycling routes in the area. The Woodburn Reservoir loop from Anglers Car Park is an easy 5.9-mile (9.5 km) trail, often completed in under an hour, making it a good option for beginners or families looking for a less strenuous ride.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, routes like the Heart Attack Hill loop from Burnside offer significant elevation gain over its 27.1 miles (43.6 km), providing a demanding ride through the local terrain.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Ballyboley are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Antrim Castle Gardens – Antrim Castle Gardens loop from Ballyclare and the Ballyboley Forest – Killylane Reservoir loop from Ballyclare.

While cycling in the Ballyboley area, you can explore several notable attractions. Routes often pass by or lead to places like Woodburn Reservoir and Killylane Reservoir, both offering picturesque views. The Antrim Castle Gardens loop from Ballyclare connects directly to the historic Antrim Castle Gardens, which feature flat gravel paths and various landmarks. You might also catch a View of the Antrim Coast from Scawt Hill on some routes.

Generally, dogs are welcome on public paths and roads in the area, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature reserves. Specific rules may apply to certain attractions or private lands, so check local signage. For example, while cycling around Killylane Reservoir, be mindful of its role as a water supply.

Yes, the Ballyboley Forest – Killylane Reservoir loop from Ballyclare is a moderate 30.8-mile (49.6 km) route that takes you past the pristine Killylane Reservoir, nestled on open moorland and offering tranquil settings and picturesque views.

The region around Ballyboley, situated within the Antrim Coast & Glens AONB, offers diverse landscapes. You'll cycle through undulating plateaus, deep glens, and open moorland, with views of reservoirs like Killylane Reservoir. Some routes also provide glimpses of the Irish coastline and lush green valleys.

While specific public transport links directly to every trailhead might be limited, the larger towns in the Antrim Coast & Glens AONB, such as Ballyclare and Larne, are generally accessible by bus services. From these points, you may need to cycle to reach the starting points of some routes. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Parking is generally available at or near the starting points of many routes. For example, the Woodburn Reservoir loop starts from Anglers Car Park, indicating dedicated parking. For other routes, look for public car parks in nearby towns like Ballyclare or Burnside, which serve as common starting points.