The best road cycling routes around Altnahinch Resevoir

The terrain around Altnahinch Reservoir is characterized by mostly paved surfaces, offering a rewarding challenge for road cyclists. You'll encounter varying elevation changes, from gentle inclines to more significant climbs, set against a backdrop of exposed peaty moorland and extensive forest cover. While generally paved, some segments may present unpaved sections or potholes, adding to the diverse riding experience.

Yes, the Altnahinch Reservoir area offers road cycling routes catering to various ability levels. You can find easy, moderate, and difficult routes. For instance, the Roadbike loop from Drumadarragh is an easy option, while routes like Descent Into Glenarm – Waterfoot Beach loop from Cargan provide a difficult challenge with significant elevation gain.

The region offers expansive views of tranquil landscapes, including the Altnahinch Reservoir itself and the surrounding peaty moorland and forest. The River Bush, which has its source just above the reservoir, flows through the area, adding to the natural beauty. Further afield, the broader County Antrim area is part of the Causeway Coast and Glens, renowned for its scenic beauty.

While the car park directly at Altnahinch Reservoir has been noted as currently closed, the surrounding roads and trails remain accessible. Cyclists often find parking in nearby villages or designated areas before starting their routes. It's advisable to check local signage for current parking regulations.

The Altnahinch Reservoir area can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. However, the region's exposed nature means weather conditions can vary. Spring and summer generally offer milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, making them ideal for cycling. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder, potentially wetter conditions.

While many routes in the immediate Altnahinch Reservoir area feature significant elevation changes and can be challenging, there are easier options available. For example, the Roadbike loop from Drumadarragh is rated as easy. When planning a family outing, look for routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances to ensure a comfortable experience for all.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Altnahinch Reservoir are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Clough Castle loop from Drumadarragh and the Waterfoot Beach – Glenariff Descent loop from Cargan, which offer varied distances and difficulties.

While the immediate vicinity of Altnahinch Reservoir is quite rural, you can find cafes and pubs in nearby towns and villages such as Cloughmills, Cargan, or Drumadarragh. These establishments offer opportunities for refreshments and meals, making them good stopping points during or after your ride.

The duration of a road cycling route varies significantly based on its length and difficulty. For example, an easy route like the Roadbike loop from Drumadarragh (43.6 km) can take around 1 hour 53 minutes. More challenging routes, such as the Descent Into Glenarm – Waterfoot Beach loop from Cargan (106.3 km), can take over 5 hours to complete.

Generally, public roads and designated cycling paths do not require special permits for cycling. However, it's always good practice to respect local regulations, especially concerning private land or protected areas. For specific information regarding the reservoir itself, you may consult the official DAERA NI website: daera-ni.gov.uk.

The road cycling routes around Altnahinch Reservoir feature varied elevation profiles. You can expect significant elevation gains on many routes, contributing to their challenging nature. For instance, the Descent Into Glenarm – Waterfoot Beach loop from Cargan involves over 1290 meters of ascent, while a moderate route like the Clough Castle loop from Drumadarragh has around 420 meters of elevation gain.