The best running trails around Ballymena

There are over 30 running routes around Ballymena, offering a diverse range of experiences for all fitness levels. These include easy, moderate, and challenging options.

Yes, Ballymena offers several easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a gentle jog. For instance, parts of Ecos Nature Park feature wide, flat, and smoothly surfaced paths. The Devenagh Burn Riverbank loop from Ballymena is a moderate route with a pleasant environment alongside natural water features, which can be enjoyed at a comfortable pace.

For those seeking a more strenuous run, Ballymena has several challenging options. The Braid Riverbank loop from Ballymena is a difficult 11.1-mile (17.9 km) path with varied elevation. Another demanding option is the Dungonnell Reservoir loop from Cargan, which is a 25.5 km (15.8 miles) route with significant elevation gain. For a truly robust experience, Slemish Mountain offers a challenging trail run with scenic views.

Absolutely! Ballymena's routes are known for their scenic beauty. Glenariff Forest Park, known as the 'Queen of the Glens,' offers stunning views, especially along its Waterfalls Walk. You can also find routes that pass by natural monuments such as Slemish Mountain, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Yes, Ecos Nature Park is an excellent choice for families, featuring over 8km of wide, flat, and smoothly surfaced paths that wind through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. The People's Park within Ballymena also provides an accessible green space for local outdoor activities and jogging, suitable for all ages.

Many of Ballymena's running routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Devenagh Burn Riverbank loop from Ballymena, the Braid Riverbank loop from Ballymena, and the Running loop from Ballymena. The Fisherman's Walk near Portglenone is also an easy 4.8 km loop trail.

While many outdoor areas in Ballymena are dog-friendly, it's always best to check specific park regulations or signage for each trail. Generally, dogs are welcome on leads in most public parks and forest trails, but always ensure they are under control and that you clean up after them.

For routes featuring waterfalls, Glenariff Forest Park is highly recommended, with its famous Waterfalls Walk. You can also find natural monuments like Inver River Waterfall and Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall near some of the running trails. For more information on Glenariff, you can visit nidirect.gov.uk.

The running routes in Ballymena are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 10 reviews. Over 400 runners have used komoot to explore Ballymena's varied terrain, often praising the tranquil riverbanks, well-maintained paths, and diverse landscapes.

Yes, Ecos Nature Park on the outskirts of Ballymena is a prime spot for runners, featuring over 8km of scenic paths and hosting a regular parkrun. Within Ballymena, The People's Park also provides an accessible green space ideal for local outdoor activities and jogging.

Ballymena offers a variety of terrain. You'll find smoothly surfaced, flat paths in parks like Ecos Nature Park, paved surfaces along riverbank loops such as the Braid and Devenagh Burn, and more rugged forest trails and gravel paths like the Fisherman's Walk. For a challenging experience, Slemish Mountain provides a robust, natural hiking and trail running surface.

Yes, Ballymena caters to longer distance runners. The Braid Riverbank loop from Ballymena is a challenging 17.9 km (11.1 miles) route. For an even greater distance, the Dungonnell Reservoir loop from Cargan spans 25.5 km (15.8 miles), providing an excellent option for endurance training.

Ballymena is well-known for its beautiful riverbank routes. The Braid Riverbank loop and the Devenagh Burn Riverbank loop offer varying distances and elevations, with mostly paved surfaces. The Fisherman's Walk near Portglenone is another popular 4.8 km loop trail along a tranquil river, perfect for a peaceful run.