The best road cycling routes around Craigdunloof

Road cycling routes around Craigdunloof feature a diverse landscape, from coastal roads and rolling hills to deep glens. You'll encounter varied terrain, including narrow, winding roads, moderate inclines, and descents. The region, similar to the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB, offers a mix of lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and open valleys, providing both challenging climbs and scenic stretches.

Yes, Craigdunloof offers road cycling routes for various abilities. The guide includes options ranging from moderate loops to more challenging routes with substantial climbs. For instance, Descent Into Glenarm – Waterfoot Beach loop from Cargan is a difficult route with significant elevation gain, while Waterfoot Beach – Glenariff Descent loop from Cargan is a moderate option.

The region is rich in natural beauty. Along your rides, you can discover stunning waterfalls like Inver River Waterfall and Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall. Many routes also offer views of the Glendun Valley and take you through areas like Glenariff, known for its dramatic landscapes and winding roads above Glenariff Forest.

Yes, many of the routes around Craigdunloof are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the challenging Descent Into Glenarm – Waterfoot Beach loop from Cargan and the moderate Waterfoot Beach – View of Glendun Valley loop from Martinstown.

The region, similar to other coastal areas in Northern Ireland, generally experiences a mild climate. While cycling is possible year-round, spring and summer often offer the most pleasant conditions with longer daylight hours and generally lower rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the varied terrain and scenic coastal paths.

Route durations vary significantly based on distance and difficulty. For example, the difficult Descent Into Glenarm – Waterfoot Beach loop from Cargan, spanning 66.1 miles (106.3 km), typically takes around 5 hours 1 minute. Shorter, moderate routes like Waterfoot Beach – Glenariff Descent loop from Cargan (17.4 miles / 28.0 km) can be completed in about 1 hour 21 minutes.

While many road cycling routes in Craigdunloof feature moderate to difficult terrain with significant elevation changes, there are some easier options available. For families, it's recommended to look for routes with less elevation gain and shorter distances. Always check the difficulty grade and elevation profile of a route before setting out with children.

The routes offer breathtaking views, often encompassing dramatic coastal scenery, deep glens, and undulating plateaus. You can expect to see contrasts of gentle bays and blunt headlands, exposed moorland, and sheltered valleys, similar to the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

While specific cafes or pubs are not detailed for every route, areas like Waterfoot Beach, which features in several routes, are popular spots and likely have amenities. In general, towns and villages within the region will offer options for refreshments. It's always a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially on longer routes.

There are 8 road cycling routes detailed in this guide for the Craigdunloof area, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for cyclists to explore.

Over 130 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Craigdunloof's varied terrain. Users often praise the region for its stunning natural beauty, the challenge of its climbs, and the rewarding views, particularly along the coastal paths and through the deep glens.

Yes, the routes are designed to showcase the region's diverse geography. You can find routes that descend into Glenarm, offer views of the Glendun Valley, or lead through the Glenariff area, often incorporating sections along the coast near Waterfoot Beach.