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Historic Country Cycles

There are a number of cycle routes to choose from where you can enjoy the beautiful rural countryside and explore many of the historic sites, which Ballymoney Borough has to offer

The Bush.
An 18 mile cycle which starts and finishes at the Joey Dunlop Centre, takes in the viallage of Stranocum and also the Dark Hedges, which is a group of three hundred year old trees, which are reputedly haunted by a spectral grey lady and form an arc over the road.  This cycle also takes in Stranocum Hall built inthe 18th Century and the Old Graveyard at Kilraughts, which dates back to the 17th Century. 

The Fisheries
Starting at the Drumagheglis Marina this 15-mile cycle takes you through the historic villages of Bendooragh and Balnamore.  There are a number of historic points of interest to look out for along the way including an earthern mound on the glenstall road, the Linen Mill at Balnamore and at Movanagher in 1615, the London mercers compnay managed the ford, fishery and surrounding farmland and built a fortified bawn.  These sites are on private land and can only be accessed with the owners permission.

The Craigs
This 18-mile cycle starting and finishing at the Joey Dunlop Centre takes you on a scenic rural trip taking in many ancient sites on the Long Mountain such as the Broad Stone and Craigs Dolmen, which are Stone Age Graves.  A well preserved Stone Age Grave can also be visited at Dooeys Cairn near Dunloy.  However these sites are on private land and can only be accessed with the owners permission.

The Mill
This short 5 mile cycle begins at the Drumaheglis Marina and takes in the viallges of Macfin and Balnamore and passes the entrance to Leslie Hill Farm.  Historic points of interest to look out for along the way includealong the River bann at Drumaheglis where archaeologists have discovered evidence that Mesolithic people built settlements here.

The Castle
Starting and finishing at the Joey Dunlop Centre this cycle will take you past a number of places of historic interest along the way.  On the right after you pass Knockahollet School are the reminas of a Norman Motte & Bailey Forte.  A Bronze Age Burial was also found on this site.  Also on route you will pass lissanoure Castle and the Hill at Kilraughts First Presbyterian Church, which was the gathering place for an army of 5000 United irishmen in 1798. 

For more information on these cycles including a map and directions see the Cycle Ballymoney Brochure.