22.5 miles
Loop
Slemish
Approximately 50% of the route follows the signage of the NCN97 going from the Ecos Environmental Centre in Ballymena to Glenarm on the County Antrim Coast (ecos cycle trail). Spectacular views on the right day across the Braid River valley and beyond with the added bonus of the pretty village of Broughshane and Slemish Mountain situated along the route.
TRAIL INFORMATION
From the ecos environmental centre in Ballymena follow the NCN97 signs for Broughshane. You will pass through the village of Buckna before ascending to the small village of Carnalbanagh high up in the Antrim Plateau.
From the Carnalbanagh Sheddings crossroads depart the NCN97 and turn right onto the Carnalbanagn Road to head back towards Slemish Mountain and Buckna. Keep going straight by passing the turn off for Buckna and follow the Lisnamurrican Road to the junction with Rathkeell Road. Turn right and take the first left, Aghnadore Road. Turn right onto Caherty Road and proceed back into Borughshane. Follow the NCN97 signage back to the ecos centre.
TRAIL INFORMATION
From the ecos environmental centre in Ballymena follow the NCN97 signs for Broughshane. You will pass through the village of Buckna before ascending to the small village of Carnalbanagh high up in the Antrim Plateau.
From the Carnalbanagh Sheddings crossroads depart the NCN97 and turn right onto the Carnalbanagn Road to head back towards Slemish Mountain and Buckna. Keep going straight by passing the turn off for Buckna and follow the Lisnamurrican Road to the junction with Rathkeell Road. Turn right and take the first left, Aghnadore Road. Turn right onto Caherty Road and proceed back into Borughshane. Follow the NCN97 signage back to the ecos centre.
GETTING TO THE START
The ecos centre is signed from the A42 at Junction 11. Railway & Bus station at Galgorm Road west side of Ballymena town.
- Facilities Public toilets in the ecos centre and Boroughshane. Numerous places for refreshment in Broughshane.
- Getting to the Start The ecos centre is signed from the A42 at Junction 11. Railway & Bus station at Galgorm Road west side of Ballymena town.
- Traffic Information Moderate traffic inculding farm vehicles.
- Accessible Facilities Steep climb towards Carnalbanagh Sheddings. Ecos centre facilities for disabled plus electric bike hire.
