Orra

This summit of Orra near Ballycastle, in what feels like the middle-of-nowhere, contains a surprising amount of climbing, but it’s drawn out and never spikes too sharply so it should be manageable for cyclists not yet feeling ready for climbs north of 10% gradient. Still, it has moments where you’ll definitely notice an increase in the effort required.

Turn on to the Fivey Road as you pass through Stranocum, and follow signs for Orra. When you arrive at a village called Magherahoney, switch onto the Altarichard Road and from that point the climbing begins.

As you approach the top, you’ll arrive into barren countryside that looks like it hasn’t seen any life except for cyclists and sheep since the dawn of time. The lack of trees and buildings means that you can get thrown around in blustery conditions, and this sometimes proves more of a challenge that the incline.

The descent is immense fun, and you’ll be able to freewheel down the Glenaan Road like a bird in flight before finding a pit shop for a caffeine boost and a bite of lunch in Cushendall.