Torr Head

Mark our words, this does not in any way feel like you’re only averaging 2.3%.

The descents dotted throughout this famous stretch of road unfairly take some gloss off the average gradient when you factor in some of its devastating uphill sections.

But we’ve left it that way because we didn’t want you missing out on the full Torr Road experience!

The road begins just as you leave Cushendun. Our route is over 6 miles in length, and some of it is absolutely savage. Torr has gained a reputation as one of the most challenging roads to cycle in all of Ireland, and you won’t be disputing that as you crawl the last few metres towards the summit.

Hugely popular with local sportives and club runs, it’s like our Ventoux. You can’t say you’ve properly cycled in Northern Ireland until you’ve done Torr Head.

Coming towards the end, we suggest veering left on to the Farrenmacallan Road to take on the steep switchbacks. And they are very steep. Once you get to the top (and recover) you’re more than welcome to take a spin out to the headland and look out across the wide open sea. The only problem is it’s a long way back up again!