Causeway Gateway Cycle Route (NCN 96)

Two flat riverside paths, both traffic-free

Route 96 is recorded as 7.7km (4.8 miles) and is 100% traffic-free on 100% asphalt, mainly flat throughout. The catch is that it comes in two pieces. The Ballymoney section runs through Riverside Park along the Ballymoney River, a quiet green corridor. The Coleraine section follows the River Bann beside Strand Road, with water views and university-town bustle nearby. Each piece is short, so think of them as two easy out-and-back rides rather than one long trip. The flat tarmac suits balance bikes, scooters and buggy wheels equally well.

Free Traffic-free Flat Asphalt Riverside Buggy-friendly

Good to know before you go:

Greenways and cycle routes across NI host seasonal sportives, family cycle days and ranger events; check listings for dates near you.

What to bring

🚲Bikes (or hire on the day)Check whether you bring your own or can hire at the start.

🪖Helmets for everyoneEspecially the kids — a comfy helmet makes the whole spin better.

💧Water and snacksNot every route has a café on it, so pack a little something.

🧥A light layerYou warm up cycling but cool down at stops — easy to peel on and off.

Everything before you go

Cost

Free

Start / parking

Two sections: Riverside Park in Ballymoney, and along the River Bann beside Strand Road in Coleraine. Town-centre parking and train stations in both.

Distance

7.7km / 4.8 miles total, split across two separate traffic-free sections

Surface

Asphalt (recorded as 100% asphalt)

Gradient

Mainly flat

Traffic-free?

Yes, both sections are 100% traffic-free; but they are not joined into one continuous greenway

Bike hire

None on the route, bring your own

Buggy / scooter friendly

Yes, smooth flat tarmac suits buggies and scooters

Toilets / food

Not on the path; use Ballymoney and Coleraine town centres

How long to allow

1-2 hours per section, or a half-day with a town stop or Mountsandel Forest

Address

Riverside Park, Ballymoney BT53; and Strand Road / River Bann, Coleraine BT52, Co. Londonderry

Questions

Before you go

Is it free?

Free

How long is the route?

7.7km / 4.8 miles total, split across two separate traffic-free sections

Is it traffic-free?

Yes, both sections are 100% traffic-free; but they are not joined into one continuous greenway

Can I hire a bike?

None on the route, bring your own

Is it buggy and scooter friendly?

Yes, smooth flat tarmac suits buggies and scooters

Getting there

Causeway Gateway Cycle Route (NCN 96) starts at Two sections: Riverside Park in Ballymoney, and along the River Bann beside Strand Road in Coleraine. Town-centre parking and train stations in both.. Tap below for directions to the start.

Directions on Google Maps Official website See it on our map

Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around ColeraineSee what else is close by More greenways & trails across NITraffic-free routes to walk and cycle

The story

About this trail

Route 96 is part of the National Cycle Network and links the North Antrim towns of Ballymoney and Coleraine. Much of the original on-road link has been set aside, leaving two genuinely traffic-free riverside sections: Riverside Park in Ballymoney and the River Bann path in Coleraine.

There are long-standing plans to join the two towns properly. A proposed Coleraine to Ballymoney greenway, around 16km, would use the disused railway line past Balnamore and Macfin and a riverside path along the Bann, with a delivery window stretching from 2026 toward 2040. For now, treat Route 96 as two short, easy rides rather than one continuous greenway.

Near the Coleraine section sits Mountsandel Forest and Mount Sandel fort, claimed as one of the oldest sites of human settlement in Ireland, an easy add-on for an afternoon.