Discover the well kept secrets that are Cornwall’s beautiful off-road cycle trails…
Cornwall may be beautiful, but with it’s hills, rugged cliffs, and narrow winding roads, it’s not necessarily seen as an ideal county for cycling. In recent years, however, more and more cyclists have been discovering the well kept network of off-road trails, where pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders can enjoy our countryside away from the dangers of traffic.
An increasingly large network of trails which are ideal for anyone who wants to venture out on a bicycle in safety are being created around the county, and these include The Cornish Way multi-use trails, which were opened in 2000 as part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. The most famous of these is The Camel Trail, which is a popular off-road route which takes cyclists, walkers and riders from the pretty wooded valleys around Bodmin to the wide swathes of pale golden sand at Padstow.
Here is our guide to some of the most popular cycle trails to enjoy while you are in Cornwall.
The Camel Trail (18 miles)
From the wooded valleys near Bodmin to the wide swathes of sand which stretch along the Camel estuary near Padstow, there is so much to discover on this trail, which is why it is one of the most popular cycle trails in the country.A popular starting point on the trail is from Wadebridge to Padstow, a flat 5 miles. You can also cycle from Wadebridge to Bodmin (6 miles) or to Wenfordbridge (12.2 miles) at the edge of Bodmin Moor.
Click here for more information and a map of the trail. You can hire cycles at Bridge Bike Hire and a number of other cycle hire outlets.
The Coast to Coast (11 miles)
Running from the beach at Portreath, through the tin mining country north of Truro, down through Bissoe Valley nature reserve and on to Devoran on Restronguet Creek. This path is mostly flat gravel and ideal for families.
Click here for more information and a map of the trail.
For cycle hire and refreshment stop enroute:
At Portreath you can enjoy the lovely cafe and cycle hire facilities at Elm Farm
Visit www.cornwallcyclehire.com for bike hire and café at Bissoe
Helston to Loe Bar (2 miles)
Running from the boating lake at Helston along a smooth concrete path to Loe Pool at the National Trust’s Penrose Estate, this is a pretty, and easy path to explore. You begin at the car park just opposite Coronation Park in Helston and follow a flat and easy two mile trail to The Stables cafe at the Penrose Estate. You can also continue onwards to Porthleven too, if you can manage slightly more challenging terrain and a seven mile route.
Click here to download a map of the trails.
You can hire bike and trailers at Coronation Lake in Helston, where a free car park marks the start of the trail from Porthleven Cycle Hire
The Pentewan Valley Trail (3.4 miles)
Part of the Longer Coast to Clay Way, the Pentewan Valley Trail is a very short hop from us here at Bosinver. It starts from Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire in Pentewan village and runs along the old disused Pentewan railway.
Click here for a map and more information about the trail:
The Eden to Bugle Trail (3.5miles)
Explore the Clay Country around St Austell on this flat, well kept Clay Trail which is ideal for beginners. Start from the Banana car part at the Eden Project and click here for a map and more information about the trail. Knightor winery and restaurant is a lovely place to stop off en route.
