Cornwalls cycling trails
You are here, you’ve brought your bike, but now what? It takes a special kind of person to want to brave Cornish roads on two wheels, but luckily, we have lots of options for those who prefer a less terrifying cycling experience. Not all trails are created equal, so do your research before you head out!
One of the most famous trails, this is the one to try if you like a flat meander punctuated by a fair bit of eating. The trail runs from Padstow to Bodmin, before it feeds up towards the moor, but there are plenty of places that you can hop on if you don’t fancy the whole stretch. Most of the trail is a dedicated cycling and walking path, so this is a great option for the kids or the more cautious perambulators in the party. Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin all have bike hire options, so forgetting your bike is no excuse.
This trail picks up where the Camel Trail finishes and winds its way across the moor towards Bude. Mostly on quieter roads, and with some challenging hills, this is not a route for total beginners, but offers some breath-taking coastal scenery and the opportunity to see some of the more remote areas of North Cornwall.
This mid-Cornwall trail runs alongside the old A30, and takes you through wetland, heathland and scrub, and is a must for wildlife enthusiasts. The majority of the trail is hard standing but can be a bit waterlogged after heavy rain. This is a flatter trail and mainly offroad, so perfect for younger ones, dogs or just folk who don’t fancy battling traffic.
The grounds of this beautiful house feature a whole host of trails to suit all levels of experience, from super-beginner to mountain-biking whizz. This is a great place to get up confidence if you are new to cycling, and it’s worth bearing in mind that walkers and dogs are not allowed on the trails, as they are designed for speed.
This network of multi-activity trails follows the tram and railway routes that once transported goods and supplies across the region. There is a huge amount of choice of terrain, all of which provide a great way to explore Cornwall’s rich mining heritage.
If you fancy a deep dive into Cornwall’s mining history, this is the route for you. A mix of road and off-road riding, this trail winds through villages and countryside that all bear the marks of the county’s industrial past.
A real family fave, these gorgeous woods are criss-crossed with trails for hiking, cycling or just walking the dog. Take off on a calm family trail, or tackle Hells Teeth and Dialled in Dave for a more adrenalin fuelled ride.
A series of trails around the Eden Project and St Austell Bay, these can be tackled in small doses or as a whole. Some are easier to navigate on a bike than others, so plan your route before you go.
The Big Daddy. Over 200 miles of linked trails that take you from Bude to Lands End, and everywhere in between. This one will take some planning, but you will be rewarded with some incredible scenery and an enormous sense of wellbeing (or maybe just a sore bum and a deep hatred of country roads) but it will definitely be worth every pedal!!