Cycling in Cornwall: 8 Trails and Routes to Explore

Despite the rather undulating nature of Cornwall, discovering our county by bike is a really great way to explore. Whether you fancy mountain biking through the forest trails at Cardinham Woods or a gentler pace, stopping to enjoy the estuary views towards Padstow on the Camel Trail, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of our favourites.

Cornwall’s cycle routes can be enjoyed throughout the year. Autumn is particularly lovely, with quieter trails, crisp mornings and changing colours, while spring and summer bring longer days. Whatever the season, it is worth checking the weather and trail conditions before setting out.

Lanhydrock and Cardinham Woods

The Lanhydrock estate, just outside Bodmin, has some lovely trails specifically reserved for bikes. They are suitable for different abilities and can be great for all the family. You can find current information about outdoor activities and cycling at Lanhydrock on the National Trust website.

The estate also has cafés and a play area, making it an easy family day out. The cycle trails are free to use, although normal parking charges apply for non-members. Routes range from the gentle Lodge Trail for beginners to more technical blue trails such as Timber Trail.

Just down the road is Cardinham Woods. I love the café here, it is scrumptious. The forest offers some excellent cycling and mountain biking trails, including the ‘Bodmin Beast’, with optional red-graded sections for more experienced riders. I have seen plenty of happy people return covered in mud and smiling!

The Clay Trails and Eden Project

Near St Austell, we have the Clay Trails. This is a really interesting landscape, and the trails are rarely too busy, making them perfect for pausing to watch wildlife or simply taking your time. The network includes a route between Wheal Martyn and the Eden Project, connecting two great attractions.

You can also cycle from Lanhydrock to the Eden Project by following an off-road route through Cornwall’s distinctive clay country.

Coast to Coast and Goss Moor

Many of Cornwall’s cycle paths have been repurposed from the county’s mining heritage. The Cornish Coast to Coast Trail follows part of a former mineral tramway from Portreath on the north coast to Devoran on the south.

I love Devoran. It is a little place with a pub and a green beside the estuary, between Truro and Falmouth. It was a happy discovery while I was out driving one day. The Coast to Coast Trail is about 11 miles and is generally level and mostly off-road, with wonderful views along the way.

One I have not tried myself is the Goss Moor Multi Use Trail. This seven-mile circular route takes in part of the old A30, which I remember for its queues, but it is now mostly flat and largely off-road, making it a good choice for a gentler ride and wildlife spotting. The colours in autumn must be gorgeous.

The Camel Trail and St Piran Trail

Perhaps one of Cornwall’s best-known cycle trails is the Camel Trail, linking Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. The 18-mile route is largely traffic-free, surfaced and virtually level, with lovely estuary and countryside views. It is popular with families throughout the year, and there are several places to hire bikes along the trail.

You can also cycle the St Piran Trail from Padstow towards Newquay and Truro. This is better suited to a more experienced cyclist because there are hills and stretches on minor roads. There are pretty villages aplenty, with places such as Trerice, the National Trust’s tucked-away Elizabethan manor house, and north coast beaches including Constantine Bay nearby.

Pentewan Valley Trail

The final trail I want to highlight is the Pentewan Valley Trail. It is flat, off-road and peaceful, and I love this corner of Cornwall. Once a railway, the trail follows the river and weaves beneath the trees.

Starting in the little village of Pentewan, you can travel towards St Austell and historic Charlestown, where you can join the Clay Trails. You can also head towards the coast to explore Mevagissey or The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

You can hire a bike in the village from Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire, including electric bikes for tackling the hills. We have written more about the business and its local routes in our guide to cycle hire in Pentewan Valley.

There are so many routes to explore, whether you are looking for a gentle family ride or a more demanding woodland trail.

Route details, access and facilities can change, so check the linked websites before setting out.