The 8 best cycle routes in Cornwall
Cornwall’s warm weather and gorgeous sandy beaches mean it’s probably the closest you’ll get to that ‘abroad feeling’ here in the UK.
England’s family holiday hotspot is well known for its beautiful coastlines, charming towns, and, of course, its pasties—but keen cyclists have been flocking here for generations and it’s by no means a coincidence.
There are countless cycle routes in Cornwall, whatever your cycling experience or ability.
Whether it’s a pleasant coastal saunter or a challenging mountain trail you crave, you’re certainly not starved of choice here. Here are 8 of the best cycle routes in Cornwall.
Distance: 18 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Cornwall’s Camel Trail is one of the region’s best cycling routes. Also popular with walkers, runners, and horse-riders, this 18-mile-long, largely traffic-free route follows the old disused railway line that once connected Padstow in the west to Bodmin in the east.
The route, which then meanders north from Bodmin to Wenfordbridge, takes in some of Cornwall’s most beautiful scenery, passing through Camel Valley and alongside the Camel Estuary—one of only two ‘inland’ sections of Cornwall’s famous AONB.
Attracting roughly 400,000 visitors every year, the Camel Trail is one of the most popular cycle routes in Cornwall and can be split into three main sections:
Padstow to Wadebridge: 5.5 miles
Wadebridge to Bodmin (Boscarne): 75 miles
Bodmin to Wenfordbridge: 25 miles
Suitable for cyclists of all ages, the Camel Trail is also a haven for wildlife—especially wading birds. In fact, you’ll find a designated birdwatching hide along the route, around 1.5 miles from Wadebridge.
Distance: 40.5 miles
Difficulty level: Medium
Hens Kernow Gleth is the traditional Cornish name for the North Cornwall Trail, spanning more than 40 miles from Bodmin to the Devon County border via Bude.
The route encompasses some of Cornwall’s most remote villages, so it’s a great way of experiencing those areas you might otherwise never think of visiting. That said, the first part of the route actually follows the upper reaches of the Camel Trail, which you’ll be familiar with by now.
On arrival at Poley’s Bridge (around 7 miles north of Bodmin), cyclists have a choice of two village routes—one passing through Blisland and the other through St Breward—before heading towards Camelford.
The trail splits again later, just after Hallworthy, offering either a steep coastal route from Trelash or a gentler, more inland route through Week St Mary.
Distance: 180 miles
Difficulty level: Hard
Running from Land’s End all the way to Bude, the Cornish Way serves as a reminder that this is truly one of the UK’s most beautiful regions. Cornwall’s gorgeous beaches and coastlines, quaint towns, woodland, and remarkable wildlife are all perfectly encapsulated on this route.
The Cornish Way forms part of the National Cycle Network and is best tackled in stages over four or five days, allowing you to stop and experience Cornwall in all its glory along the way.
Along this route, you’ll pass famous Cornish attractions and sights such as the Eden Project and St Michael’s Mount, while the coastal towns of St Ives and Falmouth offer further respite nearby.
Like many of the longer cycle routes in Cornwall, the Cornish Way splits into two—this time at Truro, giving cyclists the choice of continuing either via Padstow or St Austell before rejoining the main route later on at Bodmin.
Most of the Cornish Way is made up of quiet lanes, so it is suitable for most bike types. However, make sure you and your bike are properly prepared, as 180 miles is far from easy.
Related: 6 top tips for long distance cycling
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Goss Moor is a 480-hectare National Nature Reserve and the largest remaining area of mid-Cornwall moorland.
It’s also home to a 7-mile circular multi-use trail, especially popular with cyclists. The trail is mostly flat, relatively easy to navigate, and provides safe access to the moors.
Goss Moor is one of the best places to be if you’re interested in rare plants and birds. The reserve is home to various rare local plant species, such as the Cornish moneywort and pillwort, and more than 70 different species of bird have also been recorded here.
There’s plenty to see and do around Goss Moor. Although the cycle route in this area is short at just 7 miles, the recommended saddle time is between two and three hours, giving you plenty of time to stop and enjoy the surroundings.
There are also cycle links to the neighbouring Tregoss Moor for those wishing to extend the route.
Distance: 6 mile network
Difficulty level: Easy to Hard
Whether you’re new to cycling or have been doing it for years, there’s a trail to suit you on the Lanhydrock Estate—one of Cornwall’s most visited houses and gardens.
There are three different trail grades to choose from:
Green (Easy) grade trail: a gentle 1.5-mile woodland ride suitable for beginners and families
Blue (Moderate) grade trails: there are four separate blue-grade trails ranging from 1 to 2 miles with gradually increasing difficulties and gradients
Red (Difficult) grade trails: two one-third-of-a-mile downhill trails packed with technical features for more experienced cyclists
A designated ‘Skills Area’ on the site also allows cyclists to practice.
Many of the real-life obstacles found on the Lanhydrock cycle trails have been cleverly replicated in the Skills Area, which also includes a balance bike track designed to help support younger cyclists with speed control. It’s as good a place as any to get started!
Distance: 37.5 mile network
Difficulty level: Easy to Hard
The Mineral Tramways Trail is a unique network of cycle routes in Cornwall, exploring the region’s historic mining area. Many of the cycle routes on the Mineral Tramways are centred around the remains of the 19th-century Cornish industrial infrastructure that lie here.
Among the cycle routes here, you’ll find:
The Coast to Coast Trail (11 miles) – the longest stretch of route connecting the harbour town of Portreath on the northern coast to the port of Devoran in the south
The Great Flat Lode Trail (7.5 miles) – named after the tin deposits first discovered here in the 1860s. The route circles the Carn Brea area overlooking Camborne and Redruth
The Tehidy Trail (2.5 miles) – set within the boundaries of Tehidy Country Park, this shorter and mostly flat route is popular with families
Interestingly, Tehidy Country Park was once home to Sir Francis Basset, Lord de Dunstanville, whose family were heavily involved in Cornwall’s rich mining history.
Other popular cycle routes on the Mineral Tramways include the Portreath Branchline Trail, the Tresavean Trail, and the Redruth and Chacewater Railway Trail.
Distance: 24 miles
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Engine House Trail (often referred to by its traditional Cornish name: Hens an Jynjyow) is another popular cycle route highlighting Cornwall’s rich industrial and mining heritage.
Countless disused engine houses and derelict warehouses line this 24-mile route, which was once one of the world’s most intensively mined areas.
The official trail starting point is in the port town of Hayle, from the remains of its old foundries through the once buzzing, now much quieter roads to Camborne.
From Camborne, cyclists continue towards Redruth via the Mineral Tramways path, skirting the base of the Carn Brea monument. Once through Redruth, another mining village awaits in Carharrack before hugging more of the old tramlines to Bissoe and into the city of Truro.
Distance: 143 miles
Difficulty level: Hard
Cycling the West Kernow Way is another great way of touring Cornwall.
The 143-mile, figure-of-eight loop starting and ending in Penzance can be conquered over multiple days and in various stages, ensuring you make the most of your time at each destination. After all—you’ll need a pasty or two to fuel up for this one!
West Kernow Way is incredibly varied and has everything you could want from a cycle trail of its distance.
Here are some of the most commonly trailed segments of the route, along with some of the local attractions you can find while there.
1. Penzance to St Just
27 miles appox.
Local points of interest
Jubilee Pool – open-air swimming pool dating back to the 1930s
Admiral Benbow Inn – one of the oldest and most historic pubs in Penzance
Jackson Foundation Gallery – gallery space created by local leading contemporary artist Kurt Jackson
2. St Just to Porthleven
31 miles appox.
Local points of interest
St Michael’s Mount – iconic tidal island linked to the town of Marazion, along this segment
Mên-an-Tol – a small formation of standing stones believed to be from the Bronze Age
Godolphin Hill – mountain summit offering impressive views over West Cornwall
3. Porthleven to Coverack
32 miles approx.
Local points of interest
Lizard Peninsula – check out mainland Britain’s most southerly point (Lizard Point)
Trebah Garden – 26-acres of sub-tropical plants, trees and shrubs
Flambards Theme Park – a must-visit with kids!
4. Coverack to Scorrier
34 miles approx.
On this leg of the tour, cyclists can either navigate a detour around the Helford Estuary or take the ferry crossing to Helford Passage.
Local points of interest
Gwennap Pit – a 50 ft-deep pit believed to have been caused by a natural depression
Scorrier House – Cornish country house built in 1780 by mining tycoon John Williams
Wheal Virgin Engine House – remains of an old mining house with a distinct chimney
5. Scorrier to Penzance
The final stage of the West Kernow Way involves a 37-mile journey back towards where you started, in Penzance.
Feel the adrenaline kick in as you near the ‘finish line’—what an achievement! There’s a drink at the Admiral Benbow with your name on it.
Whatever bike you have and wherever you choose to ride it (be it Cornwall or elsewhere), you may also want to consider protecting yourself with cycling insurance.
Specialist cycling insurance through Cycleplan is designed to cover a variety of bikes, and policies can be tailored to meet your specific needs. With Personal Accident cover available as well as protection from things like theft, loss, and damage, cover through Cycleplan can protect both you and your bike.
Learn more about specialist cycling insurance through Cycleplan, and get a quote online today.
Related
The 11 best Lake District mountain bike routes
The 10 best cycle routes on the Isle of Man
The 7 best cycling holidays in the UK
