Cycle Cornwall’s Beautiful and Varied Bike Trails

July 12, 2019

Feeling inspired by the Tour de France, with Team Ineos and Geraint Thomas; stunned at the speed of the time trials, the gradient of the mountain climbs and that infamous yellow jersey? And with the thrilling news that Cornwall will host the first stage of the 2020 Tour of Britain, it’s time to jump on our bikes and get pedaling! Why not have a go at following some of the Tours’ route, the peloton will be charging through St Ives and Newquay.

In the meantime, if you plan to explore the beautiful North Cornish countryside and coastline by bike, there’s a route, terrain and distance to suit most abilities from the novice to seasoned -pro.

Here’s our guide to some wonderful cycle routes that can easily be accessed from our Cornish Seaview Cottages.

For Families:

The Camel Trail – stay at The Beau Vista Apartments, Padstow

Families flock to the Camel Trail for its easy going, off-road credentials. Following a former railway line it means there are no inclines – the whole 18 miles is traffic free, lovely and flat, so perfect for those that have recently mastered two wheels or for grown-ups carrying precious loads. And the best bit about this route is that it stretches from Wenfordbridge near Bodmin, to the foodie heaven of Padstow.

Padstow to Wadebridge – 5.5 Miles (8.8Km)

Wadebridge to Bodmin (Boscarne) – 5.75 Miles (9.25Km)

Bodmin to Wenfordbridge – 6.25 Miles (10.1 Km)

Bikes can be hired from: Padstow Cycle Hire; Camel Trail Cycle Hire, Wadebridge; Bridge Bike Hire, Wadebridge.

National Trust, Lanhydrock Bike Trail

These fantastic new bike trails offer a variety of off-road cycling, ideal for families, beginners, seasoned trail riders and those looking for a new adventure. The wide, well surfaced tracks take you deep into the Lanhydrock woodland, and cater brilliantly for trailers, tagalongs and disability bikes. Alternatively, look out for the blue and red grade trails to really test your skills. If the kids have any energy left after their bike ride they can blow off even more steam in the new adventure playground.

Bikes can be hired at Lanhydrock.

For Cornish Coastal Explorers:

The Saints’ Way – stay at First & Ground Floor Beau Vista Apartments

The Saints’ Way Trail crosses mid-Cornwall from coast to coast covering about 30 miles / 48 km from the harbour town of Padstow in the north to the southern port of Fowey and is signed posted with Celtic cross markers. The trail follows a wonderfully varied course through valleys, woodlands, moors, rolling pastures of ancient farmland, pre-historic remains, ancient bridges, old tracks, quaint churches and pretty riverside villages.

Bikes can be hired locally from Padstow Cycle Hire; Trail Bike Hire.

Image by Visit Cornwall

St Michael’s Way – stay at The Garden Apt, Acton Castle

Like the Saints Way, St. Michael’s Way is an ancient route believed to have been used by pilgrims, travellers and missionaries on their way to visit beautiful St Michael’s Mount. This trail stretches from Lelant near St Ives to Marazion and St Michael’s Mount. The 13 mile off road route is signposted and waymarked in both directions, simply follow the stylistic shell signifying the pilgrim routes. The directional arrows are coloured yellow for footpaths, blue for bridleways and red for byways.

Bikes can be hired from Land’s End Cycle Hire.

Image by Lands End Cycle Hire

The Cornish Way – stay at Fursewood & Crackington Haven properties

This extensive and varied cycle route consists of a number of linking trails that run from Land’s End, at the western tip of Cornwall, all the way to Bude on the Devon border. Cyclists can enjoy more than 200 miles of cycling on mostly minor and rural roads as well as off-road sections that are free from traffic, you’ll find something to suit novice and experienced riders.

The whole of the Cornish Way can be cycled, or you can choose to do one of the six trails (or parts of the trails) that make up this extraordinary long-distance route. There is a mix of fantastic sights and attractions to enjoy along the way, including beaches, towns and villages, museums and art galleries to name a few. Bikes can be hired at various points along the route.

Here are a few route suggestions:

The St Piran Trail – stay at Surfside

Join the trail at Newquay where its heads inland to the old market town of St. Columb Major and then travels north across Denzell Downs and on towards Padstow. The trail emerges on the banks of the Camel estuary, where it joins The Camel Trail.

Bikes can hired from Yellow Bike Hire, Newquay or Padstow Cycle Hire.

Off Road Trail, Rock to Polzeath

Beginning at St Minver (just up the hill from Rock) this off-road trail takes riders through to the stunning coastal village of Polzeath. This action-packed trail has been made by the new owners of The Point, through who’s land the trail runs. It also crosses the recently updated golf course, past their cafe and restaurant (perfect for refreshments) and enjoys some wonderful views.

Bikes can be hired in Padstow or Wadebridge.

The Coast and Clay Trail – Roseland Peninsular

Heading out of the cathedral city of Truro the trail passes the National Trust gardens at Trelissick and across the King Harry Ferry to the Roseland Peninsular.

(The trail hits the coast at the pretty fishing village of Portloe and follows it towards the harbour town of Mevagissey and then on past the ‘Lost Gardens of Heligan’. From here the route leaves the roads heading into St Austell and then back onto quiet country lanes through China Clay Country towards the Eden Project. The trail heads north from Eden on to the National Trust’s Lanhydrock House were an off-road section to Bodmin is picked up).