Cornwall’s Most Scenic Cycle Routes for Every Ability

Pedal Through Paradise – Discover Cornwall on Two Wheels

Cornwall is a dream destination for cyclists, offering some of the most breathtaking coastal paths, peaceful countryside trails, and exciting off-road tracks in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a gentle, family-friendly ride or a heart-pounding mountain bike adventure, there’s a route to suit every ability.

From the iconic Camel Trail, which offers stunning estuary views, to the rugged and thrilling Bodmin Moor Loop, Cornwall’s cycling landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful. The Coast-to-Coast Trail lets you ride from one shore to another, while the Clay Trails take you through Cornwall’s fascinating mining heritage. If you’re into off-road riding, Lanhydrock’s Cycle Trails and Cardinham Woods provide some of the best woodland biking experiences in the region.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up six of Cornwall’s most scenic and diverse cycle routes, covering everything from easy, flat paths to technical mountain biking trails. So, grab your bike, breathe in the fresh Cornish air, and get ready to explore!

1. Camel Trail – Perfect for Families and Beginners

Distance: 18 miles (but can be shortened)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat, mostly off-road
Start/End Points: Padstow – Wadebridge – Bodmin – Wenfordbridge

Why Ride It?

The Camel Trail is Cornwall’s most popular cycle route, and for good reason. It follows a disused railway line, offering a flat, traffic-free path with stunning estuary views. The route takes you through wooded valleys, past ancient bridges, and along the Camel Estuary’s picturesque banks.

Highlights

• Padstow: Start (or finish) your ride in this charming harbour town, famous for its seafood and pasties.
• Camel Estuary: Enjoy breathtaking estuary views, especially around Wadebridge.
• Camel Valley Vineyard: Take a short detour to sample award-winning Cornish wines.
• Bodmin and Wenfordbridge: A mix of woodland and moorland scenery as you head towards Bodmin Moor.

Good to Know

• Bike hire is available in Padstow, Wadebridge, and Bodmin.
• Ideal for families and riders of all abilities.
• Plenty of cafes and picnic spots along the way.

Find out more about the Camel Trail here

2. The Coast-to-Coast Trail – An Easy Adventure Across Cornwall

Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Off-road trails, old tramway
Start/End Points: Portreath – Devoran

Why Ride It?

The Coast-to-Coast Trail offers a unique chance to cycle from Cornwall’s north coast to its south coast in just a couple of hours! Following an old mineral tramway, the route takes you through historic mining landscapes, wooded valleys, and peaceful countryside.

Highlights

• Portreath Beach: A great place to start or finish your ride, with a stunning beach.
• Cornish Mining Heritage: Pass old engine houses and mines, including Wheal Busy and Wheal Maid.
• Devoran Estuary: A peaceful end to the journey with picturesque waterside views.

Good to Know

• Entirely off-road, so it’s safe for families.
• Bike hire is available in Portreath and Bissoe.
• Can be combined with the Bissoe Trail for a longer ride.

Find out more about the The Coast-to-Coast Trail here

3. The Clay Trails – Discover Cornwall’s China Clay Country

Distance: Varies (3-8 miles per trail)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Off-road tracks, some gentle climbs
Start/End Points: St Austell area

Why Ride It?

The Clay Trails are a hidden gem, offering a fascinating look at Cornwall’s china clay mining heritage. These trails wind through lunar-like landscapes of old clay pits, now transformed into peaceful cycling routes with beautiful views over the Cornish countryside.

Highlights

• Eden Project: Some trails start near this world-famous eco-attraction.
• Restored Clay Pits: Unique landscapes created by years of clay mining.
• Wildlife and Nature: Home to rare plants and birds.

Good to Know

• Bike hire is available near St Austell.
• Trails vary in length, making them perfect for shorter or longer rides.
• Great for families, though some sections have mild inclines.

Find out more about the Clay Trails here

4. Bodmin Moor Loop – A Challenge for Experienced Riders

Distance: 27 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Terrain: Road, steep climbs
Start/End Points: Bodmin – Minions – Jamaica Inn – Bodmin

Why Ride It?

For cyclists who love a challenge, this route offers exhilarating climbs and fast descents through the rugged beauty of Bodmin Moor. You’ll pass prehistoric sites, remote villages, and famous landmarks.

Highlights

• Minions: The highest village in Cornwall, home to the Cheesewring rock formation.
• Jamaica Inn: Stop for a break at this legendary smugglers’ pub, made famous by Daphne du Maurier.
• Golitha Falls: A stunning woodland waterfall, perfect for a short break.

Good to Know

• Expect some tough climbs but rewarding views.
• Best for road bikes or hybrids.
• Bring supplies – parts of the route are remote.

Find out more about the Bodmin Moor Loop here

5. The Lanhydrock Cycle Trails – Off-Road Fun for All Abilities

Distance: Various routes (1.5 – 6 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to Advanced
Terrain: Forest trails
Start/End Points: Lanhydrock, near Bodmin

Why Ride It?

Lanhydrock has some of the best off-road cycling in Cornwall. With graded trails (green, blue, and red), there’s something for everyone, from beginners to experienced mountain bikers.

Highlights

• Woodland Trails: A mix of scenic forest paths and thrilling descents.
• Lanhydrock House: A stunning National Trust property.
• Skills Area: Great for practising jumps and turns.

Good to Know

• Bike hire is available at the trail centre.
• A great family-friendly option with safe trails.
• Parking and cafe on-site.

To find out more about Lanhydrock click here.

6. Cardinham Woods – A Mountain Biker’s Playground

Distance: Various trails (Blue & Red routes available)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Terrain: Forest trails, singletrack, technical sections
Start/End Points: Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin

Why Ride It?

Cardinham Woods is one of Cornwall’s top spots for mountain biking, featuring well-maintained trails through stunning woodland. Whether you’re a casual rider looking for a scenic loop or an experienced biker wanting a technical challenge, Cardinham has a route to suit you.

Highlights

• Bodmin Beast Trail (12km Blue Trail): A flowing trail with gentle climbs and fun descents.
• Dialled-In Dave & Hell’s Teeth (Red Trails): For advanced riders, these sections add technical challenges, fast corners, and thrilling descents.
• Woodland Scenery: Beautiful tree-lined routes with riverside sections.

Good to Know

• Bike hire and a café are available at the trailhead.
• Well-signposted trails for all abilities.
• Parking available at Cardinham Woods (charges apply).

Click here for more information on Cardinham Woods

The Road (or Trail) Awaits – Your Cornish Cycling Adventure Starts Here!

Cornwall’s cycling routes cater to every type of rider, from gentle, traffic-free paths to adrenaline-pumping off-road trails. Whether you want a family-friendly ride along the Camel Trail, a historic journey across the Coast-to-Coast Trail, or a thrilling singletrack adventure in Cardinham Woods, Cornwall delivers an unforgettable cycling experience.

For those who love exploring rugged landscapes, the Bodmin Moor Loop offers breathtaking moorland views, while the Clay Trails give a unique glimpse into Cornwall’s industrial past. Lanhydrock and Cardinham Woods, on the other hand, are perfect for mountain bikers looking for well-maintained forest trails with technical challenges.

No matter your ability, there’s a scenic route waiting for you in Cornwall. So, pump up your tyres, pack a Cornish pasty for the journey, and set off on your next adventure!

Which route will you tackle first? Let us know in the comments!