Top Cornwall cycle routes

Whether you are looking to explore heritage trails, whip through emerald woodland, cut along the coast or tour the whole length of Cornwall, there are a huge number of cycle trails weaving their way across the county to choose from. 

From stabilisers to high-speed pursuits, find the right trail to meet your biking needs and look forward to unforgettable adventures, a la Cornwall. Cycling in Cornwall is always a pleasure, and helps you discover parts of the county which would otherwise be tricky to explore. With a plethora of cycle paths, Cornwall is well set up for the visitor on two wheels. 

Take a look below at the best cycle trails Cornwall has to offer, and find the perfect cottage from which to set out on your excursions.

Cardinham Woods

One of the best cycle trails in Cornwall, the huge network of routes around Cardinham Woods is a real draw for many keen cyclists. Beginning with a number of family-friendly trails and reaching a gear-crunching crescendo with the infamous 7.5-mile Bodmin Beast (experienced mountain bikers only!), Cardinham Woods should definitely be on your list.

After your ride, wind down with a bite to eat in the excellent Woods Cafe which serves some of the best hot chocolate in Cornwall!

Goss Moor Cycle Trail

A lovely Cornwall cycle route for a gentle push around tranquil countryside, the Goss Moor Cycle Trail proffers 7.5 miles of largely flat and easy surfaces. Explore this stunning National Nature Reserve, taking in the range of rare plants and animals that call the area home.

There is certainly lots to capture your attention here, and if you feel like continuing, you can also make use of the linking routes onto nearby Tregoss Moor, too.

Lanhydrock Cycle Trails

From spinning along the flat to pushing up the more challenging, hillier routes, Lanhydrock has something for everyone.

Carved with tailored-made bike trails that cater for all abilities, families with younger children and those less confident can opt for the easier green-grade trail which, at 1.5 miles long, is wide and well-surfaced and makes for a dreamy run. Or, for those wanting more of a challenge, there are a number of blue-grade trails too, which include some fun technical sections. Lanhydrock is also owned by the National Trust, click here to read more about other National Trust places to visit in Cornwall.

Penrose Estate

One of those places that provide an almost bubble-like effect, fringed by thick blankets of trees before emerging at Loe Bar, the Penrose Estate is fantastic for bikers.

Boasting smooth, tarmacked surfaces, a great cafe en route and the chance to further your ride and keep going all the way to Porthleven, this is one you will keep coming back for. If you don’t have your own wheels, you can easily hire bikes from Lakeside Cycles, which has a Helston base.

Seaton Valley Countryside Park

A short, 2-mile track that leads you around the picturesque Seaton Valley Countryside Park, this is another fantastic option if you have youngsters in tow. Set not far from Looe, this cycle route begins at the car park and leads you around the park, following the River Seaton for a while.

Stop off at one of the park’s picnic areas to refuel before continuing on your way.

Tamar Trails

Straddling the Devon and Cornwall border, the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site and a truly fascinating area to explore by bike.

Starting at the Tamar Trails Centre, seize the opportunity to uncover the 15.5 miles of multi-grade trails, weaving past old mines, knotted woodland and burbling streams.

The Clay Trails

Comprising a series of excellent cycle trails through Mid Cornwall’s China Clay Country, you will be spoilt for choices for places to spin here. First opened in 2005, the Clay Trails are mostly easily accessible although they offer little in the way of facilities, often cutting through remote swathes.

Rarely crowded, you can take in the area’s dramatic scenery, including surreal turquoise dams coloured by mica particles, beautiful wildlife and fascinating history all at your own pace.

The Camel Trail

One of the country’s most well-known cycle trails, the Camel Trail follows a disused railway between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. Stretching for 18 miles, the flat, gentle route is perfect for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros and affords some of the most stunning views of the coast along the way.

Choose your own section of the route or complete the whole thing – there are plenty of places to stop along the way for food and refreshments, plus a cosy bed! Whilst in the area, check out our ultimate guide to Padstow here!

The Coast to Coast Route

This epic Coast to Coast cycle route starts in Portreath on Cornwall’s north coast and finishes in the picture-perfect creekside village of Devoran. Boasting around 11 miles of mostly traffic-free cycling along a former mineral railway track, it is a superb way to spend a day.

Relish an uninterrupted ride through gorgeous scenery, and once you’ve reached the end, treat yourself to a well-deserved drink in Devoran’s great local pub or St Piran's Cafe at Bissoe.

The Cornish Way

If you are ready for the big one, look no further than the Cornish Way. The longest cycle route in Cornwall, this epic journey of 195 miles will lead you from Land’s End all the way to Bude.

Following the National Cycle Route No. 3, you will pass a huge number of impossibly pretty villages, towns, Cornwall’s industrial heartland, rivers and coast, world-famous landmarks and more photo-worthy scenes than you could shake a camera at. A worthy challenge, this ride is a lifetime achievement!

Top Cornwall cycle routes on a map

We’ve plotted the above routes on a map, to make them easy to find when you’re in the area. In the case of long-distance trails, we’ve included both their start and end points.

Cottages in Cornwall

With so many cycle routes to choose from in Cornwall, as well as a host of other sports activities to enjoy during your holiday, you’ll be needing a comfortable base to soak your tired muscles and rest your head.

Our Cornwall cottages are dotted across the whole of the county, providing comfortable self-catering accommodation for couples, groups of cyclists, and families wanting to head out cycling in Cornwall. Take a look at our entire collection of Cornwall holiday cottages below.