Cornwall cycle routes: we pick the best

Whether you’re up for a challenge or keen for a laidback sightseeing ride, our fun selection of Cornwall cycle routes are sure to suit your needs. These routes include a variety of distances and cycling difficulties, so it doesn’t matter if you are a novice with an hour or two to spare or an experienced cyclist who is keen for several days of cycling adventure.

Once you've had a look at these, our visitor guide contains more trail ideas from Cornwall's tourism insiders.

The Camel Trail

The very popular Camel Trail offers an excellent way to discover Cornwall’s lovely countryside at a relaxed pace. This 18-mile trail follows a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge and Padstow, taking in picturesque woodland in the upper Camel Valley as well as the Camel Estuary which is a good place to see birds.

The majority of the route is free from traffic and flat, making it a good choice for families, and it can be done in its entirety or partway depending on time constraints. Bikes can be hired en route at Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin.

The Cornish Way

The Cornish Way consists of a number of linking trails that stretch between Bude and Land’s End. 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, with something to suit novice as well as experienced cyclists.

The whole of the Cornish Way can be cycled or you can choose to do one of the trails (or parts of the trails) that make up the 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.

Lanhydrock Cycle Trails

Lanhydrock is one of Cornwall’s best attractions, and even better, this superb country house and estate has a fine selection of off road cycling trails. The trails range from very easy to difficult, and there is something for everyone here, from young children to experienced MTB enthusiasts.

There is 1 green (easy) trail, 4 blue grade trails (moderate) and 2 red grade trails (difficult). There is also a skills area where you can practise and progress your off road cycling skills by trying out features commonly found on the trails, like rollers, rocks and jumps. Bikes can be hired on the Lanhydrock estate.

Goss Moor Trail

The Goss Moor Trail is the perfect way to explore the Goss Moor National Nature Reserve. The majority of the 7-mile circular route is off road, flat and easy to cycle on so this trail is a suitable option for riders of all cycling abilities.

Bikes can be hired from Screech Owl Sanctuary which is next to the cycle route and a fun place to include in your explorations for the day.

St Michael’s 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.

The 12.5-mile route takes you from Lelant, near St Ives, to the lovely old town of Marazion (where bikes can be hired). From Marazion you can cross over to visit the world famous tidal island of St Michaels Mount. The route is signposted and waymarked with a stylistic shell which is a symbol for pilgrim routes and following the route provides wonderful coastal views.

The Bodmin Beast Trail

Mountain biking enthusiasts and off-road cyclists with a fair amount of experience will love the Bodmin Beast Trail which offers 12 kilometres of excitment within the Cardinham Valley. The trail incorporates corners, step downs, ascents and descents and is a great choice for cyclists who are looking for an off road challenge.

Bike hire is available from several providers at Cardinham Woods.

Coast to Coast Trail

The Coast to Coast Trail connects Portreath to Devoran and is signposted along the entirety of the route. The trail is 11 miles long and takes cyclists through a historic Cornish mining district where they will be able to see granite and stone engine houses that form a reminder of Cornwall’s mining past.

You do not need to be particularly fit or experienced to cycle this route and bike hire is available at both ends of the trail.

Terrific trails for all riders

With a choice of short or long-distance trails and easy or hard routes, anyone can get active and enjoy themselves on a bike in Cornwall. Whether you want to test your skills on technical trails, see beautiful sections of Cornish countryside and coast at a leisurely pace, want a safe and fun route to cycle with the family or are keen to immerse yourself in the heritage and history of Cornwall, these excellent cycle routes in Cornwall won’t disappoint.