Mountain Biking in Cornwall: Cycling Routes Near Fowey
Time spent outdoors in Cornwall is always time well-spent, no matter what type of outdoor activity you enjoy. The fresh sea air, dramatic scenery, and breathtaking views make it one of the most beautiful places in the world to explore, and the diversity of landscape keeps things interesting. If you are a cycling enthusiast, this gorgeous region is a dream come true, with woodland, coastal, and dedicated mountain bike trails to thrill even the most seasoned rider. Here, we look at some of the top trails near Fowey for experienced cyclists and adrenaline junkies. Go find your favourite, where you can ride free and enjoy everything this wonderful area has to offer.
Some of the Best Cycling Trails in Cornwall
- Start your cycling adventure at Cardinham Woods. Perhaps the most exciting mountain bike trail in Cornwall, the Bodmin Beast cycle trail, is located here. This 12km singletrack cycle trail features technical climbs and descents, small step downs, rollers, tabletops, and bermed corners, and requires some basic off-road riding skills.
- Off the Bodmin Beast are two trails: Hell’s Teeth and Dialled-in-Dave. Hell’s Teeth is a challenging 1.8 mile trail, and at the top is a narrow trail with plenty of technical features. It is good for experienced mountain bikers who are proficient at off-roading. Dialled-in-Dave is a short .8km trail, the perfect introduction to singletrack mountain biking. Even though it is a place to develop skills, it takes proficient mountain bikers to handle it.
- The Timber Trail is the most technically challenging trail at Lanhydrock. The trail gets progressively steeper as it goes along, and features tight corners, jumps, and drops. Experienced mountain bikers who want to test their limits and develop their skills will enjoy the challenge of this 1.5km trail.
- Woody’s Bike Park is the first bike park in Cornwall. Family owned, it is run by mountain bikers, to help other mountain bikers develop their skills. There is a range of trails, from blue to double back, to help you improve your riding.
Thrilling Long Distance Road Rides
Biking in Cornwall can be tricky because it has loads of short, sharp climbs without flat stretches to give you a bit of a rest. However, there are some long road rides well worth the effort.
- The Minions ride is 22 miles round trip. This route leads right to the top of Bodmin Moor, while avoiding some of the steepest hills. Starting from Treworgey, you will go through Duloe and then into Dobwalls. Heading north, you will join the road leading to Minions. If you want to climb a little further, you can head up the lane to the bottom of the transmitter mast and be rewarded with amazing views. After that, it is smooth sailing, because the route back to the start is almost completely downhill. Want to extend your ride another 12 miles? Ride up to Jamaica Inn and back.
- The Rame Head and Whitsand Bay 35 mile trip is strenuous but incredibly rewarding. Again starting in Treworgey, you will head to Widegates by way of Sandplace. After passing through Hessenford, you will come to the A374 and turn right. Passing through the junction to Crafhole, you will keep going and pass through Millbrook before turning off down to Kingsand. Once you get through to the Military Road, you will find breathtaking views across Whitsand Bay to make the first part of the trip worth it and spur you onward! Head through Freathy before rejoining the road back to Crafthole. Bear left at the roundabout, head to Downderry and Seaton, then to Hessenford, and back the way you came.
- The Fowey to Par Loop is a massive, circular 46 mile route. Beginning in picturesque Fowey, it runs through villages and countryside, offering sweeping coastal views along the way. You can see St Austell, visit the castle and gardens at St Michael Caerhays, take a break at the historic site of Flagstaff for some beautiful views and interesting history, take in the distinctive round houses of Veryan, and see the charming St Ewe. Once you reach Par, you can hit the beach, enjoy some fresh seafood, or continue on the loop back to Fowey.
Planning Your Perfect Cycling Trip
If you are a seasoned cyclist, you might be planning to bring your own gear on your Cornwall cycling holiday. Of course, this is not always possible, and if you need bike hire near Fowey, you will find plenty of places to get what you need, with experienced help to recommend specific gear you need for this hilly region. It can be helpful to have a car, because Cornwall is largely rural, and with a car you can park near your chosen route. The weather is a factor to think about when planning your trip, too. Cornwall weather can be changeable, with quite a bit of rain, and high temperatures in the summer months. If your schedule is flexible, consider planning your trip in May or September.
Spend the Day on the Trail and the Night at Old Quay House
Once you have spent a day cycling on exciting trails near Fowey, get some rest at The Old Quay House Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Fowey, this riverside boutique hotel offers a modern-day bolthole where you can relax and recover from a strenuous day. Check with us for special offers, and we will do everything in our power to make your stay even more special. Stay in one of our 13 luxurious bedrooms and you will enjoy not only big comfy beds and every amenity you need for a decadent stay. For more information about our stay, our special offers, or our spectacular restaurant, email info@theoldquayhouse.com, or contact us through our website.
