The best cycling routes around St. Day

There are over 300 touring cycling routes around St. Day, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and interests. You'll find everything from easy, traffic-free paths to more challenging long-distance loops.

The routes around St. Day cater to all abilities. Approximately 58 routes are rated as easy, 173 are moderate, and 76 are considered difficult. This variety ensures that both beginners and experienced touring cyclists can find suitable paths.

Touring cycling in St. Day offers a unique blend of rich mining heritage and diverse natural landscapes. Routes often traverse old railway lines and mining tramways, showcasing disused engine houses and quarries, all set within the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. You'll also encounter woodlands, moors, and connections to the rugged Cornish coastline.

Yes, St. Day offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners and families. The Tresavean Trail is a great example, winding through Cornwall's historic mining landscape with railway remnants. Many routes within the Mineral Tramways Network also follow old railway lines, providing mostly flat and safe cycling experiences.

The routes are rich with historical and natural landmarks. You'll encounter remnants of Cornwall's mining past, such as old engine houses and viaducts like the Carnon Viaduct. For natural beauty, routes can lead to coastal areas like Portreath Beach or offer panoramic views from spots like Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool. Other notable sights include Basset's Cove and Portreath Harbour and Beach.

Yes, there are several excellent circular routes. The Poldice Valley Mining Ruins – Portreath Beach loop from Carharrack is a popular moderate option highlighting disused mining works and connecting to the north coast. Another is the Devoran Quay – Carnon Viaduct loop from Redruth, which takes you through the historic mining district.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in St. Day, with milder temperatures and less crowded trails. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially for coastal routes, but can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and windy weather.

Many of the popular trailheads and villages around St. Day, such as Carharrack or Redruth, offer public parking facilities. For routes like those within the Mineral Tramways Network, designated parking areas are often available at key access points, making it convenient to start your ride.

Yes, St. Day and nearby towns like Redruth are connected by local bus services, which can provide access to various starting points for touring cycling routes. Some routes, particularly those following old railway lines, may also be accessible from train stations in the wider Cornwall area, though checking bike carriage policies is advisable.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the unique historical scenery, the variety of routes from easy to challenging, and the opportunity to explore both inland mining landscapes and coastal views. The well-maintained Mineral Tramways Network is frequently highlighted as a favorite.

Experienced riders seeking longer or more challenging routes will find several options. The Bridge over Stithians Reservoir – Falmouth Harbour loop from Redruth offers a significant distance and elevation. Additionally, the Carnon Viaduct – Portreath Beach loop from Redruth provides a challenging ride with varied terrain and coastal connections.

Absolutely. Just a short distance from St. Day, you can cycle through areas like Tehidy Country Park, which boasts over 250 acres of woodland with extensive paths. Kennall Vale is another beautiful woodland area, now a nature reserve, featuring fascinating remnants of a former gunpowder factory, offering a scenic and historical cycling experience.