The best MTB trails in Cornwall

Cornwall offers over 250 mountain bike routes, providing a diverse range of terrain. You can expect rugged coastlines, ancient woodlands, and wild moorlands. The region features purpose-built bike parks, disused railway lines, and historic mining heritage trails, offering everything from flowing singletrack through forests to open moorland paths with far-reaching views.

Yes, Cornwall has over 85 easy mountain bike routes perfect for beginners and families. The Camel Trail is a popular traffic-free option following a disused railway line with stunning estuary and woodland views. Lanhydrock also offers a range of trails from easy to difficult, including a skills area and balance bike track. For a shorter, easy woodland ride, consider the Idless Woods loop.

For more advanced riders, Cornwall offers over 10 difficult routes and several dedicated bike parks. Cardinham Woods features challenging trails like "Hell's Teeth," while Grogley Woods is known for its downhill runs. The Poldice Valley, Carn Marth and South Wheal Frances loop provides challenging routes through historic mining landscapes. Additionally, Woody's Bike Park and Old Hill Bike Park offer trails from flowy blues to technical double blacks with jumps and rock gardens.

Many mountain bike trails in Cornwall are designed as loops, offering a circular experience. Examples include the Lanhydrock & Cardinham Woods loops, which combines well-maintained singletrack through ancient woodlands. The Lizard Peninsula loop from Porthleven offers coastal views, and the Carn Brea, the Great Flat Lode Trail & Tehidy Woods loop from Portreath explores mining heritage.

Cornwall's mountain bike trails often weave through its rich mining heritage. The Cornwall coast to coast trail from Portreath to Devoran explores former mining landscapes and the Great Flat Lode. You can also find landmarks like Kit Hill Trig Point and the Cape Cornwall Chimney Monument near some routes, offering glimpses into the region's past.

While not directly on the main mountain bike routes listed, Cornwall is home to beautiful waterfalls that can be visited as nearby attractions. St Nectan's Waterfall is a notable natural site, and Golitha Falls offers a series of cascades within ancient woodland. These can be explored as part of a wider trip to the region.

Many popular mountain biking areas in Cornwall offer amenities. Cardinham Woods and Lanhydrock often have cafes and facilities. The Camel Trail, running between Padstow and Bodmin, passes through towns like Wadebridge which provide pubs, cafes, and accommodation options. Areas like Poldice Valley may have more limited immediate amenities, so planning ahead is advisable.

The mountain biking experience in Cornwall is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from rugged coastlines to ancient woodlands, and the well-maintained singletrack. The blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and options for all skill levels makes it a popular destination.

Access to mountain bike trails via public transport in Cornwall varies. Some towns like Bodmin, which is a hub for trails like those in Cardinham Woods and Lanhydrock, are accessible by bus or train. The Camel Trail is also easily reached from towns like Wadebridge and Padstow, which have public transport links. For more remote trails, a car might be necessary.

Yes, Cornwall features dedicated mountain bike parks for various skill levels. Woody's Bike Park near Fowey is Cornwall's first bike park, offering trails from flowy blues to challenging double blacks with an uplift service. Old Hill Bike Park in St Kew Highway is family-oriented, with downhill trails ranging from green to black. The Track in Portreath is another option for honing skills.

For woodland trails, Cardinham Woods and Lanhydrock are excellent choices. Cardinham Woods features the 12km "Bodmin Beast" trail with river crossings and winding descents through ancient woodlands. Lanhydrock offers a range of trails through its estate, including the fun "Timber trail." Hustyns and Bishops Woods near Bodmin also provide enjoyable blue and red trails within wooded areas.

Yes, Cornwall offers several longer mountain bike routes for those seeking an extended adventure. The Cornwall coast to coast trail from Portreath to Devoran is nearly 50 km long, exploring the region's mining heritage. The Carn Brea, the Great Flat Lode Trail & Tehidy Woods loop from Portreath is even longer, at over 70 km, offering a challenging ride through varied landscapes.