The best gravel rides around St. Breward

You'll find over a dozen dedicated gravel bike trails around St. Breward, offering a variety of experiences across Bodmin Moor and its surrounding areas. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.6 stars.

The terrain around St. Breward is quite diverse, ranging from the rugged, unenclosed moorland with granite tors like Brown Willy and Rough Tor, to ancient tracks and former industrial routes. You'll also encounter sections along river valleys and disused railway lines, such as the Camel Trail, providing varied surfaces and gradients suitable for gravel biking.

Yes, the Camel Trail loop from Wenfordbridge is an excellent option for families. As the starting point of the renowned Camel Trail, Wenfordbridge offers access to a relatively flat, off-road path that is highly accessible and popular for cyclists of all abilities, including those seeking a less technical ride.

Many of the public rights of way and tracks across Bodmin Moor are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control, especially due to grazing livestock like sheep, ponies, and cattle. Always check local signage and be mindful of wildlife. The Camel Trail is also a popular choice for cycling with dogs.

While gravel biking around St. Breward, you can encounter dramatic granite tors like Brown Willy Summit and Rough Tor, offering expansive views. The area also features the headwaters of the River Camel and De Lank River, and ancient sites such as King Arthur's Hall, an ancient earthwork dating back to Neolithic times, adding a historical dimension to your ride.

Yes, several routes offer circular options. For instance, the Goss Moor, Bishop's Wood and Camel Estuary loop from Bodmin provides a challenging circular journey through varied landscapes. Another option is the Sibleyback and Colliford loop from Bodmin, which takes you past reservoirs and open moorland.

Parking is available at various points around St. Breward and Bodmin Moor. For accessing the Camel Trail, there is parking available at Wenfordbridge, its starting point near St. Breward. Other trailheads and villages in the area often have public car parks, but it's always advisable to check specific locations in advance.

While St. Breward itself is a rural village, local bus services connect it to larger towns like Bodmin. From Bodmin, you can access parts of the Camel Trail and other routes. However, public transport options directly to many remote moorland trailheads may be limited, so planning your journey is recommended.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in St. Breward, with milder temperatures and less extreme weather. Summer can be enjoyable, but the moorland can be exposed to strong sun. Winter rides are possible but require appropriate gear for colder, wetter, and potentially windier conditions, especially on the open moor.

St. Breward village itself has local amenities, including a pub. Many routes, especially those connecting to the Camel Trail or passing through nearby villages, will offer opportunities for refreshments. It's a good idea to plan your route to include stops at cyclist-friendly establishments in villages like Blisland or along the Camel Trail.

Generally, you do not need special permits for gravel biking on public rights of way and designated trails across Bodmin Moor. However, always respect private land and adhere to the Countryside Code. Some areas may have specific regulations, so look out for local signage. The Camel Trail is a public multi-use path and does not require a permit.

The trails around St. Breward offer a mix of moderate and difficult options. Routes like Bodmin Airfield, Blisland and the Upper Camel loop from Bodmin are considered moderate, while others, such as the Sibleyback and Colliford loop from Bodmin, feature significant elevation gain and are rated difficult. The Camel Trail offers a less technical, moderate experience.

Yes, Cardinham Woods, located on the western fringes of Bodmin Moor, provides a different, equally picturesque scenery. It features numerous footpaths and trails that can be incorporated into cycling routes, offering shady glades and a contrast to the more open moorland. The Bodmin Beast MTB Trail – The Cribbar Descent loop from Woods Cafe is an example of a moderate trail in this area.