The best gravel rides around St. Kew

The St. Kew area offers a diverse mix of landscapes for gravel biking. You'll find a blend of coastal vistas, tranquil woodlands, and rolling countryside. Routes often include quiet country lanes, bridleways, farm tracks, and unsealed roads, providing varied terrain from hard-packed surfaces to more adventurous, unpaved sections.

While many routes in the area are moderate to difficult, the Camel Trail offers sections that are generally well-maintained and suitable for a more relaxed ride. For example, the Camel Trail Tea Garden – The Camel Trail loop from Wadebridge is a moderate 14.9-mile path that provides a quicker ride through varied terrain, often on traffic-free paths.

Yes, there are several circular routes available. For instance, the Bodmin Airfield, Blisland and the Upper Camel loop from Bodmin is a 17.2-mile circular trail that leads through woodlands and open fields. Another option is the longer The Camel Trail – The Camel Trail loop from Wenfordbridge, which is a 34.5-mile loop following the River Camel.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can incorporate stunning coastal views into your routes, with rugged headlands like Stepper Point Daymark Tower offering panoramic sea views. Other notable natural features include Rough Tor on Bodmin Moor, and picturesque spots like St George's Cove.

Yes, the area is steeped in history. While not directly on every gravel trail, the legendary Tintagel Castle with its breathtaking views (including the Tintagel Castle Bridge) is nearby. You might also encounter ancient sites like The Rumps (Iron Age fort), which can be integrated into longer excursions.

North Cornwall generally offers good conditions for gravel biking for much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, especially for combining rides with coastal visits. While winter rides are possible, be prepared for potentially wetter and muddier conditions on unsealed tracks.

Many of the country lanes and bridleways around St. Kew are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control, especially around livestock. The Camel Trail, being a multi-use path, is generally dog-friendly. Always check specific route guidelines and local signage regarding dogs.

The gravel biking routes around St. Kew are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.97 stars from over 21 reviews. Many users praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of coastal and inland scenery, and the variety of terrain that makes for engaging rides.

Parking is generally available at key access points for popular trails like the Camel Trail, with car parks in towns such as Wadebridge and Bodmin. For routes starting in more rural areas, look for designated public car parks in nearby villages or consider routes that begin and end in towns with more extensive parking facilities.

Absolutely. For those seeking a more demanding experience, there are several difficult routes. The Goss Moor, Bishop's Wood and Camel Estuary loop from Bodmin is a challenging 56.2 km ride with significant elevation changes. Another difficult option is the Sibleyback and Colliford loop from Bodmin, covering 64.2 km with over 800 meters of ascent.

While St. Kew itself is a smaller village, nearby towns like Bodmin and Wadebridge, which serve as starting points for several gravel routes including sections of the Camel Trail, are more accessible by public transport. You may need to plan your journey carefully, as bus services in rural Cornwall can be less frequent.

Yes, many routes pass through or near charming Cornish villages and towns where you can find pubs, cafes, and accommodation. The Camel Trail, in particular, has several tea gardens and eateries along its length. Planning your route to include these stops can enhance your gravel biking experience.