The best traffic-free bike rides around St. Austell

There are 14 dedicated traffic-free road cycling routes around St. Austell, offering a variety of distances and challenges. These routes allow you to explore the unique landscapes of the region without vehicle interference.

Yes, St. Austell offers several family-friendly traffic-free cycling options, particularly along sections of the Clay Trails and the Cornish Way. These routes often feature gentler gradients and well-maintained surfaces, perfect for a leisurely ride with children. While this guide focuses on road cycling, many of these trails are suitable for hybrid bikes too.

The Clay Trails are a unique network of traffic-free paths winding through St. Austell's distinctive 'clay country' landscape. While some sections are unpaved, many parts are suitable for road cycling, especially those that are part of the Cornish Way and National Cycle Network Route 3. They offer a chance to cycle through rolling hills, past dramatic clay tips, and peaceful lakes. For more detailed information on the Clay Trails, you can consult this resource: Clay Trails Map and Information.

The routes offer diverse scenery, from the unique 'Cornish Alps' landscape of the Clay Trails with their dramatic clay tips and mica dams, to undulating inland countryside, and picturesque wooded valleys like the Luxulyan Valley. You'll also find glimpses of the coast and historic industrial heritage along many paths.

Yes, many of the routes around St. Austell are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Lanhydrock Cycle Hub & Café – Helman Tor loop from St Austell offers a moderate 45.9 km ride, and the Charlestown Harbour – Lanhydrock Cycle Hub & Café loop from St Austell is a longer 52.4 km option.

Several iconic attractions are accessible or visible from these routes. You can cycle to the world-famous The Lost Gardens of Heligan, or pass by the historic Charlestown Harbour. The Clay Trails also lead directly to the Eden Project. Other notable sights include Roche Rock Chapel Ruins and Helman Tor.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for cycling in St. Austell, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can also be excellent, but routes may be busier, especially near popular attractions. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for cooler, potentially wetter weather.

Yes, while focusing on traffic-free sections, some routes incorporate challenging elevation gains. For example, the Roche Rock Chapel Ruins – Great Treverbyn Skytip loop from St Austell is a difficult 70.4 km route with over 900m of elevation gain, offering a significant workout for advanced cyclists.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience around St. Austell, with an average score of 4.25 stars from 12 ratings. Reviewers often praise the unique, quiet landscapes of the Clay Trails, the stunning coastal views, and the ability to connect to major attractions like the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan via dedicated paths.

St. Austell is well-connected by train, and many local bus services operate throughout the area. It's advisable to check specific bus routes and their bike carriage policies in advance. Some routes, particularly those part of the National Cycle Network, are designed to be accessible from town centers or public transport hubs, making it easier to start your ride without a car.

Yes, many routes pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes, pubs, and shops for refreshments. Popular cycling hubs like the Lanhydrock Cycle Hub & Café are specifically designed to cater to cyclists. Additionally, attractions like the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan have their own cafes and facilities.