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Guide to Cycling in the County of Cornwall |
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The Camel Trail is an 18 mile multi-use route available for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It is flat and is mostly suitable for disabled access. The northern section covers 5.2 miles (8.37 km) between the centre of Padstow and the centre of Wadebridge. It is an easy, flat smooth and traffic free trail that is suitable for all ages. As it uses the old railway track (formerly Padstow to Waterloo) along the Camel Estuary, there is much wildlife to see at most times of the year. The railway line was immortalised in Betjeman's Cornwall as "the most beautiful train journey I know". BBC Countryfile video of the Camel Trail The middle section, from Wadebridge to Bodmin, is 5.8 miles (9.3 km) stretch that follows more of the old railway line. It passes through the sites of old stations with names like Grogley Halt, Nanstallon Halt (where there is a cafe in the summer) and Dunmere. The western section goes from Bodmin, back to Dunmere and then north to Wenfordbridge. A distance of 7.5 miles (12.1 km). This section follows the mineral railway route to Poley's Bridge. It is one of the oldest railway routes in the world, having been opened in 1834. There is car parking available at Padstow, Wadebridge, Dunmere, Bodmin and Wenfordbridge. The Camel Trail was recommended as the top cycle route in the UK in 2010 for its beauty and accessibility to cyclists of all ages by Jane Eastoe, author of Britain by Bike. It featured in the July 2010 issue of the BBC Countryfile Magazine. Please note: Mobile phone reception along the Camel Trail is variable. A leaflet describing the Camel Trail and including a map of the three sections can be down loaded here. |
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| The Coast To Coast Trail is part of the Cornwall's Mineral Tramways Network runs for 11 miles (17.5 km) from the north coast village of Portreath to Devoran on the south coast. Part of it runs alongside Restronguet Creek. The trail is almost entirely on purpose built cycle paths or quiet country lanes and closely follows two former horse-drawn tramways - the Portreath Tramroad and the Redruth and Chasewater Railway. The Coast to Coast Trail it is relatively flat, as the original use of the route was for the ponies pulling wagons ladden with copper ore and coal, making it ideal for children and beginner riders. Along the route there are plenty of extra tracks with more demanding sections for those who like challenges, such as the strenuous 2 mile (3 km) link via Wheal Busy and Hawke's Engine House, which is steeper and rougher than the rest of the trail, but worth the effort. This trail is an opportunity to ride or walk across the county in less than a day. Large granite stones with the symbol of a brown engine house have been used as waymarkers and interpretation boards along the Portreath Tramroad route pointing out the 19th century mining heritage of the area. |
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Cornwall's Mineral Tramways Network This recently extended mining trail network is centred around Camborne and Redruth and offers up to 30 miles (60km) of adventure and discovery for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. For details of the various trails that make up the network see The Coast To Coast Trail, The Great Flat Lode Trail |
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| The Goss Moor Nature Reserve Circular Route is, as the name says, a circular route around the Goss Moor Nature Reserve. |
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| The Great Flat Lode Trail is a 6.5 mile (10.5km) circular trail around Carn Brea hill and forms part of the Cornwall's Mineral Tramways Network (see above). The part of the trail at Basset Mines is suitable for access by the disabled. |
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| The Portreath Branch Line Trail connects the coastal village of Portreath with Illogan, passing the Portreath Incline and mainly using the old Portreath railway bed. A mixture of quiet rural roads and off-road links extend the trail through to the Cornwall College at Pool and on to Tuckingmill Valley Park. from here the trail follows the Red River Valley to Brea. Total distance about 4 miles. |
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| The Redruth & Chasewater Railway Trail is a 6 mile trail that branches off from the main Coast to Coast Trail at Twelveheads and follows a route of contrasting scenery - woodland and moorland - with spectacular views across this part of the county. It follows as closely as possible the original railway route but the trail bypasses the villages of Carharrack and Lanner. |
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| The Tehidy Trail is a two and a half mile trail based on the existing network of tracks and trails through Tehidy Country Park. This new multi-use trail links in with the Portreath Branch Line Trail (see above) enabling users to either visit Portreath and pick up the Coast to Coast Trail (see above) or head towards Camborne and link up with the Great Flat Lode Trail. |
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| The Tolgus Trail is under construction. Once completed it will cover 2.2 miles (3.5 km) between Tolgus and the Coast To Coast Trail. |
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| The Tresavean Trail follows the Tresavean branch of the Hayle railway from the top of Buller Hill. It offers an abundance of wildlife and great views - even as far as the clay tips at St Austell. The line was opened as part of the Hayle Railway, this branch being built to serve the Tresavean Copper Mine. It was originally to haul copper ore and Welsh coal along the entire horse-drawn section from the top of Buller Hill. Only 2 miles long. |
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| Bissoe Tramways Cycle Hire, Old Conns Works, Bissoe, Truro TR4 8QZ Situated in the heart of Cornwall's mining heritage, enjoy a day cycling along historic mineral tramroads and railways free from traffic. Cycle coast to coast from Devoran to Portreath using quality Dawes bikes. Tel: 01872 870341 Email: mike@cornwallcyclehire.com |
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| Bugle Cycle Hire, Rosevear Industrial Estate, Bugle, St Austell PL26 8PJ Bicycle to Eden at your own pace. Cycles for all the family, child seats, trailers and trailer bikes too. An easy to follow route map following minor roads and tracks avoiding the hills and traffic. The 'green way' to visit the Eden Project. It's often quicker than by car. Eden entry tickets included in hire charges Tel: 01726 852285 Fax: 01726 852022 Email: buglecyclehire@hotmail.com |
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| Padstow Cycle Hire, South Quay, Padstow PL28 8BL Tel:01841 533533 Email: cycles@padstow.fslife.co.uk |
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| Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire, Pentewan Village, near St Austell Tel: 01726 844242 Email: pentewancycle@yahoo.co.uk |
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