Cycle hire, routes, trails and canal paths

Many of the cycle routes here, provide off-road cycling routes and trails along canal paths and disused railways offering safer cycling opportunities for families to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the country at first hand. It is the ideal way for the whole family to explore at their leisure with none of the pressures of parking or traffic congestion. There are lots of great places to cycle, and the following website has some great routes in Cornwall.  http://www.cycle-route.com/

Three brilliant cycling locations are Cardinham Woods, Tamar Trails, and Drakes Trail. There are many cycle hire outlets in Cornwall, details below, so that you can book in advance.

Tamar Trails – (12 miles from Kernock), Tamar Trails is 25km of dedicated walking, running and mountain bike trails in the Tamar Valley AONB, with 25km of off-road mountain biking trails for all abilities and free to use. Take your own bike, or hire one of theirs. For trail maps, bike hire information and prices, see their website. T 01822 833409 SN PL19 8JE W www.tamartrails.co.uk

The Tavistock Canal towpath – (14 miles from Kernock) provides a level cycle. Depending on your preferred distance, you could start at Tavistock Wharf. You could also take in Grenofen Bridge and double waters where the river Walkham meets the river Tavy. SN PL19 8DF

Drakes Trail, Dartmoor National Park – (16 miles from Kernock) is a network of walking and cycling trails. The network has something for all age groups and fitness levels, starting with the new off-road cycling section between Tavistock and Plymouth. Cycle hire and Tramper hire available at Marsh Mills (Plymouth).
T  (Plymouth Cycle Scene) 01752 257701 W www.drakestrail.co.uk/drakes_trail_routes.htm

If you are up for a challenge the Dartmoor Way 95 mile circular route around the National Park, with an additional 27 mile High Moorland link which crosses Dartmoor may be of interest.

Mount Edgecombe – (18 miles from Kernock) has a range of cycle routes across this vast country estate with colour coded graded trails to choose from. Enjoy glorious views across to Plymouth and Dartmoor. It is possible to hire bikes but booking is essential. T 01752 822236 SN PL19 1HZ W www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk

Cardinham Woods – (24 miles from Kernock) is a 650-acre site of productive mixed woodlands owned by the Forestry Commission. Has 7.2km way-marked cycle trail, woodland walking trails and a fantastic café which does great food and wonderful cream teas. The main trail is designed for family groups and is mostly gentle gradients but there are also routes such as the ‘Bodmin Beast’ with a number of technical climbs and descents, snaking single track trail, and features such as tight bermed corners, small step downs, rollers, and table tops, exposed to steep unfenced side slopes in places. There is a cycle hire centre one mile from Cardinham woods (Cardinham Woods Cycle Hire (trailmunki.com)).

Access – there is disabled access to all the facilities (café etc) and many of the trails are suitable for wheelchair access
T 01208 72577   SN PL30 4AL  W www.cardinham-woods-cycling/

Lanhydrock Estate – (24 miles from Kernock) Lanhydrock, National Trust, offers a number of woodland cycle trails – a great way to explore this beautiful estate.  SN PL30 4AB W www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/lanhydrock

Padstow/Camel Trail – (27 miles from Kernock) The trail starts at Bodmin and then follows the Camel estuary, ending in Padstow. Level and traffic-free, with plenty of places to stop along the way and avoid the challenge of finding a parking space in the harbour town of Padstow. When you get to Padstow, you can leave your bike secured and enjoy the town or take the SW Coast Path from Padstow to Stepper Point for wonderful views. Camel trail cycle hire at Wadebridge (32 miles from Kernock) provide free onsite parking perfect for a cycle into to very popular town of Padstow.  T 01208 814104 SN PL27 7AL W www.cameltrailcyclehire.co.uk

Siblyback Lake Country Park (South West Lakes Trust)

Only 14 miles from Kernock, Siblyback provides the backdrop of the gorgeous lake on Bodmin Moor. There is a graded track around the lake which is dog-friendly and cycle-friendly. Bike hire is available between April and October, and they also have Tramper hire and Segway here.  For bike and tramper hire, opening hours and rates see their website.  T  01579 346522   SN  PL14 6ER   W  www.swlakestrust.org.uk/

Cycle Hire – Go Bicycle deliver road bikes, electric bikes or bikes for family groups direct to your cottage W www.cornwallbikehire.co.uk

Repairs and Cycle Shops – Certini is just down the road in Saltash next to Waitrose T: 01752 849315   SN: PL12 6LD W: www.certini.co.uk