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CORNWALL
The Camel Trail��18 miles, linearThe Camel Trail is arguably the most successful recreational multi use trail in the�UK, providing access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. As the final leg of the Atlantic Coast Express journey from�Waterloo, winding alongside the spectacular Camel Estuary, the line was immortalised in John Betjeman'spoem 'Cornwall ' as "the most beautiful train journey I know."
First and Last Trail��25 miles
The Mineral Tramways Trails��35 milesThe history of the rich mining areas of�Cornwall is explored by this cycle trail.
The Engine House Trail�22 milesFrom the remains of the old foundries in Hayle to the engine houses scattered throughout the landscape, the reminders of Cornwall's industrial heritage are everywhere along this trail. Leaving the golden sands of Hayle behind, it follows quiet minor roads to Camborne before utilising an existing and largely traffic-free route (part of the�Mineral Tramways Project) along the base of the ancient monument of Carn Brea to Redruth. This whole area was once the thriving centre of the most intensively mined region anywhere in�England. Hundreds of silent engine houses, linked by disused paths and tramways, still haunt the landscape. Leaving Redruth, the trail passes through the old mining�village of�Carharrack�before joining more old tramway routes to Bissoe as it makes its way to the bustling cathedral city of Truro.
The Coast and Clay Trail��45 milesThe trail heads south out of Truro and onto quiet roads, past the National Trust gardens at Trelissick. From here, it crosses the upper reaches of the River Fal by the King Harry Ferry and� onto the picturesque Roseland Peninsula, following quiet lanes through some of the Roseland's finest scenery. As it nears the coast, the route drops down into the fishing village of Portloe and again at Porthluney Cove, the entrance point to Caerhays Castle. The trail then continues inland before reaching the coast once more at the fishing village of Mevagissey. The route out of Mevagissey passes the 'Lost Gardens of Heligan' and enters St Austell along a largely traffic-free route. From St Austell the trail heads north, following quiet lanes which offer great views across china clay country. There is also a link to the Eden Project and then from Eden, the trail continues to the National Trust property of Lanhydrock House along minor roads. An off-road route between Lanhydrock,�Bodmin Parkway�railway station and the historic town of Bodmin, via the Millennial Bridge is another option along the trail.
The North Cornwall Trail��41 milesOverlapping with the West Country Way, the first part of the route follows the upper reaches of The Camel Trail out of Bodmin and onto the quiet lanes of Bodmin Moor. From the beautiful village of Blisland, the route winds its way to Camelford. Sections of the trail offer panoramic views across to the coast before dipping back into more sheltered valley bottoms. Heading north, the trail crosses some of the most remote parts of Cornwall. Once past the village of Hallworthy it is possible to choose between a more strenuous route via the coast and the dramatic cliffs of Millook, or an easier inland route through Week-St- Mary. From Bude, the route turns east through the pretty village of Marhamchurch. The trail then crosses the county boundary into Devon and links into the National Cycle Network at Holsworthy.
The St Piran Trail��41 milesHeading north from�Truro, the trail follows minor roads to the�village�of�St Newlyn East�before reaching Newquay,�Cornwall�'s most popular holiday destination. From Newquay the route heads inland to the old market town of St. Columb Major and then travels north across Denzell Downs and on towards to Padstow. The trail then emerges on the banks of the Camel estuary, where it joins The Camel Trail which leads eastwards into the old county town of Bodmin. The Saints Way��30 miles
The Saints Way Trail crosses mid-Cornwall from coast to coast covering approximately 30miles from the harbour town of�Padstow�in the north to the southern�port�of�Fowey. The trail follows a wonderfully varied course through valleys, woodlands, pastures, moors and villages. Further information
St Michaels Way��13 miles
Throughout Europe there is a network of pilgrim routes which lead to one of the three most important places of Christian pilgrimage in the world - the Cathedral of St James in Santiago de Compostela, North West Spain. The St Michael's Way Trail is one of these pilgrim routes and the trail stretches from Lelant, near St. Ives, to Marazion, near Penzance. St. Michael's Way is signposted in both directions. Further information � � The Great Flat Lode Trail��8 miles, circularThe Great Flat Lode Trail is trail in the heart of the historic Camborne-Redruth mining district.The trail is multi-use for walking, cycling and horse riding. Centred on the impressive hill of Carn Brea this trail is named after the ore vein which was the centre of the tin mining activity here.��Information boards at the mining sites close to the trail provide further information on the history and working of the mines which were famous for their tin and copper production. For those wishing to make a small detour from the trail, the top of Carn Brea offers fine views of Cornwall's Atlantic coast and it is possible to explore the slopes where the remains of Neolithic and Iron Age occupation have been found. The Carn Brea Castle restaurant and the Basset monument are other points of interest.��Most of the trail is off-road. The trail can be used by walkers, cyclists and by horse riders. If cycling, it is advisable to use a mountain bike.
The Portreath Branchline Trail��6 miles, linear
The Portreath Branchline, opened in 1838 was part of the Hayle Railway. At its terminus at Portreath, the ore laden trucks would have been unloaded and the ore put onto ships while ships carrying coal and machinery would have had their cargoes removed and taken inland for use in the mines. The steam locomotive would wait at the top of the incline while its trucks were raised or lowered depending on their cargo.
The gradient of the incline was 1 in 10. A steam engine and winding gear stood at the top of the incline for lowering and pulling up the trucks.��From 1843 passengers were also carried on the line. The Portreath branchline finally closed in 1932, although the steam winding engine remained in situ on the incline until 1938. This trail links into the Great Flat Lode Trail at Brea, to the Tehidy Trail near East Lodge and the Coast to Coast Trail at Portreath. Information courtesy of Cornwall Council and�AA Insurance The Redruth�and Chasewater Railway Trail 8 milesMostly off road trail which is reasonably flat and which extends from Redruth church town to Twelveheads near Bissoe A multi-use trail suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding. Walkers, cyclists and equestrians note that although the trail is for the most part off road, there are a few major roads to cross at certain points.��The trail follows the route of the former Redruth and Chasewater Railway from Twelveheads to Redruth via Carharrack and Lanner. The Redruth and Chasewater railway was the first in Cornwall to use wrought iron rails. It was started around 1818 and building was completed in 1825. Initially, the wagons were horse drawn but in 1854 the line was upgraded for use by locomotives. The line closed in 1915 when there was no longer a need for transporting ore from the mines for shipping from Devoran. The Redruth and Chasewater Railway Trail will link in with the Great Flat Lode Trail near Breamarth Farm between Carnkie and the outskirts of Redruth , the Tresavean Trail near the covered reservoir on the outskirts of Lanner and the Coast to Coast Trail at Twelveheads.
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Follows the route of the old Portreath railway and the Portreath incline.This is a multi-use trail for walking, cycling and horse-riding.��The railway itself is no longer present but the trail makes use of its former route, connecting Portreath on the north coast with old mining village of Brea inland via Illogan, Park Bottom and Pool. At Brea this trail joins with the Great Flat Lode Trail.