Cycling in and around Penhale

There are some great multi-use trails around the county, many of which are level and car-free, and they can be accessed from various locations. Cyclists stay for a special reduced rate at Penhale - so if you're planning on leaving the car at home, see our tariff for more details. Or if you prefer, you can hire bikes from one of the many shops near to the cycle trails.

The Clay Trails

Although there is not a cycle route directly from Penhale Park, near by at Par Sands you can get on to one of the 'Clay Trails' routes, which are a number of trails around the St Austell area including routes around the Eden Project; the China Clay Museum at Wheal Martyn; Pentewan and Bugle. This part of the country is rich in industrial heritage. Created by 250 years of clay mining, the striking and dramatic scenery is visible from distances of many miles.

The Clay Trails, first opened in 2005, are part of 'The Cornish Way', which offers over 200 miles of linked trails across the county. The Clay Trails also link to The National Cycle Network.

For information on the Clay Trails, including maps and activities, visit www.claytrails.co.uk
You can download a copy of the Clay Trails map from Sustrans at www.sustrans.org.uk

The Camel Trail

Also part of The Cornish Way, The Camel Trail is a very successful recreational trail, 18 miles long, on the old railway line between Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. The Padstow to Wadebridge section of the railway line was opened in 1899 providing access to Waterloo via Launceston and Okehampton, but the part from Wadebridge to Poleys Bridge is one of the oldest in the world, opened in 1834 to bring sand from the estuary to the inland farms.

Traffic-free, smooth surfaced and virtually level, the trail is safe and easy to use for families and the mobility impaired. With free access to the secluded woodlands of the river valley and breathtaking views across the Camel Estuary, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Various attractions can be found near the Camel Trail, such as Bodmin Jail and The Camel Winery.

A free Camel Trail leaflet is available from North Cornwall Information on 01872 327310.
To download a leaflet about the Camel Trail visit the Cornwall Council website at www.cornwall.gov.uk

For general information about cycling in Cornwall, contact:

Sustrans:
Tel: 0845 113 0065
www.sustrans.org.uk

Cornwall Council:
There is lots of information about The Clay Trails, The Camel Trail, and many other multi-use trails on the local government website:
www.cornwall.gov.uk

Cycle Hire

Pentewan Cycle Hire

Our nearest cycle hire centre, located between St Austell andMevagissey, Pentewan Cycle Hire has a large range of bikes available tohire and purchase, as well as bike accessories and a repair service. Adelivery service is available. They will also give advice andinformation about the local cycle routes.

The nearby Pentewan ValleyTrail is part of the Clay Trails, and winds its way through wetland and woodland alongside the river.It offers several miles of flat traffic-free cycling. The hire centreis situated in the village of Pentewan, at the base of the PentewanValley Trail, on the B3272 St. Austell to Mevagissey road.

Pentewan Cycle Hire
1 West End
Pentewan
Nr Mevagissey
Tel: 01726 844242
Website: www.pentewanvalleycyclehire.co.uk

Camel Trail Cycle Hire

You can hire bikes, tandems, and child seats and trailers from thispopular hire shop, which is ideally located for the Camel Trail. It isadvisable to book in advance, especially during the busy summer months.

Camel Trail Cycle Hire
Eddystone Road
Wadebridge
Cornwall
PL27 7AL
Tel: 01208 814104
Website: www.cameltrailcyclehire.co.uk

Bridge Bike Hire

Also on the Camel Trail, with a large choice of bikes and accessoriesincluding tandems, child trailers and wheelchair bikes, as well as adelivery and pick up service to camp sites. Please contact them formore details.

Bridge Bike Hire
Eddystone Road
Wadebridge
Cornwall
PL27 7AL
Tel: 01208 814545
Website: www.bridgebikehire.co.uk
Email: Sue13448@aol.co.uk

Bodmin Bikes

Just 400 metres from the start of the Camel Trail, there are a widerange of bikes for hire for all the family. Phone and pre-book to avoiddisappointment.

Bodmin Bikes
3 Hamley Court
Dennison Road
Bodmin
PL31 2LL
Tel: 01208 73192
Website: www.bodminbikes.co.uk
Email: sales@bodminbikes.co.uk