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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023

With dramatic land- and seascapes, a clement climate and an endearing legacy of legend and folklore, Cornwall is a destination made for exploration on foot or two wheels. The opening of the Cornish Way in 2000 – a superb 180-mile trail between Land’s End and Bude – has made that both possible and wonderfully simple.

There are six trails as follows: the Mineral Tramways, The Camel Trail, the Coast-to-Clay Trail, the First and Last Trail, the Engine House Trail, the North Cornwall Trail, and the St Piran Trail.

Each is worthy in its own right, but if you want to cover the whole route, the Way officially starts in Bude and finishes at Land’s End. (Note, the route splits at Truro, with one fork heading north via Padstow, and the other heading south via St Austell, before joining again at Bodmin). Unless you’re an avid hiker or cyclist coming for a cycling or walking holiday, you’ll probably only get time for one or maybe two trails.

For a hiking experience, however, choose the most challenging of the six legs – the Coast and Clay Trail, between Truro and Bodmin via St Austell. For heritage, pick the Engine House Trail, littered with old foundries and 19th-century engine houses.

Pick one of six interlinking trails, or tackle the whole route, exploring unspoilt Cornish countryside, stopping in at picturesque villages and discovering Cornwall’s pioneering industrial heritage.

 

Recommendations

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The Clay Trails [cycling & walking]

St Austell, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

landscape view of clay quarry on the Clay Trail in Cornwall

A lovely 12-mile trail (with shorter subsections) from Truro to Bodmin that explores a unique area of Cornwall previously home to Cornwall’s China industry, and passes many top sights.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: Up to 4 hours

The Mineral Tramways [cycling & walking]

Redruth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
The mineral tramways coast to coast trail cycle path passing underneath the Carnon stone viaduct, built in 1933.

A scenic, wildlife-filled landscape, rich in Cornish heritage, offering a network of 60km superb walking and cycling trails. It’s also the place to learn all about Cornwall’s mining history.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: -

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

The trails are mostly traffic-free, though some stretches are along minor and rural roads. Download printable maps and itineraries from the website.

Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cornwall

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Aerial Image of cornish beach with Paddle boards lined up

A region of craggy cliffs, sheltered creeks, glorious sandy beaches and quintessential villages – rich in local life, pagan legend and delicious, locally-made food and drink.