Lanhydrock & Cardinham Woods loops

Embark on a diverse mountain biking adventure connecting the extensive woodlands of Lanhydrock and Cardinham Woods in Cornwall. This moderate route spans 14.6 miles (23.5 km) with an elevation gain of 1351 feet (412 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete. You will experience a varied landscape, from open parkland and smooth, purpose-built cycle paths at Lanhydrock to dense forest sections, challenging climbs, and flowing descents within Cardinham Woods. The trail offers a rich mix of terrain, ensuring an engaging ride through picturesque river valleys and rolling hills.

When planning your visit, you will find that both Lanhydrock and Cardinham Woods are well-equipped for mountain bikers. Each location features purpose-built trails designed to cater to a range of abilities, from easy green routes suitable for families to more technical red sections. After your ride, you can enjoy refreshments at the on-site cafes; Woods Cafe at Cardinham is particularly noted for its traditional offerings and cream teas, providing a perfect spot to refuel. The accessibility of the trails, especially at Lanhydrock, makes it welcoming for beginners and those with disability bikes or trailers.

This combined route is notable for blending the distinct riding experiences of two prominent woodland areas. Lanhydrock offers a dedicated skills area to practice and progress, while Cardinham Woods is home to the renowned "Bodmin Beast" trail, a 12-kilometre blue-graded route considered a benchmark for singletrack in Cornwall. For more advanced riders, Cardinham also provides optional red sections like "Dialled-In Dave" and "Hell's Teeth," which introduce natural, flowing, and fast singletrack with technical features. The progressive difficulty across both sites allows you to continuously build your mountain biking skills.