The best cycling routes around St. Mellion

There are over 125 touring cycling routes around St. Mellion, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.

The region around St. Mellion offers diverse terrain, from mostly paved surfaces to some unpaved and more challenging segments. You'll encounter moorlands, river valleys, and rolling hills, particularly around the Tamar Valley and areas like Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor National Park.

Yes, there are several easy routes. For instance, the Descent from Kit Hill loop from Callington is an easy 7.0-mile (11.3 km) path that offers views from a prominent local landmark. Overall, there are 4 easy routes available.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the area offers 79 difficult routes. A notable option is the Grenofen Tunnel – Grenofen Tunnel loop from Callington, a 46.8-mile (75.3 km) trail with significant elevation gain that passes through the Grenofen Tunnel.

You can explore several natural landmarks and viewpoints. Highlights include The Hurlers Stone Circles on Bodmin Moor, Kit Hill Trig Point with its panoramic views, and the scenic River Tamar on the Cornwall–Devon border. The View of Dartmoor – Descent from Kit Hill loop from Pillaton also offers stunning vistas of Dartmoor.

Yes, the region is rich in history. You can cycle to sites like The Hurlers Stone Circles, ancient burial mounds and mining history at Kit Hill, and the South Phoenix Mine Ruins. The The Hurlers Stone Circles – The Crows Nest loop from Pillaton is a route that takes you past some of these historical points.

Yes, many routes in the St. Mellion area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Grenofen Tunnel – Grenofen Tunnel loop from Callington and the Tamar Bridge – Mud Trail loop from Callington.

The touring cycling routes in St. Mellion are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, including moorlands and river valleys, and the variety of routes suitable for different ability levels.

The region offers enjoyable cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn generally provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, though routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for potentially wetter and cooler conditions, especially on exposed moorland sections.

While St. Mellion itself is a rural location, the broader Cornwall and Devon areas have some public transport links. It's advisable to check local bus and train services to nearby towns like Callington or Saltash, and then plan your cycling route from there. Bringing your bike on public transport may have restrictions, so always check in advance.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the St. Mellion area start from towns or villages like Callington and Pillaton, where public parking is typically available. For routes venturing into more rural areas or national parks like Dartmoor, designated car parks are often provided at trailheads or popular access points.

Absolutely. St. Mellion is situated on the fringes of the breathtaking Tamar Valley, and many routes offer scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. For example, Cotehele Quay provides beautiful views over the River Tamar and is accessible via cycling routes in the area.