At Butterwell Farm we are in the ideal location for biking in Cornwall. We work with Go Bycycle who offer our guests FREE delivery and collection to your holiday cottage for all of your biking needs: road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, family bikes, touring bikes, child seats and infant or dog trailers. They also offer stand up paddle boards if you’re after some adventure on the water as well as land.
Whether you want a quiet cycle along the flat tranquil Camel Trail or you are seeking a greater challenge on the adjoining forest trails, Butterwell has direct access to a cycling journey the novice to even the best downhill mountain bikers will not forget. We even have two fantastic bike parks within a short driving distance, and some great trails for the youngest biking enthusiasts.
Apple Tree Cottage, Buzzard Barn and Cobnuts Stable all have large, private, lockable bike storage for up to 6 bikes. Kingfisher Cabin has a private covered area on the balcony to store and lock bikes.
Sam is a knowledgeable and active mountain biker so if you need any assistance or advice on routes, bike parks or bike mechanics whilst you’re here then Sam is only too happy to assist.
The Camel Trail:
The Camel Trail is the most cycled off road trail in the UK and it’s easy to see why with its spectacular and varied scenery from coastal to estuary to woodland and forest. The trail is almost completely flat making it accessible and fun for all abilities and ages.
The trail is 18 miles in length from Padstow on the coast up to Wenfordbridge near Bodmin Moor, with Wadebridge and Bodmin in between. Butterwell Farm is 10 miles from Padstow on the trail with Wadebridge being about half. To view our full guide on cycling the Camel Trail please click here.
Mountain Biking:
The Forest tracks, which are mainly accessed by the Camel Trail or along quiet country lanes from Butterwell, provide a huge playground for the more experienced riders, where you can spend many days exploring the narrow and often steep bike tracks which run between designated forestry tracks of gentler gradient. Favourite woodlands include Grogley Woods, Hustyns, Bishops Wood, Dunmere Woods and Cardinham Woods. You can also try the climb to the highest point on Bodmin Moor, Brownwilly. Here the views can be stunning, stretching all the way to both coasts, Exmoor and Dartmoor.
There are many different cycling routes and combinations which can be planned with plenty of good cafes and pubs along the way, and you are never too far away from Butterwell, as it’s at the bottom of the valley!
We have a few bespoke cycling routes detailed for our guests, please just ask and we can print them out for you:
- Grogley Woods, Padstow, returning via ferry on east side of Camel Estuary. Distance 24 miles climb 700 meters.
- Dunmere Wood, Camel Trail to Blisland, Bodmin Moor, Brownwilly and back via Wendfordbridge (top of Camel Trail) to Butterwell on the Camel Trail. Distance 35 miles Climb 700 meters.
- Cardinham Woods by bike trails. Distance 21 miles climb 600 meters.
Another fantastic resource for biking routes in our local area is the Cycling UK website.
Bike Parks:
Old Hill Bike Park: Just 15 minutes from Butterwell. https://oldhillbikepark.com Book online.
A progressive family orientated bike park. The trails range from green – suitable for balance bikes, through to black with unique wooden features. Check them out on Instagram too: @oldhillbikepark
Woody’s Bike Park: 25 minutes from Butterwell. https://www.woodysbikepark.com. Book online.
Uplift available. Downhill and freeride trails. Trails for all abilities from flowy blues to the biggest senders in the country. Deep berms, perfect tables and huge doubles. Double black, black and red run with alpine flow. Instagram: @woodysbikepark
Kids:
Lanhydrock National Trust, 15 minutes from Butterwell. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/lanhydrock/outdoor-activities-at-lanhydrock Skills area and balance bike track perfect for all ages including little ones on balance bikes. Also green, blue and red trails available. Café and playground.
Cardinham Woods, 20 minutes from Butterwell. https://www.forestryengland.uk/cardinham-woods/cycling-and-mountain-biking-trails-cardinham-woods
Trails for all abilities, mostly green and blue. Café and playground.