Things to Do around St. Austell Bay
St. Austell Bay is a region on Cornwall's south coast, characterized by a diverse landscape that blends dramatic coastal scenery with a unique industrial heritage. The area features sandy beaches, rugged coastal paths, and inland trails that wind through former china clay mining areas, often referred to as the "Cornish Alps." This varied terrain makes St. Austell Bay suitable for several sports like touring cycling, road cycling, hiking, jogging, and more.
Things to Do in St. Austell Bay
St. Austell…
77
Routes
4.5
(122)
Average rating
1707
People visited
4.7
(15)
72
hikers
3.46km
00:59
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
44
hikers
5.71km
01:38
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(11)
32
hikers
9.79km
02:49
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
41
hikers
4.21km
01:12
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(6)
43
riders
25.2km
01:48
380m
380m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
27
riders
38.0km
02:40
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
9
riders
28.9km
02:06
440m
440m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
78.4km
05:41
970m
970m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
38
runners
16.7km
01:55
240m
240m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
5.0
(1)
43
runners
20.6km
02:38
560m
560m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
41
runners
17.7km
02:01
160m
160m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
runners
10.6km
01:08
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
69
riders
36.3km
01:46
490m
490m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(1)
45
riders
67.3km
03:18
880m
880m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
47
riders
35.3km
01:34
230m
230m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.0
(1)
31
riders
54.0km
02:34
660m
660m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(4)
21
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
51.5km
03:38
720m
720m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
23.5km
01:45
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
24.8km
01:40
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Explore the region
Most popular attractions in St. Austell Bay
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in St. Austell Bay?
St. Austell Bay offers opportunities for touring cycling, road cycling, hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. The region features 53 routes, with an average rating of 4.65 stars from more than 22,000 visitors. These activities span coastal paths, inland trails, and the unique China Clay Country.
What are the best cycling routes in St. Austell Bay?
The Clay Trails Network provides mostly off-road paths through the historic China Clay Country. Popular routes include the Mevagissey & The Lost Gardens of Heligan loop (15.7 miles / 25.3 km) and the Cornish Clay Trails loop via the Eden Project (17.9 miles / 28.8 km). More options are detailed in the Cycling around St. Austell Bay guide.
Are there family-friendly cycling trails in St. Austell Bay?
Yes, the Pentewan Valley Trail is a traffic-free option suitable for families, connecting St Austell to Pentewan beach and harbor. The Clay Trails Network also offers mostly off-road paths that are accessible for various skill levels. These trails provide a safe environment for cycling with children.
Where can one find hiking trails in St. Austell Bay?
Hiking trails are abundant, including sections of the iconic South West Coast Path, which connects sandy beaches and offers coastal views. Inland, trails around The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Wheal Martyn Museum and Country Park provide additional walking opportunities. The Hiking around St. Austell Bay guide details many options.
What are the notable natural features and landmarks in St. Austell Bay?
The region features a dramatic coastline with sandy beaches like Carlyon Bay and Par Sands, and historic Charlestown Harbour. Inland, the unique 'Cornish Alps' (clay tips) and turquoise lakes from the china clay industry are prominent. The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan are also significant attractions.
Are there challenging bike routes in St. Austell Bay?
St. Austell Bay offers routes that cater to various fitness levels, from easy to challenging. The terrain can include coastal climbs and varied surfaces within the Clay Trails Network. Cyclists can find routes that provide a significant workout.
What is the South West Coast Path like in St. Austell Bay?
The South West Coast Path in St. Austell Bay connects numerous sandy beaches and offers spectacular coastal views. It provides opportunities to explore nautical history and maritime heritage. Specific coastal walks, such as the path from Charlestown to Porthpean Beach, are suitable year-round.
What is the Clay Trails Network in St. Austell Bay?
The Clay Trails Network consists of nine mostly off-road trails winding through the historic China Clay Country. These traffic-free paths offer unique scenery, including white and green clay tips known as the 'Cornish Alps' and serene turquoise lakes. The network is suitable for cycling, jogging, and hiking.
Are there specific guides for outdoor activities in St. Austell Bay?
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the region. These include Cycling around St. Austell Bay, Hiking around St. Austell Bay, and Running Trails around St. Austell Bay. There are also guides for road cycling, easy hikes, and MTB trails.
How popular are the outdoor routes in St. Austell Bay on komoot?
The outdoor routes in St. Austell Bay are popular, with more than 22,000 visitors having explored them. The routes collectively hold an average rating of 4.65 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
What is the official website for St. Austell Bay tourist information?
The official website for St. Austell Bay tourist information is staustell.co.uk. Another resource is staustellbay.co.uk. These sites provide general information about the area.
Are there opportunities for jogging in St. Austell Bay?
Yes, St. Austell Bay offers various trails suitable for jogging. The Clay Trails Network provides traffic-free paths through unique industrial landscapes. Additionally, sections of the South West Coast Path and trails around The Lost Gardens of Heligan are popular for runners. The Running Trails around St. Austell Bay guide offers specific routes.
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