The best road cycling routes around St. Clether

There are over 60 road cycling routes around St. Clether, offering a diverse range of experiences. These routes are situated on the eastern flank of Bodmin Moor and within the Inny Valley, providing varied terrain from gentle valley paths to more challenging ascents on the moor.

The routes around St. Clether cater to various skill levels. You'll find a good selection of easy routes, such as the View of Brown Willy – Davidstow RAF Memorial Museum loop from Hallworthy, which is 16.4 miles long. The majority of routes are moderate, like the Roadbike loop from Laneast, and there are also more challenging options for experienced cyclists, particularly those venturing onto Bodmin Moor.

Road cycling near St. Clether offers views of significant natural features. You can often see the prominent granite outcrops of Bodmin Moor, including Brown Willy Summit and Rough Tor. The routes also pass through the tranquil River Inny Valley and offer glimpses of areas like Colliford Lake, as seen on the Jamaica Inn – View of Colliford Lake loop from Hallworthy route.

While St. Clether itself is more focused on moorland and valley scenery, the wider region of Cornwall does feature natural attractions like St Nectan's Waterfall. Depending on your chosen route and distance, some road cycling paths may offer access or connections to areas from which you can visit such sites, though they might require a short detour or walk.

St. Clether is a small, rural village. While specific dedicated cycling parking might be limited, many routes start from nearby villages or hamlets like Hallworthy or Laneast, where you may find roadside parking or small public car parks. It's always advisable to check local parking regulations and availability before your ride.

Accessing St. Clether directly by public transport can be challenging due to its rural location. While there might be limited bus services to nearby larger towns, connecting to the specific starting points of road cycling routes often requires personal transport. For wider cycling networks in Cornwall, you might consider areas with better public transport links, such as those near the Camel Trail or sections of The Cornish Way.

Given the rural nature of St. Clether and its immediate surroundings, dedicated cafes or pubs directly on every route might be sparse. However, many routes pass through or near small villages and hamlets where you can often find local pubs or small shops for refreshments. For example, the Jamaica Inn – View of Colliford Lake loop from Hallworthy route passes by the historic Jamaica Inn, a well-known stop.

For families, the easier road cycling routes around St. Clether, which tend to have less elevation and quieter roads, are suitable. The region's network of quiet country roads offers a pleasant environment. For a more traffic-free experience, sections of the popular Camel Trail, accessible from areas like Camelford or Bodmin, provide a largely surfaced and relaxed ride suitable for all abilities, though it requires a short journey from St. Clether.

The best time for road cycling in St. Clether is generally from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and the moorland scenery is at its most vibrant. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures, potential rain, and stronger winds, especially on the exposed parts of Bodmin Moor.

The road cycling routes around St. Clether are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country roads, the diverse terrain ranging from gentle valleys to challenging moorland ascents, and the picturesque rural landscapes, including views of Bodmin Moor and the tranquil River Inny Valley.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around St. Clether are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Trevivian, which offers a moderate 22.5-mile ride through the scenic Cornish countryside, and the View of Brown Willy – Davidstow RAF Memorial Museum loop from Tresmeer.