Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
MTB trails
United Kingdom
England
South West England

Pillaton

The best MTB trails around Pillaton

4.6

(22)

152

riders

12

rides

Mountain biking around Pillaton, situated near the River Tamar and Tamar Valley, offers diverse landscapes for exploration. The region features a mix of ancient mining heritage sites, woodlands, and areas with unpaved sections suitable for adventurous cycling. Routes often traverse varied terrain, including paths near historical quays and through forests, providing a range of experiences for mountain bikers.

Best mountain bike trails around Pillaton

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is Mineral Railway and Wheal Maria Loop, a 10.8…

Last updated: April 26, 2026

4.0

(2)

23

riders

#1.

Mineral Railway and Wheal Maria Loop

17.4km

01:36

360m

360m

Embark on a moderate mountain biking journey through the Tamar Valley National Landscape with the Mineral Railway and Wheal Maria Loop. This 10.8-mile (17.4 km) route, featuring 1172 feet (357…

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 8 more rides around Pillaton.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Pillaton

Hiking around Pillaton

Road Cycling Routes around Pillaton

Cycling around Pillaton

Running Trails around Pillaton

Tips from the Community

Benjamin Barnett
May 23, 2025, The Royal Oak Inn, Dartmoor

Stop for a pint 👍

0

0

Very photogenic spot

0

0

Stunning views across the valley

0

0

Nice stop off for a break halfway round

0

0

Wheal Anna Maria – a copper and arsenic mine – covered 3.2 hectares and had over 6,850 cubic metres of arsenic flues! It was named after the Duchess of Bedford! Her main workings were on the ‘Main Lode‘ (the largest sulphide deposit in southwest England). When its rich copper waned, Devon Great Consols became the largest arsenic mine in the world because the margins of the copper-rich lode were dominated by arsenopyrite. In 1860 the copper lode at Anna Maria was up to 45 feet wide and yielding up to 80 tons per fathom, but by around 1880 the copper boom was over. Thankfully, arsenic production sustained the mine into the 1900s, until the company folded. Arsenic ore, unlike copper ore, was refined on site using the ‘calcination’ process – and at Wheal Anna Maria they yielded over 72,000 tons of refined arsenic! – Whoop!

0

0

Nice spot to take a break and enjoy the views

0

0

Map to show local trails

0

0

Burrator Reservoir is a stunning reservoir in Dartmoor. It sits on the southern side, as it was built to supply water to the people of Plymouth. Here there is a lovely little unnamed water fall coming into the reservoir off the thick wooded western hillside. There is also a little bench seat here. A great break spot if you're doing a lakeside trail.

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available around Pillaton?

There are over 10 mountain bike trails around Pillaton, offering diverse experiences through woodlands, river valleys, and historical mining landscapes. Most of these routes are rated as moderate, providing a good challenge for many riders.

What are the difficulty levels of mountain bike trails near Pillaton?

The mountain bike trails around Pillaton are predominantly moderate, with a few easier options available. There are no trails rated as difficult in the immediate area, making it suitable for riders looking for engaging but not overly extreme routes.

Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails around Pillaton?

While the immediate trails around Pillaton are mostly moderate, the wider Cornwall region offers family-friendly options. For example, trails in areas like Cardinham Woods and Lanhydrock are known for catering to families, often featuring easier paths and facilities.

What kind of scenery can I expect on mountain bike trails near Pillaton?

Mountain biking around Pillaton offers a rich variety of scenery, including ancient mining heritage sites, dense woodlands, and views over the River Tamar and Tamar Valley. You'll encounter historical features and natural beauty throughout your ride.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes in the Pillaton area?

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Pillaton are circular. For instance, the Mineral Railway and Wheal Maria Loop is a popular circular route that explores the area's mining history.

What do other mountain bikers enjoy the most about mountain biking in Pillaton?

The mountain biking experience around Pillaton is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the historical mining landscapes, and the scenic beauty of the woodlands and river valleys.

What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while mountain biking near Pillaton?

The area is rich in history and natural beauty. You can encounter landmarks such as the Kit Hill Trig Point, offering expansive views, the ruins of the Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex, and the historically significant Cotehele Quay along the River Tamar.

Are there any mountain bike trails that pass by reservoirs or significant water bodies?

Yes, some routes near Pillaton offer views of significant water bodies. For example, the View of Burrator Reservoir – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Tamerton Foliot provides scenic vistas of Burrator Reservoir.

What is the best season for mountain biking around Pillaton?

The best season for mountain biking around Pillaton is generally from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and trails are less likely to be muddy. While winter riding is possible, conditions can be wet and challenging, especially on unpaved sections.

Are there options for longer mountain bike rides near Pillaton?

Yes, there are options for longer rides. The Blanchdown Wood – View from Blanchdown Wood loop from Gunnislake is a moderate 20.2-mile (32.5 km) path, and the Shaugh Tunnel – Burrator Reservoir and Dam loop from Tamerton Foliot extends to nearly 30 miles (48 km).

Are there cafes or pubs near the mountain bike trails in Pillaton?

While Pillaton itself is a small village, the surrounding towns and villages in the Tamar Valley and nearby areas offer various cafes and pubs where you can refuel after your ride. It's advisable to check specific locations along your chosen route for amenities.

Can I access mountain bike trails near Pillaton using public transport?

Access to mountain bike trails around Pillaton by public transport can be limited, as many routes start from more rural locations. Planning your journey in advance and checking local bus services to nearby towns like Gunnislake or Callington is recommended.

Most popular routes around Pillaton

Hiking around Pillaton

Most popular attractions around Pillaton

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.

GloucestershireDevonWiltshireCornwallSomersetDorsetNorth SomersetCity of BristolBarrow GurneyAbbots LeighSt. TudyLong AshtonSt. PinnockWarlegganCoombe BissettWraxall And FailandSt. NeotLimpley StokeLanhydrockLostwithielPooleSt. WinnowBroadoakCardinhamBlislandPill & Easton-In-GordanoSt. BrewardHanhamCleeveBoconnocPlymouthStokeclimslandBodminHellandSouth NewtonWoodfordYattonWiltonQuidhamptonSherstonNortonCalstockSutton VenyWadebridgeUpton LovellKnookSalisburyLaverstockFirsdownMonkton FarleighBritfordBishopstrowNorton BavantSt. MabynOdstockWithielBroughton GiffordAtworthUpton ScudamoreBath and North East SomersetWarminsterWingfieldSt. KewPatchwayEgloshayleHinton CharterhouseCrickladeCamborneFreshfordPortreathWinsleyFiltonBradford-On-AvonWestwoodHoltStavertonClevedonWringtonStanton St. QuintinMarston MaiseyBurringtonWinscombe & SandfordAshton KeynesMinetyCarn BreaOgbourne St. AndrewLeighEaston GreyWest OvertonDurnfordWootton RiversWilcotPewseySavernakeWinfordWhitchurchNorton MalrewardSt. EndellionLattonSwainswickSt. IsseyChippenham WithoutKington St. MichaelSouth WraxallIlloganYatton KeynellSt. BreockSt. Minver HighlandsChurchillWalton-In-GordanoOakseyClapton-In-GordanoNetherhamptonSt. Minver LowlandsBrokenboroughBathamptonClavertonGweekDundryPreshuteHullavingtonSithneyKington LangleySt. Paul Malmesbury WithoutLanliveryMalmesburyStithiansCherhillMarlboroughPerranzabuloeTickenhamLanivetFlax BourtonBournemouthLandulphEast KennettCastle CombeTywardreath And ParKeaCrudwellStaplefordDobwalls And TrewidlandGermoeSt. WennNailseaCharltonCorshamHankertonLadockMabeBurcombe WithoutCrowanGreat WishfordSouth HillCongresburyBadmintonMonkton CombeBiddestoneBudockWick St LawrenceLuckingtonSwindonCompton ChamberlayneDintonMildenhallSt. DominickEbbesborne WakeBishopstoneLannerSt. SampsonActon TurvilleSouthstokeGrittletonChute ForestBrockleyStanton DrewKingston SeymourThornburyBlagdonStratford ToneyBackwellNorth WraxallAveburyTreverbynFalfieldKenwynSeagryBowerchalkeBreageChacewaterGreat SomerfordSt. ErvanBarford St. MartinEtchilhamptonDevizesSt. AgnesMarksburyPuxtonSaltashConstantineBerwick St. JohnSt. VeepPadstowHuishPerranarworthalTorbayAlvedistonBoxSt. AustellNorth StokeLittle BedwynWeston-In-GordanoBulkingtonFeockSt. MerrynSt. DennisStoke GiffordRowdeBerwick St. JamesBromhamGrampound With CreedCorstonWinterbourne BassettChiseldonOldbury-Upon-SevernButcombeGwennapTregony with CubyBrattonSt. TeathSouth GloucestershireAlderburyAldbourneAntonyBittonLangley Burrell WithoutNettletonSt. Stephen-In-BrannelChelwoodPotterne

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Botusfleming

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy