The best MTB trails around Colliford Lake

While Colliford Lake itself is a beautiful natural feature, dedicated mountain bike trails are not directly available on its immediate shoreline. However, the area serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Bodmin Moor, which offers numerous cycling opportunities on quiet country lanes and within nearby forest areas. For a more structured cycling experience, nearby Siblyback Lake offers a cycling-friendly gravel track.

The terrain around Colliford Lake and within Bodmin Moor is varied. You'll encounter vast open moorland with granite tors, quiet country lanes, and some routes that lead through dense woodlands. The routes offer options for different ability levels, from easy lakeside paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes across the moor.

For families, the Siblyback Lake Trail is an excellent choice. This easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) path provides a scenic and accessible ride around Siblyback Lake, suitable for all skill levels and often mentioned as cycling-friendly for adaptive cycles as well. Additionally, the popular Camel Trail, a traffic-free route, can be accessed from areas west of Colliford Lake, offering an easy and scenic experience.

The best time to go mountain biking around Colliford Lake and Bodmin Moor is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder, and the trails are drier. Winter conditions can be challenging due to cold, wet weather and potentially boggy moorland paths.

Many of the public rights of way and bridleways across Bodmin Moor are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially due to grazing livestock. When cycling on specific trails like the Siblyback Lake Trail or within Cardinham Woods, dogs are generally welcome but should be on a lead or under strict voice control. Always check local signage for specific rules.

The routes in the Colliford Lake area cater to various skill levels. You can find easy routes like the Siblyback Lake Trail, which is flat and accessible. There are also moderate routes, such as the Siblyback Dam – Siblyback Lake loop from Dobwalls or the Lanhydrock & Cardinham Woods loops, which involve more significant climbs and varied terrain. Currently, there are no routes classified as difficult in the immediate komoot guide for this area.

Yes, the region is rich in natural beauty and history. You'll be cycling through the expansive Bodmin Moor, known for its vast open views and impressive granite tors like Rough Tor and Brown Willy. The area also features Bronze Age settlements and ancient field systems. The lake itself is Cornwall's largest inland water, offering picturesque scenery. The land art project Kerdroya, a large labyrinth built with traditional Cornish hedging, is also nearby.

While Colliford Lake itself is quite remote, there are options in nearby villages and towns. The Jamaica Inn, a historic coaching house, is located very close to Colliford Lake and offers food and drink. For routes like those in Cardinham Woods, there is often a cafe directly at the trailheads, such as the Woods Cafe. Exploring nearby towns like Bodmin or Liskeard will also provide a wider selection of cafes and pubs.

Public transport options directly to the immediate vicinity of Colliford Lake are limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car to access the starting points of most mountain biking routes in the Bodmin Moor area. Some larger towns nearby, like Bodmin or Liskeard, have bus services, but connecting to specific trailheads might require further planning or a taxi.

The mountain biking routes in the Colliford Lake area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 70 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning open moorland views, the sense of solitude, and the variety of terrain, from gentle lakeside paths to more challenging moorland climbs. Many appreciate the well-maintained trails in areas like Cardinham Woods and Siblyback Lake.

Yes, many of the routes in the area are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Siblyback Dam – Siblyback Lake loop from Dobwalls is a popular circular route. The Lanhydrock & Cardinham Woods loops also offer circular options within the woodland trail network.

Parking is available at various access points for the trails. For routes around Siblyback Lake, there is a dedicated car park at the lake itself. For trails in Cardinham Woods, there are usually paid parking facilities at the main visitor areas. When exploring the wider Bodmin Moor, look for designated car parks or suitable roadside parking spots, always being mindful of local regulations and private land.