Top 5 Bike Parks around Altarnun

Near Altarnun, you'll find a variety of mountain biking trails, particularly within Cardinham Woods. These include flowy singletrack like the "Bodmin Beast" trail, suitable for basic off-road skills, and more challenging red-graded sections. Specific highlights include The Cribbar Descent with its wide berms and rollers, and The Whip Switchbacks, Cardinham Woods, featuring tight, zig-zagging turns. For a longer challenge, the Forest Mountain Bike Trail offers 10 km of serious climbing and sharp turns.

Yes, while Altarnun itself is a base for trails, Cornwall offers dedicated family-friendly bike parks. "The Track – Family Friendly Bike Park" near Redruth provides miles of trails and jumps for all abilities, focusing on improving bike confidence and teaching new skills in a safe environment. Another option is "Old Hill Bike Park" at St Kew Highway, Bodmin, which caters to all ages and abilities with trails from green (balance bikes) to black, including unique wooden features and a pumptrack.

For beginners, the "Bodmin Beast" trail at Cardinham Woods is a great starting point, offering a flowy and fun singletrack experience for those with basic off-road skills. Additionally, the Dialled-In Dave Trail is described as a natural, flowing, and fast introduction to Red grade singletrack, ideal for developing trail riding skills. The Siblyback Lake Trail loop is also an easy, scenic ride suitable for all fitness levels, mostly on paved surfaces.

Advanced riders seeking a challenge can explore the optional red-graded trail sections at Cardinham Woods. The Forest Mountain Bike Trail is a 10 km challenging loop known for serious climbing and sharp turns. For dedicated bike park features, Woody's Bike Park outside Fowey offers trails ranging from blue to double black, with deep berms, tables, huge doubles, and technical rock gardens, along with an uplift service.

Absolutely. The Camel Trail is a well-known multi-use trail in Cornwall, with parts accessible from areas around Altarnun. For example, the "Iron Bridge on the Camel Trail – Little Petherick Creek Bridge loop from Camelford" offers a varied terrain experience. Another scenic option is the "Siblyback Lake Trail loop," an easy 4.61 km ride around Siblyback Lake, mostly on paved surfaces, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Beyond bike parks, the Altarnun area, set within Bodmin Moor, offers a range of outdoor activities. You can find various cycling routes, including road cycling and touring, as well as running trails. For more ideas on cycling, check out the Cycling around Altarnun guide. If you prefer running, explore the Running Trails around Altarnun guide.

Yes, the region is rich in both natural beauty and history. Bodmin Moor itself is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by granite tors and ancient settlements. The "Colliford Lake – Jamaica Inn loop" passes by the historic Jamaica Inn. You can also find old tin mine ruins, such as those near the Stone Archway and MTB Trail, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past amidst scenic trails.

Visitors frequently praise the exhilarating descents and well-designed features. For instance, The Cribbar Descent at Cardinham Woods is highlighted for its wide, supportive berms and rollers that allow for speed and air. Riders also appreciate the natural, flowing character of trails like Dialled-In Dave Trail, which provides a great introduction to red-grade singletrack in a quiet woodland setting.

Many of the multi-use trails and paths in the wider Cornwall area, including sections of the Camel Trail and trails around Siblyback Lake, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control. Always check local signage and guidelines for specific trails, especially within nature reserves or managed woodlands like Cardinham Woods, to ensure dogs are permitted and to understand any leash requirements.

While Altarnun itself is a small village, bike hire facilities are available in larger towns and popular cycling hubs within Cornwall. For specific bike hire options, it's best to check with local tourism information centers or search online for bike rental shops in nearby towns like Bodmin, Wadebridge (for the Camel Trail), or other larger communities in Cornwall.

The best time to visit the bike parks and trails around Altarnun is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder and drier, making for more pleasant riding conditions. However, trails can be enjoyed year-round, though some may become muddy or slippery after heavy rain, especially in winter.

Yes, Cardinham Woods, which hosts several popular trails like The Cribbar Descent and The Whip Switchbacks, typically has visitor facilities including a cafe and parking. For other dedicated bike parks further afield, such as Woody's Bike Park, The Track, and Old Hill Bike Park, they usually offer on-site or nearby amenities like cafes, toilets, and bike shops.