The best MTB trails around Cornwood

There are nearly 100 mountain bike trails around Cornwood, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. Over 30 of these are rated as easy, while more than 60 are moderate, and a few are considered difficult.

Yes, Cornwood offers several easy mountain bike trails. For a family-friendly option, consider the Cann Woods (Plymbridge Woods) – Cann Viaduct loop from Cann Woods, which is an easy 10.9 km route. Another accessible choice is the Plymbridge Woods – Cann Woods (Plymbridge Woods) loop from Cann Woods, a shorter 6.9 km trail.

The mountain bike trails around Cornwood offer diverse terrain, ranging from open moorland and ancient woodlands to scenic river valleys. You'll find a mix of historical trails and natural paths, with options from gradual inclines to more technical, fast-flowing singletrack featuring natural elements like roots and rocks, especially within Dartmoor National Park.

Many of the mountain bike routes around Cornwood are circular. For example, the Red Lake & Avon Dam loop from Ivybridge is a moderate 32.2 km circular trail exploring the rugged Dartmoor landscape. Another popular circular option is the South Hessary Tor – Leather Tor Clapper Bridge loop from Shaugh Prior, a 25.6 km route with views of granite tors.

The trails around Cornwood are rich in natural and historical landmarks. You can explore the Plym Valley Trail, pass through the historic Shaugh Tunnel, or ride along sections of the Princetown Railway Track. Natural features include tors like South Hessary Tor and Combestone Tor, and the scenic Foggintor Quarry Lake.

The mountain bike trails around Cornwood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 300 reviews. More than 2300 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, from open moorland to ancient woodlands and scenic river valleys.

While Cornwood itself offers access to natural trails, the wider region includes dedicated facilities like Chacewood Bike Park, which provides engineered challenges, dirt jumps, and specific mountain biking trails for those looking for a bike park experience.

Yes, Cornwood is ideally located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, providing direct access to its extensive network of paths suitable for cycling. This allows mountain bikers to explore the park's diverse landscapes, including open moorland, granite tors, and river valleys, directly from the village.

Yes, the area is rich in historical routes. The Plym Valley Trail, for instance, winds through National Trust-owned woodland alongside the River Plym and features dramatic industrial ruins and impressive viaducts. The wider Dartmoor area also includes repurposed old railway lines, such as sections of the Princetown Railway Track, offering unique historical elements to your ride.

While specific public transport details for reaching trailheads directly from Cornwood can vary, the village's proximity to Dartmoor National Park means that local bus services might connect to larger towns like Plymouth or Ivybridge, which can serve as starting points for some routes. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and timings.

Generally, mountain biking is permitted on public byways, bridleways, and designated cycle routes within Dartmoor National Park. However, it's always recommended to check the official Dartmoor National Park website for the most current regulations regarding access and any potential permit requirements for specific areas or events. You can find more information on their website: nationalparks.uk.