The best gravel rides around St. Allen

St. Allen offers a good selection of gravel bike trails, with over 15 routes to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate to more challenging rides.

The gravel biking in St. Allen features a mix of challenges. Most routes are classified as moderate (11 tours), offering a balanced experience. For those seeking a greater challenge, there are also 6 difficult routes available.

You can expect a diverse landscape shaped by its coastal proximity and historic mining industry. Routes often traverse former railway lines and quiet country lanes, offering varied surfaces from compacted gravel paths to more rugged tracks. The area includes numerous hills and valleys, characteristic of the Cornish landscape, with coastal paths and rolling hills.

While there are no routes specifically classified as 'easy' in our current selection, many of the moderate routes, especially those following former railway lines, can be suitable for beginners or those looking for a less strenuous ride. These often provide smoother surfaces and gentler gradients.

The gravel biking routes in St. Allen are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 4.6 stars from over 26 reviews. Many riders praise the varied terrain, coastal views, and the unique blend of natural beauty with historical industrial structures.

Yes, several routes pass by significant historical landmarks. For instance, the Carnon Viaduct – Devoran Quay loop from St. Agnes features historical industrial structures like the Carnon Viaduct itself. You might also encounter remnants of the mining industry, such as the Poldice Mine Loop, or coastal ruins like those at Cligga Head.

Absolutely! The region offers several stunning viewpoints. You can enjoy panoramic coastal vistas from locations like Cligga Head Coastal Cliffs, St Agnes Beacon, and Droskyn Point. Many routes incorporate these elevated sections, providing memorable scenic breaks.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in St. Allen are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Portreath Harbour and Beach – Portreath Beach loop from Perranarworthal and the Newham Trail – Carnon Viaduct loop from Truro.

For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, the Carnon Viaduct – Devoran Quay loop from St. Agnes is a difficult 29.0-mile (46.7 km) path featuring significant elevation changes and varied terrain. This route will test your endurance and bike handling skills.

The duration of gravel bike rides in St. Allen varies depending on the route and your pace. Shorter, moderate routes like the Portreath Harbour and Beach – Portreath Beach loop can take around 1 hour 36 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Carnon Viaduct – Devoran Quay loop, can take over 2 hours 40 minutes to complete.

Many of the routes, particularly those that follow former railway lines or are classified as moderate, can be suitable for families. These often provide a more stable surface and gentler gradients. Always check the specific route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.

You'll encounter a variety of surfaces, from compacted gravel paths that offer a smooth ride to more rugged tracks. The terrain is diverse, reflecting the region's coastal and mining heritage, so be prepared for a mix of conditions.