Mineral Tramway Trails
Cornwall is dotted with abandoned mines and there are six trails which follow the abandoned tramways. They all link together so you can enjoy a family bike ride from one to fourteen miles. The routes have only gentle inclines and kids will love spotting the abandoned ivy-covered mining buildings that are a little eerie yet also very beautiful.
There are 6 trails which also link in with other trails such as the Engine House Trail. The trails are:
- Tehidy Trail - this is a 2.5 mile (4km) trail with some steep sections but otherwise relatively flat.
- Portreath Branchline Trail - this is a 5.5 mile (8.8km) trail which includes some sections of highway. There is one main road crossing which is unsuitable for horses. This trail links in with the Coast to Coast Trail, the Tehidy Trail and the Great Flat Lode Trail.
- Tresavean Trail - this is a 1.1 mile (1.8km) trail which is generally level and off-road.
- Great Flat Lode Trail - this is a 7.5 mile (12km) trail. This circular route has some steep sections but is mostly off-road. It takes you through a mixture of farmland, heathland and old mine sites.
- Coast to Coast Trail - this is a 11 mile (17.5 kms) trail which is generally level and mostly off-road. This trail links in with the Wheal Busy Loop and the Redruth and Chacewater Railway Trail. These in turn link in with the rest of the network of trails.
- Redruth and Chacewater Railway Trail - this is a 7.7 mile (12.4km) trail which is based for the most part on the route of the original Redruth and Chacewater Railway. It is mostly level and off road, and occasionally crosses the public highway. This trail links in with the Great Flat Lode Trail, the Tresavean Trail and the Coast to Coast Trail.
The majority of the trails are traffic free and flat. They are suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. They are also wheelchair and buggy friendly. Some of the trails have steep sections which are ideal for mountain-bikers and more experienced walkers.
WHERE: There are a number of car parks located along the trails. View the Mining Trails guide to see where these are located or view the map below.
The Mineral Tramways - Cornwall Council
Route type: Family friendly tracks