The Clay Trails

The Clay Trails are a network of short cycling trails that thread their way through mid-Cornwall’s China Clay Country. Each of the varied cycle routes are largely traffic-free, and pass through beautiful Cornish scenery.

Here at Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire we have quality bikes for hire for adults and children to use on these trails. There are also trailers available for smaller members of the family, even for your dog!

Take a look here to see more information on the Clay Trails.

Follow the trail from Pentewan Cycle Hire, through the beautiful woodland and by the river of the Pentewan Valley Trail. This is the Cycle Network Route 3. It joins up with the Clay Trails Route and the Cycle Network Route 3, which are mostly off road cycling.

The Clay Trails were established in 2005, and are based around the St Austell clay mining industry that dates back over 250 years.

The Clay Trail goes around the ancient town of St Austell offering fantastic views of Cornwall and great cycling through the beautiful Cornish countryside.

Off-Road Cycling

There is an off road trail running from St Austell to the Wheal Martyn Clay Museum. This trail runs for 1.9 miles.

From the Clay Museum you can follow the trail for another 5 miles until you reach the Eden Project.

You can also follow the Clay Trails from St Austell to the Eden Project running in an anti clockwise direction. This trail does take you through St Austell using the Cycle Network Route 3. So please note this is not an “all off road” route and it does take you through parts of St Austell.

If you are planning to cycle this route, we advise you to allow one whole days’ bike hire. Or more if you want to explore more of Cornwall’s stunning scenery.