All Routes / Tinner's Trail

Tinner's Trail

A stunning cross country off-road ride between St Ives and St Just. You can return on the same route, or take the easier Coast Road back. Recommended only for experienced mountain bikers as the trail in places is remote, rutted, stepped and rocky! The rewards are immense with a real sense of wilderness up on the moors.

very hard
rating

35
miles

3-6
hours

60%
lanes

40%
bridleway

Komoot Route Directions

The Tinner's Trail is an old way over the moors that once connected St Ives with the far West, long before cars existed. Nowadays it is a remote moorland track offering a real sense of wilderness and adventure for walkers and experienced mountain bikers.

Recommended Rental Bikes: This route is roughly half off-road and half on-road. The off-road sections are tricky. Not steep, but narrow overgrwon paths, with loose stone, mud and rutted sections. We recommend our full suspension electric mountain bikes. Riders must be capable of being self-sufficient in case of punctures.

Warning: In winter and spring the route can be very muddy and wet in places.

Route Options: This route can be done in either direction. For a shorter ride, cut down to the Coast Road via the Watch Croft single track descent. For a longer ride, after Cape Cornwall, cross the peninsula via Sancreed to Mousehole, follow the Bay 2 Bay cycle track through Newlyn, Penzance and then cross over to Hayle on the National Cycle Route 3 from Marazion.

On Route

St Ives

Stunning beaches, picturesque harbour and fantastic eateries.

Tinner's Trail

Ancient track over the Penwith Moors

Men an Tol

Bronze age stone monument reputed to be a fertility treatment.

Levant Mine

Informative and stunningly situated mine with a still functional steam-driven beam engine.

Crowns Engine House

The iconic Crowns Engine House clings precariously to the cliffs above the wild Atlantic.

Cape Cornwall

Cycle as far West as the path will take you and perch on the stone wall for a stunning picnic spot.

Pit Stops

Some nice places to stop for a drink or bite to eat along the way. Although you will be passing many fine restaurants and pubs, as this is a longer ride, we recommend planning a cafe stop so you can take the ride at your own pace with plenty of short stops.