Bugle Trail overall rating:
(Colour explanation: blue = good, yellow indicates some warning, and red indicates issues to be aware of)
The Bugle Trail runs for just over 5 miles from near St Blaizey, past the Eden Project, to the village of Bugle, in Cornwall. It’s part of the Cornish Clay Trails, and offers a great way to get to the Eden Project, while avoiding the usual summer traffic nightmare.
Surface on the
The surface is mostly compacted gravel, and therefore unsealed, though there are some tarred sections along shared pavements, and of course some short sections on (normally) quiet rural lanes.
Refreshments
Your only refreshment stop options are at the Eden Project, or in Bugle.
Bikes
You’d be better off with a bike that has more chunky wheels. Road bikes will struggle along this route. Trikes and some cargo bikes might struggle a bit, along some of the more narrow sections.
Toilets
There are toilets at the Eden Project, and again in Bugle.
Hilliness
The route is somewhat hilly.
Safety from traffic
Most of the route is completely traffic-free, but there are two stretches along (normally) quiet rural lanes.
The grading system I use is explained here.
Points of Interest
Obviously, there’s the Eden Project itself, right next to the route.
Nearby is Par beach (see my Par Beach Trail route guide).
Charlestown – home to some wooden tall ships – is fairly close.
Routes in Cornwall
Barriers
There are no barriers along the route. Near Bugle, when accessing the final bit of rural lane, there are some concrete blocks, but cargo bikes should be able to fit through.
Cycle Hire
a
Child friendliness
This route is mostly suitable for kids, though I wouldn’t suggest taking very young kids to cycle it.
Social safety
Much of the route is very isolated, though in the high season there will be plenty people about.
Weather forecast for the Bugle Trail
What the Bugle Trail looks like
This video plays at 4 x speed, so you can see the entire route (not simply some highlights) before cycling it.
Getting to the Bugle Trail
My advice would be to take the train to Par (on the GWR main line between Paddington and Penzance) then follow the Par Beach Trail to St Blaizey. From there, follow the on-road link (video in the Par Beach route guide) to get to the start of the Bugle Trail.
As ever, read my Bikes On Trains guide for useful and helpful tips for taking your bike on the train.
Parking near the Bugle Trail
There is very limited parking near the trail, and especially during the high season, expect there to be none available.
More Routes
To find more routes, click this link.
DayCycle
DayCycle routes are routes that can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle.
x route interactive map
And finally…
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