About the Clay Trails

The Clay Trails are a network of short walking, cycling and horseriding trails through mid-Cornwall an area of great contrast and beauty.

Multi-use trails

The Clay Trails include routes which are ideal for cyclists, walkers and horse riders.

A day out in Cornwall

The Clay Trails pass right by the door of several visitor attractions in Cornwall.

Wildlife and nature

Visit the Trails throughout the year to see different wild flowers in bloom.

Events

All sorts of things take place along the Clay Trails, including theatre performances and regular walks with local groups.

Stunning scenery

You’ll pass through unusual mining landscapes, including luminous blue lakes.

Family activites

The Trails are ideal for geocaching and treasure trails.

Horse riding

Many of the routes are suitable for horse riding.

Accessibility

Many of the trails are suitable for mobility scooters.

Local artwork

Look out for sculptures depicting the Clay Industry.

Community sculptures

Sculptures mark the entrance to many of the trails.

Diverse terrains

Some of the trails join the beautiful Cornish coast.

Peaceful landscapes

Take some time out to enjoy the tranquility.

Beautiful waymarkers

Look out for these sculptures reflecting the heritage and modern day elements of the clay industry

The routes on this website – which take in the Clay Trails as well as nearby public footpaths, bridleways and some roads range between three and five miles in length. Each offers a largely traffic-free route through stunning sections of heathland, woodland, coastline, country lanes and Cornish mining villages.

What to look out for

Mining Heritage

The Clay Trails wind their way through the unique landscape of Cornwall’s china clay mining area, offering an insight into both the past and present of an industry which has shaped the area since the Industrial Revolution. China clay – or kaolin – is still extracted today for use in the paper and ceramics industries, and much more. You’ll see:

  • Stunning turquoise dams, coloured by fine particles of mica suspended in the water
  • Towering clay tips, made up of excavation waste, known collectively as the Cornish Alps
  • Historical listed buildings such as drying chimneys Working china clay pits

Wildlife

The Clay Trails were first opened in 2005 as part of a restoration programme to provide new habitats for flora and fauna – as well as providing a resource for locals and visitors. Look out for spring flowers along sunken footpaths, wildfowl and plants in Par Nature Reserve, bright yellow gorse, and a variety of beautiful wildflowers. Keep your eyes open for birds of prey such as buzzards, kites and kestrels.

Artwork

A series of sculptures along the trails celebrate the rich mining history and community involvement of the area.

Facilities

The range of facilities along these wild and sometimes remote trails is limited. The trails are, however, easily accessible from the road; all the routes suggested on this website are well-served by car parking, and many start or end at, or at least pass through, a spot with toilets and refreshments. Along the trails themselves you will find:

  • clear signposting
  • cob shelters – ideal for sun and rain

Who can use the Clay Trails?

Offering a variety of relatively flat and smooth surfaces to steeper, uneven ground, the multi-use trails are suitable for all sorts of users.

  • Walkers

    All of the routes on this website are suitable for walkers. Bear in mind that the trails are also used by horseriders and cyclists, so walkers should keep an eye on children and dogs. Dog bins are provided at various points along the trails, please respect other trail users and clean up after your dog.

  • Cyclists

    All of the routes on this website are suitable for hybrid or mountain-style bikes – with some featuring diversions especially for bikes. Each route features a national off-road cycling grade. The Clay Trails encompasses part of the National Cycle Network, and cyclists might consider extending their ride along other parts of the network. Cyclists will find a range of bike shops in nearby St Austell, as well as cycle hire facilities in Pentewan. Cyclists should bear in mind that these are multiuse trails and you’re likely to encounter horseriders and families as you round a bend!

  • Horseriders

    Many of the routes on this website are suitable for horseriders; each one is labelled as such. Remember that the routes are multi-use trails, so you may encounter bicycles or mobility scooters. Some routes involve crossing or following minor roads for a short section. Special facilities for horseriders include a horse tie-up at Wheal Martyn, which also has a large enough car park to allow horse trailers.

  • Mobility scooters, wheelchair and buggy users

    Much of the Clay Trails is accessible by a sturdy four-wheel pavement scooter (as opposed to lightweight models designed for shops). Each route on this website features a terrain description, and scooter users will find the smoother Pentewan Trail and Wheal Martyn to St Austell easiest to ride. There are a few heavy gates on the trails, which you may need help opening. Watch out also for wet grass on slopes and driving through deep leaves!

  • Prohibited users

    Quad bikes, motorbikes, motor vehicles and pony and traps are not permitted on the trails.

Cyclist on Clay Trail

I love these trails. You can park up, walk three to seven miles in fantastic scenery and end up back at your car. At most points you can stop for a coffee or a pint or even something to eat.

Dave Taylor, local resident

I use the clay trails for mountain biking every weekend. They’re so easy to get to from St Austell town centre and offer some really great views over the bay

Chris Maynard, local resident