Explore Cornwall’s mining heritage

A 37.5 mile-long web of trails that stretches across the historic mining district of southern Cornwall is open for you to explore by bike, on foot or clip-clopping along on horseback.

The trails are known as the Mineral Tramways and pass through carefully conserved 19th-century mining sites and flower-painted heathland. Our favourite for families is the Coast to Coast trail, which closely follows an old tramroad and railway line partially reclaimed by nature. Starting in the north at the mining harbour town of Portreath and finishing up at Devoran on the south coast, the Coast to Coast trail has a mostly gentle gradient which is great for mini cyclists.

The route might sound like a pretty long journey but you’re actually never more than 16 miles away from the sea in Cornwall, and this particular trail is only 11 miles in total. That's about an hour and a half by bike or a three hour stroll. Either way you’ll have plenty of time to stop off at some impressive pieces of mining architecture that will intrigue curious minds no end.

Just make sure you factor in another hour or two to dip your tired feet in frothy Cornish waters while scoffing a well-deserved ice cream when you finish.