Walking the Bissoe Cycle Trail

One of my favourite dog walks at the moment has to be the Bissoe Cycle Trail.

It’s flat, miles and miles long, and best of all, is (mostly!) made of decent pathway which means it doesn’t get ridiculously muddy in all the Cornish rain.

The Bissoe Cycle Path is a coast to coast trail that links Portreath harbour 11 miles across the county to the port of Devoran on the South coast. In the 1800s, this trail was used as a mineral tramway for the copper mines around Redruth.

Nowadays it’s mainly used as a cycle trail, which I am yet to do and very excited to try with friends this summer! It’s the perfect length for a easy to moderate day of leisurely cycling, with plenty of sights to see along the way.

However I personally love it as a place to take the dogs for a walk. Some areas ask for dogs to be on a lead, but as long they’re under control and not in the way of any cyclists, it’s a good spot for off-lead strolling. Also be cautious that there are the occasional roads you have to cross, but it’s mostly totally secure and runs along beside the river!

We usually drop in on the walk at a little car park in Carnon Valley, and walk along in the direction of Portreath, stopping along the way at Bike Chain Bissoe – a cycle hire shop and cafe en-route.

They do a bleddy good hot chocolate, and there’s always something tasty for lunch!

It’s a really cute spot with outdoor lodge-style seating, and it’s even dog friendly too.

I’ll definitely be dedicated a day to doing the whole trail on foot or by bike (or both) at some point this Spring/Summer, but for now I love taking the dogs here and letting them run free and explore the wilderness at the edges of the path.