Cardinham Woods is one of Cornwall’s most dependable venues for off-road riding because it’s a proper Forestry England site with clear visitor infrastructure and a cycle trail designed to keep riders coming back. The riding sits in a sweet spot: it’s approachable enough for newer riders to build confidence, but it has enough technical texture—roots, cambers, compressions and seasonal traction changes—to keep experienced riders interested, especially if you’re chasing smoothness and speed rather than huge features.

For eMTB riders, Cardinham is ideal for repeat laps and progression. Pedal-assist means you can do more runs without fading, and it also makes it easier to ride here year-round because the “effort barrier” stays lower when conditions slow you down. Importantly, Cardinham also delivers the practical side: café, toilets, and a straightforward arrival experience, which makes it one of the easiest places in Cornwall to recommend to visitors who want a known quantity rather than a guess.

Key information

Web address	https://www.forestryengland.uk/cardinham-woods
Post Code	PL30 4AL Get Directions
Uplift / entry cost (adult)	£0 entry (no uplift; parking charges apply)
Pass options	Forestry England membership: Cardinham Woods membership is listed at £43 for free parking (check terms)
Bike hire eMTB hire	No No
Parking	Paid: early bird exit before 10.30am £2.20; up to 1h £3.50; up to 2h £4.50; up to 4h £5.50; all day £7.50
eMTB policy	EAPC/pedal-assist suitable; follow shared-use guidance
Trails	Waymarked cycle trail with mixed difficulty; feature texture increases when wet
Uplift type	None
Best for	Beginners and progression; repeat laps; reliable year-round eMTB riding

Facilities

Cost and uplift

No uplift. Parking is the main cost, using the published tariff above.

Bike hire

The captured visitor information does not clearly list standard MTB or eMTB hire. If you want to list hire, confirm the current provider first.

Parking and arrival

The access road is single track in places and the visitor guidance asks drivers to use passing places and give space to other users.

Trails and riding style

This is trail-centre style riding without uplift: steady climbing, repeatable descents, and features that feel more technical as speed increases or grip drops.

Facilities

The site lists café and toilets, plus a dog wash and other visitor amenities.

What to know before you go

In winter, prioritise tyres and braking control—slick roots and soft edges reward smoother riding. Carry a layer for weather changes.

Last updated: January 2026