Three Saints Cross Country Cycle Route (Distance c 20Km)
This route is a challenging ride and is not suitable for children.
Warning: Do not attempt the full circuit after heavy rain; the River Ottery can quickly turn into a white water experience. During the ride you will cross three small streams and ford the river Ottery. Some of the downhill runs will demand a high level of fitness and skill to keep upright on two wheels. It is best if you don’t do this route on your own.
The tracks are some of the less known bridleways in the area. You will come home probably wet and muddy and possibly a bit tired, but if you can do it have fun!
Start from the Church of St Nicholas Tresmeer and ride down through the village and go through a gate. Continue to the bottom and another gate, turn left and ride uphill until you reach a cross road, turn right and continue down this track and you will cross a stream. Continue on the track and the bridleway swings to the left after a few hundred metres (not marked at this stage). You need to go west until you reach the top far edge of the field, there is a section of rough moor, for some reason the bridleway turns into a footpath for a couple of hundred metres. Push/carry your bike until you join a bridleway/farm track were you turn right, over a ford and into Kyrse.
When you see the metalled road turn left uphill to join the Tresmeer Road. At the top turn left, after 400 metres turn right and there is a downhill run to Treneglos. Take a break and look at the Grade 2 Listed Church of St Gregory. (See the shortcut back to Tresmeer on map if necessary)
Just opposite the church is another bridleway it drops down a rough track and crosses a stream, a fairly tough climb up to pass farm buildings until you join the road.
Turn right and another downhill run will take you across the old railway to a road junction at the bottom.
Turn right over a stream and next left over a ford and climb the small lane to reach the Canworthy Water to Splatt Road. At the top turn left and drop down to Canworthy Water. Turn right and at the bridge -STOP- and examine the flow of the water. If the river is in flood you need to go back and take the safer route marked on the map.
If it the river looks reasonable continue over the bridge and turn right at the next junction and ride for about 13.5Km where there is a bridleway on the right. (This is just before Penrose Green).
Drop down this bridleway to find the river. Take a good look and be prepared to go back. At times you can ride across, you may need to wade across. (Warning: from experience if the water is above knee height it can difficult to keep upright in fast water)
On the other side you will find a green lane that is about 1Km long. At the end of the lane join the road and continue in the same direction keeping left until you reach Tremaine. Ride through the village and shortly you will find the Grade 1 listed Church of St Winwalo. After a rest go back down the road and take the first right to drop down a steep hill and a similar climb to join a road where you turn right and continue to the Tresmeer Road. Turn right and you will enter the Village where you started.
Recommended Map: OS Explorer 111 Bude, Boscastle & Tintagel
Transport: None available
Refreshments: Village Shop in Tresmeer
Parking: In the Tresmeer village area near the Church
With Thanks to PG for all his hard work in creating the above Map - Comments via email to james@tresmeer.com
Link to Launceston Cycle Shop