West Cornwall Tour - 5 days

Day One

Arrive in Porthcurno

Check in for your first night's accommodation at Rockridge House, Porthcurno. If you are hiring a cycle for the tour we will set you up and make all the necessary adjustments in the afternoon to ensure you are ready to go in the morning.

Then you are free to look around Porthcurno Telegraph Museum or the Minack Theatre with views over Porthcurno Bay and up towards the Lizard Peninsula, or else you could relax on Porthcurno's sandy beach.

About your accommodation: Rockridge House, Porthcurno

Nestled deep in the beautiful valley cove of Porthcurno in South West Penwith lies Rockridge House, a luxurious family home offering wonderful Bed & Breakfast accommodation for all the family.

Day Two

Porthcurno to Hayle - 29 miles (47 km)

First stop of the tour is the most westerly point on the mainland: Land's End. After admiring the view, it's on past Sennen Cove to St Just. The area's mining heritage is clearly visible here, with engine houses and ruined mine workings still standing at Botallack and Levant, and the Geevor Mine museum at Pendeen.

The route then takes you through National Trust land at Rosemergy, Porthmeor and Gurnard's Head to the village of Zennor, where the nearby Logan Stone is worth a detour. St Ives is well known for its artists, and there you will find the Tate gallery and Barbara Hepworth Museum, as well as some great restaurants and picturesque harbour. From St Ives to Hayle the route follows the coastal road with wonderful views over St Ives Bay up to the lighthouse at Godrevy Head.

About your accommodation: BeachTown B+B, Hayle

For those seeking accommodation with a little extra privacy, Beachtown is ideal and offers a pleasant stay within their victorian family home. A warm and friendly atmosphere awaits you. 

They provide your accommodation with sole occupancy and amenities yet there still close by if you need them!

There home is situated close to Hayle's three miles of golden sand and is within walking distance to 'The Towans' (Cornish for Sand Dunes) near to St Ives Bay and Hayles stunning beach stretching from Hayle Harbour to Godrevy Lighthouse.

 Set in a peaceful location within the historical village of Phillack, away from the hustle and bustle yet close enough for access to the beach town of Hayle and it's local amenities including pubs, restaurants, shops and beaches.

Day Three

Hayle to Falmouth - 30 miles (48 km)

After leaving Hayle you will take the Engine House Trail, a dedicated cycle track which links the many engine houses dominating the landscape, and cycle through the town of Camborne which was where the last deep working tin mine closed in Europe (South Crofty).

The tour continues through Redruth and on to Devoran before catching the King Harry Ferry accross the Carrick Roads to the Roseland peninsula. The final leg of the day takes you to St Mawes where you will catch another ferry to Falmouth, home to the deepest natural harbour in Europe.

About your accommodation: The Gyllyngvase House Hotel, Falmouth

Gyllyngvase House Hotel offers quality accommodation and all the facilities of a small hotel. They are a friendly, family run hotel, and are situated 200m from the seafront at Gyllyngvase beach with Falmouth town centre and historic harbour just a few short minutes walk away. The Hotel has thirteen bedrooms, comprising of doubles, twins, family rooms and singles. Paul and Emma Lower are the proprietors of this family run hotel and have many years experience in tourism and hotels and will personally supervise all your arrangements during your visit.

Option to vary route: With the last St Mawes to Falmouth ferry leaving at around 4.30pm, cyclists have the option to stay overnight in St Mawes if they would prefer a more leisurely day. Alternative accommodation is in The Victory Inn, St Mawes, and has a surcharge of £25 per person.

Day Four

Falmouth to Porthleven - 23 miles (37 km)

Leaving Falmouth the route passes Trebah Gardens and the beaches of Swanpool and Maenporth, before turning inland to cross the Lizard Peninsula. Cycling through some of the most unspoilt villages on the Helford River, the route takes you to the town of Helston, home of the Flora Dance festival.

From Helston there is a short ride down to the fishing village of Porthleven, which is home to an array of pubs, cafés and art galleries, as well as one of the best surfing breaks in the country.

About your accommodation: The Harbour Inn, Porthleven

The Harbour Inn is a lively pub situated on the harbour in the small Cornish village of Porthleven. The Harbour Inn has 14 rooms in total each featuring a telephone, television, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. All the food served at The Harbour Inn uses fresh local produce and there is also entertainment in the bar on Friday and Saturday evenings until 11 pm, with a quiz night on Thursday evenings. To all cyclists finishing their route earlier in the day, check-in is available after 1.30 pm.

Day Five

Porthleven to Porthcurno - 24 miles (39 km)

From Porthleven you cycle along coastal lanes to the seaside village of Marazion, which affords breathtaking views over St Michael's Mount and Mounts Bay. From Marazion there is an easy, level ride around Mount's Bay to Penzance and neighbouring Newlyn. Both towns have large harbours and big fishing fleets, so there is always plenty going on here. It's also an ideal place for lunch.

The tour follows the coast road to Mousehole - a cosy fishing village with real charm and character - before returning to Porthcurno.