South Coast Tour - 7 days

Day One

Arrive in Wadebridge

Check in for your first night's accommodation at the Slades House Country Inn, in the north Cornish town of Wadebridge.

In the afternoon you are free to explore the shops and cafes of Wadebridge, or you could stretch your legs by cycling the Camel Trail to Padstow. 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.

Your accommodation: The Slades House Country Inn

Day Two

Wadebridge to Lanlivery - 16 miles (25 km)

Leaving Wadebridge, your tour begins with a gentle cycle along the Camel Trail, from where a short detour takes you to the award-winning Camel Valley Vineyard.

Continuing along the river towards Bodmin, you pass an 18th century jail (Bodmin Jail) and the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, where steam locomotives still ride the rails.

Then it's on to the unspoilt village of Lanlivery for your overnight stop at The Crown Inn, a 12th century longhouse.

About your accommodation: The Crown Inn, Lanlivery

The Crown Inn, Lanlivery is one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall offering relaxed bed & breakfast accommodation. Besides the B&B accommodation, The Crown Inn also serves award winning food and drink both lunchtimes and evenings every day of the week. Located close to the historic town of Lostwithiel, The Crown Inn has been sympathetically restored to its original style. The bar is an atmospheric place to enjoy a drink or a meal alongside the roaring log fires. The Crown Inn has nine comfortable en suite rooms all awarded 3 Diamonds by the AA. Also if you arrive at the inn early after your day cycling, they are open for lunch, afternoon drinks and dinner.

Day Three

Lanlivery to Mevagissey - 14 miles (22 km)

In the morning you will pass The Eden Project and ride along parts of the Clay Trails. Then it's on to the historic port of Charlestown which was used as a location for filming Poldark and Jane Austin’s Persuasion. There is also a shipwreck museum here where you will see tall ships docked, and The Rashleigh Arms is a great lunch stop.

The day's destination is Mevagissey, a small working fishing village with narrow streets filled with gift shops, cafes, galleries and pubs.

About your accommodation: Valley House Bed and Breakfast, Megavissey

Valley House Bed & Breakfast is a small, family run B&B with a genuine warm and welcoming atmosphere created by hosts John and Kate. The Edwardian dwelling is set in large landscaped private gardens on the fringes of the picturesque fishing village of Mevagissey, yet is only just a few minutes stroll from the traditional working harbour, shops and restaurants. Valley House features three en-suite guest bedrooms set in a warm, contemporary atmosphere. Breakfast is usually served in the breakfast room between 8 am and 9 am where guests can enjoy views of the garden.

Day Four

Mevagissey to Falmouth - 19 miles (31 km)

From Mevagissey the route takes you through country lanes, past beaches and the impressive Caerhays Castle, deeper into the beautiful Roseland Peninsula.

Here you pass St Mawes Castle, one of Henry VIII’s coastal fortresses, before coasting down the hill to the beautiful scenic village of St Mawes, where you catch the ferry to Falmouth. Falmouth is home to the world's third largest natural harbour and the National Maritime Museum.

About your accommodation: The Gyllyngvase House Hotel, Falmouth

The 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.

Day Five

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 Six

Porthleven to Mousehole - 17 miles (27 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.

About your accommodation: The Ship Inn, Mousehole

The Ship Inn is right in the heart of this traditional Cornish fishing village with most rooms overlooking the harbour towards the sea. Of the eight double en suite rooms (all with showers), 6 overlook the harbour and have sea views. As a result, The Ship Inn, Mousehole has been awarded a four star inn by Visit Britain Quality in Tourism Rating. The food served at The Ship Inn makes use of the abundance of fantastic seafood in the local waters. Check-in time is 2pm and check out is 10am.

Day Seven

Mousehole to St Just - 17 miles (27 km)

The final day of the tour takes you past the tiny coastal hamlet of Lamorna - a popular subject for the Newlyn School of artists in the late nineteenth century.

Further west is Porthcurno, home to the Minack Theatre ( a unique place where the auditorium and stage are carved into the cliff above the sea). Performances are held here throughout the summer.

From Land's End, England’s most westerly point, it is possible to see the Isles of Scilly on a clear day.

Then it's on to one of the most ancient mining districts in Cornwall, St Just. Cornwall's mining heritage is clearly visible here, with the spectacular clifftop scenery studded with mine engine houses and chimney stacks.