Road Tour - 8 days

Day One

Arrive in Wadebridge

Check in for your first night's accommodation at the Molesworth Arms Hotel, in the north Cornish town of Wadebridge. In the afternoon you are free to explore the shops and cafes of Wadebridge.

Your accommodation: The Molesworth Arms, Wadebridge

Day Two

Wadebridge to Truro - 30 miles (48 km)

There is no tougher way to start your trip than the 28% incline at Hustyn Hill, one of the steepest inclines in Cornwall. (Please note in wet conditions this hill is uncycleable - an alternative route is suggested in your briefing.) Once conquered, you travel south to Bodmin before criss-crossing the A30 on a relatively flat terrain.  The easy road through Laddock really allows you to put your foot down into the capital of Cornwall, Truro.

About your accommodation: The Carlton Hotel, Truro

The Carlton Hotel was originally a Victorian merchant's house and was converted into a hotel in the 1950s. Ten minutes walk from the city centre and situated in a mostly residential area, the Carlton is a traditionally run small family hotel. Facilities include a licensed restaurant, well stocked bar, comfortable lounges, and an easygoing approach. The hotel also has a spa-bath/sauna leisure facility for the sole use of hotel guests. The 29 Bedrooms are all en-suite with television including satellite channels Sky 1 and Sky Sports 1.

Day Three

Truro to Gweek - 25 miles (40 km)

Leaving Truro, the morning’s route allows you to take a breather as you spend time crossing the Fal River not once but twice. After enjoying the bustling Maritime town of Falmouth you’ll appreciate the restful morning as traversing the Lizard Peninsula is no easy task.

Ending the day, the village of Gweek is located at the foot of the Helford river. A perfect position to rest up for the night.

About your accommodation: Trevone House, Gweek

Trevone House offers en suite bed & breakfast accommodation in Gweek on the Lizard Peninsula. At Trevone House, you can be assured of a scrumptious breakfast, whether it is a hearty full English, Continental or vegetarian, it can be varied to suit individual needs. The accommodation comprises one double en suite bedroom, and a twin bedroom with private bathroom. Visitor also have access to their own sitting room and use of the secluded garden. Trevone House is deally located for strolling to the Gweek Inn and good 'pub grub'.

Day Four

Gweek to Porthleven - 23 miles (37 km)

On paper, Gweek to Porthleven is a short ride. However our route takes you south towards Lizard Point and then across tough terrain to Mullion Cove. You then head north towards Helston from which it is a short and comfortable ride into the fishing village of Porthleven.

Staying in The Harbour Inn, you have access to the beautiful sea views, cafés and if you are so inclined, one of Cornwall’s best surfing breaks.

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 St Just - 30 miles (48 km)

Your fourth day of cycling takes you around the west coast of Cornwall ending in Penzance. The 30 mile route takes you along coastal lanes to the seaside village of Marazion and its breathtaking views over St Michael's Mount and Mounts Bay.

After Marazion, there is an easy, level ride around Mounts Bay to Penzance and neighbouring Newlyn. Both towns have large harbours and provide good opportunities to break for rest and recuperation.

Continuing around the coast you pass the hamlets of Mousehole, Lamorna and Porthcurno before visiting the England’s most westerly point, and mecca for all cyclists, Land’s End.

You finish the day one of the most ancient mining districts in Cornwall, St Just.

About your accommodation: The Commercial Hotel, St Just

The Commercial Hotel is situated in the centre of St Just. A former coaching inn, the Commercial Hotel has been run by the same family for over 100 years and is well-known locally for its warm, Cornish welcome and excellent home cooked food. Located a mile from Cape Cornwall, the area is rich in Cornish culture and Heritage, with ancient Celtic sites, hidden coves is and close to the popular beaches at Sennen Cove Beach and Porthcurno. All 11 bedrooms are en suite with colour televisions, hair dryers, tea/coffee making facilities and are non smoking.

Day Six

St Just to Portreath - 28 miles (45 km)

Now into the second half of Cornish Cycle Tour’s ‘Road Tour of Cornwall’, day five takes in the north coast of Cornwall in the 28-mile journey between St Just and Portreath. 

Emerging from St. Just, the route then takes you through National Trust land at Rosemergy, Porthmoer and Gurnard's Head to the village of Zennor, where the nearby Logan Stone is worth a detour. St. Ives is half way to Portreath and a perfect position to place to stop for lunch.

From St Ives to Hayle the route follows the hilly coastal road with wonderful views over St Ives Bay up to the lighthouse at Godrevy Head. You’ll need the view to inspire you as the journey from Gwithian into the coastal village of Portreath is taxing, especially after five days of riding.

About your accommodation: The Portreath Arms Hotel, Portreath

The Portreath Arms Hotel is a small, traditional, family run hotel located in The Square at the centre of historic Portreath. The hotel has a bustling public bar and lounge - a traditional meeting place for locals. The hotel has seven en-suite rooms that they offer on a bed and breakfast basis. The Portreath Arms Hotel serves an excellent choice of home cooked food, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients with local fish and crab a speciality.

Day Seven

Portreath to Newquay - 24 miles (39 km)

One of the shortest legs of the tour sees you pedal from Portreath to Cornwall’s surf capital, Newquay.

Continuing along the north coast (and the same tricky terrain) you work your way through some of Cornwall’s best beaches as you pass Porthtowan, Perranporth, and the sandy dunes of Holywell Bay before continuing on the coast road into Newquay.

About your accommodation: The Great Western, Newquay

The refurbished Great Western Hotel is set in the heart of Newquay with a superb sea view, cliff top garden and terrace, and only a few steps from the beach and the sea. The Great Western Hotel offers some of the best value accommodation in Newquay for relaxation, informality and comfort. Steam, the Hotel bar and restaurant, offers a menu of locally sourced dishes which blend Cornwall with the Mediterranean. All the food is freshly prepared and locally sourced where possible while the well stocked bar offers a full range of drinks.

Day Eight

Newquay to Wadebridge - 32 miles (52 km)

You follow the contours of the north coast through Porth, St Eval and St Merryn before a tough ride to the foodies' paradise of Padstow.

After a well-deserved break, it’s on to the final leg. An easy ride south to St Colomb Major and then on to trickier terrain through small villages and splendid countryside on the way back to Wadebridge.