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Starts: Wadebridge.
Total distance: 177 miles (285 km).
Average daily distance: 35 miles (57 km).
Tour difficulty 3: Hard
Price: £425.00
Transfers available from: Bodmin Parkway station; Newquay Airport.
Cycle hire: add £50.00
Arrive in Wadebridge.
Check in for your first night's accommodation at the Molesworth Arms, a 16th century coaching 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.
Preferred accommodation: The Molesworth Arms, Wadebridge. |
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Wadebridge to Mevagissey - 28 miles (45 km).
Leaving Wadebridge, your tour begins with a gentle cycle along the Camel Trail. Following 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 and stop at The Crown Inn, a 12th century longhouse, for lunch.
In the afternoon 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. The last stop of the day is Mevagissey, a small working fishing village with narrow streets filled with gift shops, cafes, galleries and pubs.
Preferred accommodation: Tremarne Hotel, Mevagissey. |
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Mevagissey to Porthleven - 46 miles (74 km).
Cycling out of Mevagissey through country lanes, past beaches and the impressive Caerhays Castle, the route takes you deeper into the beautiful Roseland Peninsular towards St Mawes. 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.
After lunch you pass Trebah Gardens and the beaches of Swanpool and Maenporth, as you ride towards Helston, home of the Flora Dance festival. You will then cycle across The Lizard towards the beautiful village of Porthleven.
Preferred accommodation: The Harbour Inn, Porthleven.
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Porthleven to St Just - 34 miles (54 km).
From Porthleven the tour follows coastal lanes to the seaside village of Marazion, which affords breathtaking views over St Michael's Mount and Mounts Bay towards Penzance, which is the lunch stop for today.
The afternoon starts gently with a ride along the coast through the fishing villages of Newlyn and Mousehole, as you head out towards Land's End. On the way you pass the Minack Theatre, a unique place where the auditorium and stage are carved into the cliff above Porthcurno.
From Land's End, England’s most westerly point, it is possible to see the Isles of Scilly on a clear day. The day's ride ends at one of the most ancient mining districts in Cornwall, St Just.
Preferred accommodation: The Commercial Hotel, St Just. |
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St Just to St Agnes - 35 miles (56 km).
Cornwall's mining heritage is clearly present around St Just. Riding north along the coast through Botallick, the spectacular cliff scenery is studded with mine engine houses and chimney stacks on the cliff edges. There is even a dedicated tin mining museum at Geevor.
St Ives, with its cobbled streets and magnificent scenery, has long attracted artists
for the quality of the light. Art lovers can visit The Tate gallery, overlooking Porthmeor Beach, and the Barbara Hepworth museum which is in the artist's former home.
After lunch in Hayle, which is known for its three miles of golden sands and is also a good bird watching spot, you will cycle towards St Agnes with its beautiful scenic coastline, fantastic beaches and art and craft shops.
Preferred accommodation: Beacon Country House Hotel, St Agnes. |
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St Agnes to Wadebridge - 34 miles (54 km).
Leaving St Agnes you cycle through the Blue Hills - a valley of gorse and heather where you will see a selection of old mines - to Perranporth. The family resort is home to a three mile long beach and the Perranzabuloe folk museum. You follow coastal lanes to the charming village of Crantock before arriving in Newquay famous for its surfing beaches and night life.
After lunch the tour continues along the coast, passing Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth and the stunning rock stacks at Bedruthan Steps. The ancient fishing port of Padstow is known for its Obby Oss celebrations on May Day - the rest of the year Rick Stein caters for the hungry at his fish and chip shop, as well as the famous Seafood Restaurant. Padstow is also the starting point of The Camel Trail, the final leg of the tour back to Wadebridge.
Alternative Route (marked with dotted line on map): As the coastal lanes between Newquay and Padstow can be very busy in summer, cyclists can choose an alternative route which follows National Cycle Route 32 through St Columb Major. The alternative route adds 7.5 miles to the daily total, but is faster and flatter.
Photos Top: Nare Head, Visit Cornwall/John Such. |
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