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Starts: Wadebridge.
Total distance: 177 miles (285 km).
Average daily distance: 25 miles (41 km).
Tour difficulty 2: Medium
Transfers available from: Bodmin Parkway station; Newquay Airport.
Cycle hire: add £70
Price: £590
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 Charlestown - 23 miles (37 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.
Preferred accommodation: The Rashleigh Arms, Charlestown. |
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Charlestown to Falmouth - 26 miles (42 km).
First stop of the day is Mevagissey, a small working fishing village with narrow streets filled with gift shops, cafes, galleries and pubs. From there the route takes you through country lanes, past beaches and the impressive Caerhays Castle, deeper into the beautiful Roseland Peninsula 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.
Preferred accommodation: The Gyllyngvase House Hotel, Falmouth.
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.
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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.
Preferred accommodation: The Harbour Inn, Porthleven. |
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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. Porthcurno is 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.
Preferred accommodation: Rockridge House, Porthcurno. |
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Porthcurno to St Ives - 24 miles (38 km).
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 present around St Just. Riding north along the coast through Botallack, 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.
Preferred accommodation: The Borthalan Hotel, Carbis Bay.
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St Ives to Perranporth - 27 miles (44 km).
First stop of the day is Hayle, which is known for its three miles of golden sands and is also a good bird watching spot. From there the tour continues along the coastal lanes towards St Agnes with its beautiful scenic coastline, fantastic beaches and art and craft shops.
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.
Preferred accommodation: St George's Country House, Perranporth. |
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Perranporth to Wadebridge - 30 miles (48 km).
The route follows coastal lanes to the charming village of Crantock before arriving in Newquay, famous for its surfing beaches and night life. Then, you continue along the coast, past 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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