Starts: St Just.
Total distance: 50 miles (80 km).
Average daily distance: 25 miles (39.5 km).
Tour difficulty 2: Medium
Transfers available from: Penzance railway station.
Cycle hire: add £20
Price: £210


Arrive in St Just.

Check in for your first night's accommodation at The Commercial Hotel, St Just. St Just is England's most westerly town and the area has been awarded World Heritage status in recognition of the mining industry. Nearby Cape Cornwall is a short cycle ride away from the hotel.

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 Commercial Hotel, St Just.

St Just to Hayle - 22 miles (34 km).

Leaving St Just the tour follows lanes which hug the clifftops to the north of Cape Cornwall. 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.

Preferred accommodation: The Old Quay House, Hayle.

Hayle to St Just - 28 miles (46 km).

From the estuary at Hayle (a renowned habitat for wading birds), you cycle from the north to the south coast of Cornwall at the county's narrowest point. Meeting the sea at St Michael's Mount, 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.

Then it's on to Land's End, England’s most westerly point, from where it is possible to see the Isles of Scilly on a clear day. The route then passes through Sennen, one of Cornwall's most spectacular surfing beaches, before turning inland on the lanes to St Just.

Photo Top: Mousehole, Visit Cornwall/Paul Watts.