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Starts: Porthcurno.
Total distance: 106 miles (170 km).
Average daily distance: 26.5 miles (42 km).
Tour difficulty 3: Hard
Transfers available from: Penzance railway station.
Cycle hire: add £40
Price: £375


 Arrive in Porthcurno.

Check in for your first night's accommodation at Rockridge House, Porthcurno. 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.

Then you are free to look around Porthcurno Telegraph Museum or the Minack Theatre with views over Porthcurno Bay and up towards the Lizard peninsula, or else you could relax on Porthcurno's sandy beach.

Preferred accommodation: Rockridge House, Porthcurno.

Porthcurno to Hayle - 29 miles (47 km).

First stop of the tour is the most westerly point on the mainland: Land's End. After admiring the view, it's on past Sennen Cove to St Just. 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 Falmouth - 30 miles (48 km).

After leaving Hayle you will take the Engine House Trail, a dedicated cycle track which links the many engine houses dominating the landscape, and cycle through the town of Camborne which was where the last deep working tin mine closed in Europe (South Crofty).

The tour continues through Redruth and on to Devoran before catching the King Harry Ferry accross the Carrick Roads to the Roseland peninsula. The final leg of the day takes you to St Mawes where you will catch another ferry to Falmouth, home to the deepest natural harbour in Europe.

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.

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.


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 - before returning to Porthcurno.

Photo Top: Tate St Ives and Porthmeor Beach, Visit Cornwall/Paul Watts.
Cornish Cycle Tours, Manyowners Cottage, Rosenannon, St Wenn, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5PJ.
Telephone: 01637 880710 | Email: info@cornishcycletours.co.uk | Website Design: Barefoot Media