A relaxed tour through Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Explore Cornwall from top to bottom before heading across the Celtic Sea to the idyllic Isles of Scilly. This gentle 11-day tour starts on Padstow’s Camel Trail before bearing south to Falmouth, past the famous St Michael’s Mount to Penzance. Climb aboard The Scillonian ferry to the stunning Isles of Scilly where you’re free to island hop and discover the sandy white beaches, bronze age ruins and quaint villages the Scillies are so famous for. Alternatively try our extended 14-day Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Tour for a longer trip.

Cycle hire: Add £140 including two days hire on Isles of Scilly per person.

Electric cycle hire: Add £290 including two days normal cycle hire on Isles of Scilly per person.

Find out more about our bike hire here.

Scroll down for our tour highlights.

Total distance:

104 miles (167 km)

Average daily distance:

17 miles (27 km)

Tour difficulty

1: Easy

Transfers available from:

Bodmin Parkway station or Newquay Airport to Wadebridge; St Just to Penzance station.

Prices:

Low Season: £1,833pp

Mid Season: £2,019pp

High Season: £2,138pp

About the Tour

Click the arrows on the timeline to see the tour.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 1

Arrive in Wadebridge

Check in for your first night’s accommodation at The Molesworth Arms in the north Cornish town of Wadebridge. In the afternoon you are free to explore the abundant independent shops and cafés 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 get you set up and make all the necessary adjustments in the afternoon of your arrival, to ensure you are ready to go in the morning.

Your Accommodation

The Molesworth Arms, Wadebridge The Molesworth Arms is a beautiful 16th Century coaching inn with original wood beams and exposed brickwork. It is nestled in the heart of the bustling traditional market town of Wadebridge with easy access to The Camel Trail, local and coastal walks and scenery. A warm welcome awaits as well as fine foods, Local Ales and lovely rooms. A hearty ‘full Cornish’ breakfast is served each morning so you’ll be well prepared for your first day of cycling.

Map

Day 2 | 16 miles (26 km)

Wadebridge to Lanlivery

Leaving Wadebridge, your tour begins with a gentle cycle along the Camel Trail. Following the river towards Bodmin, you’ll pass the 18th century Bodmin Jail and the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, where steam locomotives still ride the rails. Then it’s on to the unspoilt village of Lanlivery and a stop at The Crown Inn, a 12th century longhouse.

Your Accommodation

The Crown Inn, Lanlivery The Crown Inn in Lanlivery is one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall, offering relaxed bed and breakfast accommodation. Besides the B&B accommodation, The Crown Inn also serves award-winning food and drink for lunch and dinner every day of the week. The Crown Inn has been sympathetically restored to its original style. The bar is an atmospheric place to enjoy a drink or a meal alongside the roaring log fires. The Crown Inn has nine comfortable en suite rooms, all awarded 3 Diamonds by the AA.

Map

Day 3 | 14 miles (22 km)

Lanlivery to Mevagissey

In the morning 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 some spectacular tall ships docked, and The Rashleigh Arms is a great lunch stop. The day’s destination is Mevagissey, a small working fishing village with narrow streets filled with gift shops, cafés, galleries and pubs.

Your Accommodation

The Mandalay Hotel, Megavissey. The Mandalay Hotel is the perfect place to unwind and refresh after your days cycling, Set on the fringes of the picturesque fishing village of Mevagissey, It is only a short stroll from the traditional working harbour, shops and restaurants. The hotel features 9 newly refurbished comfortable rooms in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The proprietors Pete and Tina are keen travellers themselves and love welcoming new guests to stay with them.

Map

Day 4 | 19 miles (31 km)

Mevagissey to Falmouth

From Mevagissey the route takes you through country lanes, past beaches and the impressive Caerhays Castle, deeper into the beautiful Roseland Peninsula. 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.

Your Accommodation

The Gyllyngvase House Hotel, Falmouth The Gyllyngvase House Hotel offers quality accommodation and all the facilities of a small hotel. This is a friendly, family run hotel, and is situated 200m from the seafront at Gyllyngvase beach with Falmouth town centre and historic harbour just a few short minutes walk away. The Hotel has thirteen bedrooms, comprising of doubles, twins, family rooms and singles. Paul and Emma Lower are the proprietors of this family run hotel and have many years experience in tourism and hotels and will personally supervise all your arrangements during your visit.

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Day 5 | 23 miles (37 km)

Falmouth to Porthleven

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.

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 Saturday evenings, with a fun quiz night on Thursday evenings.

Map

Day 6 | 13 miles (21 km)

Porthleven to Penzance

From Porthleven you cycle along coastal lanes to the seaside village of Marazion, which affords breathtaking views over St Michael’s Mount and Mount’s 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.

Your Accommodation

The Yacht Inn, Penzance The Yacht Inn is right in the heart of Penzance with most rooms overlooking the harbour towards the sea. There are seven en-suite rooms, including one with a desirable balcony view for watching the sunset. The Yacht Inn prides itself on serving delicious, locally sourced food from pan-roasted duck to shellfish from nearby Newlyn. It is just a few minutes walk from the harbour, perfect for catching The Scillionian the next day.

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Day 7

Penzance to Isles of Scilly

From Penzance, catch The Scillonian ferry from the Lighthouse Pier to St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly. The crossing takes approximately two hours and 45 minutes. Dolphins and porpoises are often spotted swimming alongside The Scillonian’s bow. You will arrive on St Mary’s, the biggest island, where you will stay for the next three nights. Just 2.5 miles wide, St Mary’s makes the perfect base to explore the isles. It boasts beautiful golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters and cosy pubs which can be easily discovered by bicycle in one day.

Your Accommodation

Westford House, St Mary’s Westford House is nestled in Hugh Town, just five minutes from the ferry quay. This 19th century Georgian townhouse has five en-suite bedrooms, all named after the different islands that make up the Isles of Scilly. The large airy guest lounge has a television and massage chair to relax in after a long day exploring the islands. The Scillonian even offer to deliver your luggage from the ferry to the front door of Westford House for just £1.30 per item. You will stay here for the duration of your time on the Isles of Scilly.

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Day 8

Isles of Scilly

Five inhabited islands – plus over a hundred more – make up the Isles of Scilly; St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes and Bryher. There’s no set trail, so you are free to explore them as you please. All the islands are easily accessible by boat through St Mary’s Boatmen Association. If you want to spend the day in St Mary’s, Porthcressa Beach is a beautiful spot for snorkelling and you can discover the Bronze Age village at Halangy Down. Tresco is the second largest and only privately-owned island. Make sure you stop by Tresco Abbey Gardens and marvel at the 20,000 exotic species on show, most of which cannot be grown anywhere else in Britain.

Your Accommodation

Westford House, St Mary’s Westford House is nestled in Hugh Town, just five minutes from the ferry quay.

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Day 9

Isles of Scilly

After another night’s rest at Westford House. Why not explore St Martin’s? Swim in the sandy white crescent of Par Bay and you may spot some seals sunbathing on the rocks. Adam’s Fish and Chips is a good place to stop for lunch too. St Agnes is on the most southwesterly tip of the Isles of Scilly. Walk across the sandbar to the uninhabited island of Gugh. Back on the mainland, explore the quaint cottages and flower fields before finishing off with a cold pint at Britain’s most southwesterly pub, The Turk’s Head. Finally, if you still have time, take a boat to Bryher and go kayaking around Green Bay before watching the sunset at Popplestones.

Your Accommodation

Westford House, St Mary’s Westford House is nestled in Hugh Town, just five minutes from the ferry quay.

Map

Day 10

Isles of Scilly to Penzance

Say farewell to the Scillies and board The Scillionian back to Penzance. If you haven’t already, walk along the road at low tide and explore St Michael’s Mount, a medieval castle and the home of Lord St Levan. Spend the evening back in The Yacht Inn before the cycling recommences tomorrow.

Your Accommodation

The Yacht Inn, Penzance You will return to The Yacht Inn, the same B&B as before your journey to the Isles of Scilly, situated right in the heart of Penzance.

Map

Day 11 | 19 miles (31 km)

Penzance to St Just

From Penzance, the route takes you past the tiny coastal hamlet of Lamorna – a popular subject for the Newlyn School of artists in the late nineteenth century. Further west is Porthcurno, home to the Minack Theatre, a unique auditorium and stage carved into the cliff above the sea with performances throughout the summer. From Land’s End, England’s most westerly point, it is possible to see the Isles of Scilly on a clear day, so keep an eye out. Then it’s on to one of the most ancient mining districts in Cornwall, St Just. Cornwall’s mining heritage is clearly visible here, with the spectacular clifftop scenery studded with mine engine houses and chimney stacks.

Make a booking

Because all our tours are created around your preferred start dates and party size, we have a two stage booking process.

Call us on01637 889156
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Tour highlights

gardens attractions eden project

The Eden Project

The world’s largest indoor rainforest is a must visit when in Cornwall. Explore its colourful gardens and towering biomes, and enjoy food from the Eden Kitchen.

St Michaels Mount, Cornwall

St Michael's Mount

Famous for its granite causeway which appears at low tide, this medieval castle and church lies on a rocky island in Mounts Bay.

tresco island, isles of scilly

Tresco Island

The subtropical island on the Isles of Scilly is home to Tresco Abbey Garden, award-winning restaurants, the island spa, and miles of white sandy beaches.

“I couldn’t say which was best, because each was special and they were so different. The hosts were really friendly and very helpful. Thank you so much for the best holiday we’ve had for many years!”

Katja Neuhäußer Schenefeld - Germany

“The sites of Cornwall were spectacular, the accommodations were tops and the people we met were helpful and friendly.”

Owen and Carolyn Woyak - Philadelphia, USA

“Our tour was designed to show us as much of Cornwall and Scilly as possible. Our wish was granted and we were introduced to some fantastic landscapes. We recommend the Scilly part of the trip to anyone who appreciates undisturbed nature and peace.”

Thomas & Elisabeth Becker - Switzerland

“A fantastic cycling holiday! Thank you!”

Roswitha and Peter Ungerer - Germany