Cornwall Cycle Tour

You will arrive in the lively fishing village of Padstow on Cornwall’s north coast, known for its seafood, scenic harbor, and Rick Stein’s restaurants. A stroll along the harbor offers views of fishing boats, while a classic fish ’n’ chips meal can be a tempting treat. There will be opportunities to explore the National Lobster Hatchery or visit St. Petroc’s 15th-century church. Enjoy the salty sea air – your coastal cycling adventure begins tomorrow!

You will cycle south from Padstow along the Atlantic Coast, passing stunning bays and surf beaches like Mawgan Porth and Watergate Bay. In Newquay, Cornwall’s surf capital, you can watch surfers at Fistral Beach or enjoy a Cornish pasty. The route will continue through quiet lanes to Crantock, known for its charming church and round garden, before reaching Perranporth, a relaxed beach town with golden sands and dramatic dunes. You will spend the night in Newquay.

Today's ride will feature Cornwall’s stunning coast and mining heritage. Leaving Perranporth, you will pass St. Agnes’ tin mine ruins before tackling steep climbs through Porthtowan and Portreath. A detour to Godrevy Head offers lighthouse views and possible seal sightings. Skirting the bird-rich Hayle estuary, you will reach Carbis Bay before rolling into St Ives, a harbor town famed for its beaches and artistic legacy.

Cycling from St Ives, you will pass farms, drystone walls, and mine ruins. A stop in Zennor is an option before reaching Cape Cornwall, Geevor’s tin mining museum, or St Just. At Land’s End, you can enjoy the views of the Isles of Scilly. Continuing along the coast, you may detour to Porthcurno’s stunning bay and Minack Theatre before passing Lamorna’s subtropical valley. The route leads through Mousehole, Newlyn, and Penzance, rich in maritime history and galleries. 

After yesterday’s big ride, today will be a shorter, relaxed journey. You can spend the morning exploring Penzance, visiting the Egyptian House, or browsing Chapel Street’s galleries and shops. When ready, follow the flat coastal trail with stunning views of St. Michael’s Mount. The route then winds inland through lush fields and villages before reaching Porthleven by early afternoon. This charming fishing harbor is known for its food scene, with cafes, seafood restaurants, and a lively quayside pub. 

You will traverse the rugged Lizard Peninsula, Britain’s southernmost point, following an inland route through Goonhilly Downs, where giant satellite dishes dot the heathland. Passing through St. Keverne with its historic church, you will descend to the Helford River and take a seasonal ferry crossing. On the north side, you will have the option to visit Trebah or Glendurgan Garden before continuing toward Falmouth, a lively maritime town, home to the National Maritime Museum and a vibrant waterfront with pubs and eateries.

You will start the day with a scenic ferry ride from Falmouth to St. Mawes, enjoying views of Pendennis and St. Mawes castles. Cycling north into the Roseland Peninsula, you will pass through Veryan’s roundhouse cottages and the fishing coves of Portloe and Portholland. The hilly route will offer stunning sea and farmland views before reaching Caerhays Estate and its beachside castle. By afternoon, you will arrive in Mevagissey, a charming fishing village, before continuing to Charlestown for the night.

Leaving Charlestown, you will pass through the Clay Country, with its white spoil heaps and turquoise quarry pools. An optional detour to the Eden Project offers a glimpse into rainforest and Mediterranean ecosystems. Reaching Bodmin, you may visit Bodmin Jail or the heritage steam railway. From here, the ride becomes a gentle cruise along the Camel Trail, a scenic, traffic-free path through woodland and wetlands. As the estuary widens, birdlife fills the salt marshes, and soon Padstow’s harbor will come into view once more.

After breakfast, your Cornish cycling adventure comes to an end. Depart Padstow at your leisure. You might choose to pick up some Cornish fudge or a saffron bun as a tasty souvenir before you go. If time allows, take a final stroll along Padstow’s picturesque harbor or visit the Padstow Museum to explore the town’s rich maritime history.