Cornwall Cycling

Cycle out in the morning towards the entrancing Lost Gardens of Heligan, which lay undiscovered for decades! After coffee continue your ride along the coast towards the iconic Cornish seaside town of Mevagissey, we recommend lunching in an amazing lobster-focused restaurant, the King’s Arms. In the afternoon cycle down the coast to St Anthony with panoramic views out over the sea from the headland. Catch the ferry before 5.15pm over to the pretty town of St Mawes where you stay this evening. As well as your hotel’s great food, there is a wealth of restaurants to choose from by the seafront for a relaxing dinner out.

Mileage: 32 miles

In the morning, catch the King Harry Ferry across the Fal Estuary and ride along the intricate tramways of Cornwall’s tin mines, stopping for coffee or early lunch in Portreath at the seaside café and bike shop there. Head on to the jewel of Cornwall that is St Ives, best known for its spectacular light and as a haven for painters over the last few hundred years. Now home to the Tate St Ives, this seaside gem is truly magnificent. You can lunch or supper at one of the wonderful seafood cafes and have plenty of time to walk around the town and visit the many galleries, before settling into your hotel for the evening, the Gannet Inn.

Mileage: 35 miles

Cycle from St Ives in a coastal loop around Land’s End, the most Westerly point of England and one of the world’s most famous landmarks.  From the breath-taking 200ft high granite cliffs you can see the Isles of Scilly and, beyond that, the Atlantic Ocean and North America. Cycle back via Penzance and stop off to explore the stunning St Michael’s Mount – an incredible island connected by a causeway which juts into the sea. Return to St Ives in the evening for dinner in town, with options from a traditional Cornish pasty on the beach to dining in the Porthminster café – one of the best seafood restaurants in town! For those wishing for a shorter day, we have a beautiful coast to coast route which loops around to St Michael’s Mount and Penzance, giving plenty of time to explore both of these wonderful places.

Mileage: 33-47 miles

Bike from St Ives out of town and towards Padstow, with the option of a transfer to Truro if required, to shorten the journey. Today’s ride is mostly inland, exploring central Cornwall and finishing on the coast back in Padstow to complete your week’s loop. There will be plenty of time for a look around this stunning seaside town and its harbour and we recommend enjoying a traditional British Fish and Chips supper from the famous Rick Stein’s in the evening. You stay in the heart of Padstow as you enjoy your last evening by the ocean.

Mileage: 27-47 miles

After a relaxed breakfast cycle from your hotel in Padstow out along the Camel Trail for a beautifully flat traffic-free morning with stunning views over the Camel Estuary all the way to Bodmin, for the perfect no-hassle end to your week of cycling. Easily catch your pre-booked train travel all the way into London (4.5 hours).

Mileage: 12 miles

Cornwall is an easy train journey from London, Bristol and the Midlands, taking you to the start of your cycle trip, straight onto your bikes and off on a leisurely afternoon ride to the coast. Finish your day on the beach with your feet in the sea, ready for a wonderful week of cycling.

A trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without cycling to Land’s End. As well as tracing the stunning Cornish coast alongside cliffs, beaches, into coastal villages and stunning harbours, this trip includes a wonderful loop to one of the world’s most famous landmarks and the most Westerly point of England – the starting point for the classic long distance cycle journey to John O’Groats in Scotland.

We have handpicked a selection of hotels and bed and breakfasts in ideal locations along the beautiful Cornish coast, with great access into towns and views over the harbours and ocean. There is a wealth of great restaurants and gastro-pubs in each location and your hotels are the perfect place to rest your legs and relax during the evenings while on your tour.

Read M.W’s review of our hotels: “The accommodations were first rate — small inns scattered throughout the countryside. And the food — out of this world! After all that cycling every day, we were able to fully indulge. It was so relaxing to have the whole trip prearranged.”