Cycle Cornwall

Welcome to Cornwall and the vibrant beachside town of Newquay. At 11am meet your cycling group then get a bike fitting, followed by a short test ride to make sure everything is working properly. Today’s ride is an excellent introduction to the diversity of cycling in Cornwall as you leave the busy town behind and enjoy the quiet byroads of the Cornish Way Cycle Route (National Cycle Route 32) inland. Head to the old market town of St Columb Major, then north through the rolling countryside towards the coast and the popular surfing town of Constantine Bay. Perhaps stop for a refreshment and admire the views of the sweeping sand beach before continuing across the headland and on to the beautiful harbour town of Padstow. Set on the banks of the River Camel, it’s thrived over the last few years and the attractive harbour – with its eclectic mix of fisherman cottages and merchant houses – is an excellent place to park the bike and enjoy lunch at one of the many small cafes that line the streets, including the famed Rick Stein's Cafe. After lunch leave the roads behind and follow the first section of the Camel Trail. Following the route of the former North Cornwall Railway this gentle, flat and car-free trail follows the River Camel all the way to today’s final destination, the delightful town of Wadebridge (B)

Enjoy another great day in the saddle at you leave Wadebridge and cycle south east along the same quiet Camel Trail, slowly climbing alongside the Camel River as it winds its way downstream from Bodmin. Cycle past the haunting 250-year-old Bodmin Jail and the 15th century church of St Petroc, before descending to the River Fowley and on to Restormel Castle. A 13th century castle with a perfectly circular keep, it has a rich history dating back from Norman times and provides a perfect break from cycling as you explore the scenic ruins and beautiful surroundings. From here the road undulates all the way to the iconic white biodomes of the Eden Project. Containing the world's largest ‘captive’ rainforest within the world's largest greenhouse – and a unique resource for education and knowledge towards a sustainable future – the Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s highlights.

While time does not permit us to visit during the actual ride you may wish to return for a visit once the rest of the group has checked into our accommodation in St Austell/Charlestown. (B)

After breakfast it’s back on the bike as you follow the quiet B roads beside the St Austell River before joining National Cycle Route 3 to the coastal town of Mevagissey – the second largest fishing port in Cornwall – and its distinctive twin harbour. Perhaps enjoy a quick drink overlooking the harbours and stock up on supplies for a picnic lunch, before continuing along quiet roads and through small villages to the delightfully secluded Porthluney Bay. Take a break before rejoining the wooded path as it winds its way along the Roseland peninsula past the grand Caerhays Castle and the rolling green Cornish fields all the way to the final beach stop on the east coast – Pendower Beach. With excellent views along the coastline this is a great place for a rest stop – and maybe a refreshing swim if the weather allows – before turning inland and all the way to the River Fal. To avoid a long detour (or a challenging swim) take the bikes on the distinctive blue King Harry Ferry across the river and into the parish of Truro, past the National Trust Trelissick Garden and onwards to Truro, the UK's most southerly city. After the small towns and villages of the last couple of days Truro has a wealth of shopping, cultural and impressive architectural options to explore, including the relatively new but gothic inspired cathedral. After exploring you may wish to enjoy a final night dinner with your new riding buddies in one of the many restaurants and cafes around town. (B)

Your final day’s ride is a relaxing one as you leave bustling Truro behind and gently climb up towards the serene beech, larch and eucalyptus-filled Idless Wood. Take a short scenic detour along the hardpacked gravel trail through the woods before re-joining Cycle Route 32 as it winds its way north along quiet roads and rustic farmlands up past the elegant 16th-century Elizabethan manor house, Trerice. From here it is just a short uphill then an easy freewheeling descent back into Newquay, where your trip finishes on arrival. Perhaps enjoy one final lunch together along the foreshore to relive your adventures before saying goodbye. For those wanting to stay a bit longer in Newquay, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy and additional accommodation can be arranged if required (subject to availability). (B)