About the Tour
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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.
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Wadebridge to Lanlivery
Leaving Wadebridge, your tour begins with a gentle cycle along the Camel Trail, from where a short detour takes you to the award-winning Camel Valley Vineyard. Continuing along the river towards Bodmin, you pass the 18th century Bodmin Jail and the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, where steam locomotives still ride the rails. Then it’s on to your overnight 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. 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 and 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 three diamonds by the AA.
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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 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.
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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 13 bedrooms, comprising of doubles, twins, family rooms and singles. Paul and Emma Lower are the proprietors of this family run hotel and will personally supervise all your arrangements during your visit.
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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 until 11 pm, with a quiz night on Thursday evenings.
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Porthleven to Penzance
From Porthleven you’ll 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.
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 prizes itself on serving delicious, locally sourced food, from pan-roasted duck to shellfish from nearby Newlyn. It’s just a few minutes walk from the harbour, perfect for catching The Scillionian the next day.
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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 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 offers 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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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 20,000 exotic species, 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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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.
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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 visit St Michael’s Mount. This medieval castle is still a home today to 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.
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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. Then it’s on to one of the most ancient mining districts in Cornwall, St Just.
Your Accommodation
The Commercial Hotel, St Just The Commercial Hotel is situated in the centre of St Just. A former coaching inn, the Commercial Hotel has been run by the same family for over 100 years and is well-known locally for its warm, Cornish welcome and excellent home-cooked food. Located a mile from Cape Cornwall, the area is rich in Cornish culture and heritage, with ancient Celtic sites, hidden coves littering the coastline and in close proximity to the popular beaches at Sennen Cove Beach and Porthcurno. All 11 bedrooms are en-suite, with televisions, hair dryers, and tea and coffee making facilities.
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St Just to St Ives
Leaving St Just, the tour follows lanes which hug the clifftops of the north of Cape Cornwall and Poldark country. 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. Then on to St Ives, which is well known for its artists, the Tate gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum, as well as being home to some great restaurants and a picturesque harbour.
Your Accommodation
The Queen’s Hotel, St Ives The Queen’s Hotel is a late Georgian, three storey building in the heart of picturesque St Ives. Eight en-suite bedrooms have been redecorated with vintage furniture and Cornish artwork, plus sparkling new bathrooms with new showers. Downstairs is a relaxed and friendly bar with delicious pub food made from the finest local, seasonal ingredients Cornwall has to offer.
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St Ives to Perranporth
First stop of the day is Hayle, known for its three miles of golden sands and bird-watching hotspots. From there the tour continues along the coastal lanes towards St Agnes with a beautifully scenic coastline, fantastic beaches and plenty of arts and craft shops. Leaving St Agnes you will cycle through the Blue Hills, a valley of gorse and heather where you will see a selection of old mines, to Perranporth. The family resort is home to a three mile long beach and the Perranzabuloe folk museum.
Your Accommodation
The Seiners Arms, Perranporth The Seiners Arms is a family-run bed and breakfast with its own restaurant and bar located on the beautiful Perranporth seafront in Cornwall. They offer a warm, friendly and traditional Cornish bar environment and each day serve a locally sourced, freshly prepared menu with an emphasis on the abundant seafood caught almost on the doorstep. Guests enjoy jaw-dropping views over Perranporth’s iconic Chapel Rock, the three mile stretch of golden sands and the mighty Atlantic ocean.
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Perranporth to Wadebridge
The route follows coastal lanes to the charming village of Crantock before arriving in Newquay, famous for its surfing beaches and vibrant night life. Then you continue along the coast past Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth and the stunning rock stacks at Bedruthan Steps. The ancient fishing port of Padstow, known for its fantastic Christmas Festival and plentiful foodie offerings, with a number of great restaurants lining the harbour, including Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Paul Ainsworth’s No. 6, and Prawn on the Lawn. Padstow is also the starting point of The Camel Trail, the final leg of the tour back to Wadebridge. Alternative Route (marked with dotted line on map): As the coastal lanes between Newquay and Padstow can be very busy in summer, cyclists can choose an alternative route which follows National Cycle Route 32 through St Columb Major. The alternative route adds 7.5 miles to the daily total.
Make a booking
Because all our tours are created around your preferred start dates and party size, we have a two stage booking process.
