Classic Cornwall Cycling
- Cycling the Camel Trail, Cornish Way & the West Country Way
- Sample Rick Stein's fish and chips of Padstow
- Explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan and visit the Eden Project
- Relax, beachside with an afternoon Cornish cream tea
- End the day at a cosy harbourside pubs and a local ale
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive BodminCentrally located in the heart of Cornwall and equidistant from both the north and south coasts Bodmin is also situated on the western fringes of the rugged and wild Bodmin Moor. Only three miles away from the mainline railway station, (with direct services London), Bodmin is also easily reached by car (approx 4.5hrs drive).
The Westberry is a highly rated hotel and boasts an intimate steak & thai restaurant with panoramic views over the town. All of the 21 bedrooms are en-suite, with Sky TV, radio, Ironing facilities, telephone, free WI-FI access and tea/coffee making facilities.
Today’s cycle follows the Cornish Way and provides an intriguing glimpse into the bygone industries of china clay and mining. Along the way there is also the opportunity to visit the rainforest biodomes of the Eden Project or the magnificent 1000 acres of the Lost Gardens of Heligan. On arrival into the Megavissey, the narrow alleyways, are brimming with charming tea shops, cafes and local inns.
Tremarne Hotel is all about comfort, relaxation and individuality. Their guest rooms, all ensuite, are light and airy, individually styled and impeccably presented, providing thoughtful touches that will make your stay just that bit more special. They are very proud of their award winning Restaurant, which is an essential part of any stay at the Tremarne Hotel. The décor is inviting with comfortable seating and crisp white table linen. Their evening dinner menu offers traditional, contemporary and vegetarian choices using the very best of Cornish produce.
Peviously a dairy farm and operated as a family run guest house for the over fifty years by the same family, is nestled into the green hillside of Mevagissey. Kerryanna Country House is a mere 5–10-minute stroll from the Cornish South West coast path and village centre with historic harbour. All bedrooms have en-suite shower and are equiped with large flat screen smart TV’s, hot drinks facilities, locally sourced spring water, bluetooth speakers, hairdryers and alarm clocks.
Bed and breakfast in Cornwall at the licensed five star award winning Portmellon Cove Guest House. Their luxury guest house is situated in a quiet, sandy cove near to the fishing village of Mevagissey (15 min walk). All rooms have beautiful sea views and promise a relaxing and memorable overnight stay. This large, split level house comprises of three spacious luxury en-suite bedrooms, a dining room, lounge and beautiful sloping garden that all make the most of the stunning sea and countryside views.
This morning you will once again be cycling along the Cornish Way. As you leave Mevagissey pedal through the picturesque Roseland peninsula before crossing the River Fal on a small ferry (payable locally). Late on in today’s cycle you pass the National Trust’s Tressilick Gardens located on the estuary of the River Fal. It has a superb and significant collection of exotic plants and is one of the most popular and famous gardens in all of England.
The Townhouse is a family run accommodation located 4 minutes walk from Truro city center. All rooms are equiped with hot drinks tray, cooling fan, iron, flat screen freeview tv, alarm clock, hair dryer, and WiFi connection.
Ideally located for exploring the whole county. The Merchant house is 10-minute away of Truro’s picturesque centre and 15 minutes away from the train station. All rooms are en-suite and include T&C facilities, hairdryer, TV, and WiFi connection.
Mannings is a grade two listed historic building in the very heart of Truro. All the rooms are stylish, bright and airy with a sense of having been cleverly designed with all your needs in mind. The rooms have a personality of their own, some have baths, some have walk in rain showers etc. All rooms have flat screen TV’s, hairdryers, work space, free Wi-Fi, hospitality tray, iron & ironing board, complimentary toiletries. They are one of Truro’s largest most popular places to eat, meet and drink, they offer everything from prime rib steaks, fresh local fish, aromatic sizzling platters, right down to oversized baguettes with fries and vegetarian options.
After breakfast head north to Newquay, the Cornish Capital of surfing! En route pass by tiny thatched-roofed houses, old tin and silver mining towns and through East Newlyn which was once one of these thriving mining villages. Youll will also pass Terice, an Elizabethan manor house and a great stop for a Cornish cream. With only a short ride today there is plenty of time, to explore the coastal town and beach of Newquay.
Overlooking Fistral Beach in Newquay, you will have a lovely relaxing stay at this hotel.
Nestled in the heart of the popular seaside resort of Newquay, Griffin Inn is a cosy bed and breakfast with a bar. Each of the spacious rooms have an en suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries and tea and coffee making facilities. Inside the brightly decorated restaurant, a full English breakfast can be enjoyed in the morning. Lighter options are also available. There is also an extensive dinner menu in the evenings.
St.Bernard’s is a family run guest house and has eight bright modern bedrooms all of which are en-suite, with a generous amount of facilities to make your stay comfortable. The guest house is over three floors, the spacious stairways, modern dining and lounge facilities compliment the bright bedrooms. They have an airy dining room which is used for your breakfast or a take away in the evening, the lounge has a bar and has a selection of board games and books which is a great way to relax after a long days walking.
Your route today follows country lanes to St Columb Major, before heading north towards the coast. You can stop for lunch in Constantine Bay with views over the blue waters of Trevose Head. Alternatively, take a shorter route to charming town of Padstow renouned for Rick Steins acclaimed fish and chip and gourmet restaurants (The Seafood Restaurant, St Pedroc’s Bistro, Rick Stein’s Café or Steins Fish & Chips). Sea food heaven!
The Old Ship Hotel is an historic Grade II listed building in the heart of Padstow and each one of the spacious bedrooms has its own unique character. All have ensuite bathrooms, hot drinks facilities, Freeview and secure safes. You are assured a very warm welcome at the Old Ship Hotel, the perfect place to relax after your days adventure!
New tenants since October 2014, Dan & Lisa look forward to you enjoying your time at the Farmers Arms. They are situated in the heart of St Merryn village, approx 3 miles from the Cornish Fishing village of Padstow. The Farmers offers a public bar, restaurant, decking area and four B&B rooms. The Farmers have been gaining a reputation for exceptionally well kept cask conditioned ale and keg products as well as fine home cooked food. All their ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible, supporting small local suppliers and maintaining a high level of quality at all times.
The Padstow Harbour Hotel in Padstow with its superb views, striking architecture and award-winning restaurant continues to hold pride of place in Padstow. Recently renovated, this Victorian boutique property has everything that you would require for a most comfortable stay. Their newly refurbished guest rooms are styled individually and comfortably furnished. They come complete with flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi.
Your route today follows the Camel Cycle, a cycle route that initially takes you alongside the Camel Estuary, abundant with wildlife. This official national trail was built on a disused railway track, originally the Atlantic Express Rail Route from London to the West Country. Upon reaching Wadebridge the trail then goes through the woodland countryside of the Camel Valley and into Bodmin, where you will spend your final night.
The Westberry is a highly rated hotel and boasts an intimate steak & thai restaurant with panoramic views over the town. All of the 21 bedrooms are en-suite, with Sky TV, radio, Ironing facilities, telephone, free WI-FI access and tea/coffee making facilities.
Depending on your onward travel arrangements you may wish to explore Bodmin town before departure.
This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This cycling tour is graded easy to moderate with each ride ranging from 13-21 miles. A classic inn to inn journey, follow country and coastal roads through traditional Cornish fishing ports, beachside towns and quintessential English villages. Sample famous Cornish fish and chips or relax with an afternoon cream tea before arriving at your family run accommodation in the heart of overnight stay where you can further explore the natural beauty and history of this fascinating Celtic Kingdom.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 15 Years
This cycling tour is graded easy to moderate. The route follows a combination of cycle paths, quiet country roads, stretches of rolling coastal terrain and busier urban roads when approaching and departing towns and cities like Newquay. Do always be mindful of other roads users at all times, especially on routes shared with traffic.
During this trip you will stay in small, family run hotels, B&B's and guesthouses. We regularly use the following properties but we will accommodate you in an overnight stay of equal standard should any of the following hotels be unavailable. Each stay at the listed accommodation is based on a standard room.
Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists
If you're traveling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists. Please note this tour has a high solo/single walker supplement due to the nature of accommodations in Cornwall, it is very difficult to secure rooms with any sort of single/solo discount - in almost all cases the rooms cost the same as they would be for 2x people.
Meals
6 breakfasts are included. Breakfasts usually consists of fruits, yogurts, cereals, toast and a traditional cooked English breakfast which includes bacon, eggs, mushrooms and tomato. If you have special dietary requirements do let us know at the time of booking. Lunches and dinners are not included but you will find some suggestions in your route notes of local places to dine and your hosts are always happy to let you know the best places to experience the local cuisine.
Cornish signature dishes include fish and chips (best sampled from Rick Stein's in Padstow), local Cornish crab and scallop dishes, cream teas and Cornish pasties (meat, potatoes and vegetables wrapped in a shortcrust pastry). Local apples also produce delish, crisp cider. Very refreshing after a day of cycling!
Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure app which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route info. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost.
Should you require assistance, local 24/7 telephone support will also be available throughout your trip.
- 6 Nights B&B's or guest houses
- 6 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfer
- Information pack
- Route notes, detailed maps and GPS tracks with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office
- Travel to / from Bodmin
- Bike hire (Standard Hybrid or E Bike)
- Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
- Short ferry ride over the River Tal
- Travel insurance
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights along the route
- Bike hire (Standard Hybrid or E Bike)
This trip is available to start Saturdays, Sundays or Mondays from April to October. The tour can only start on a Monday, Saturday, or Sunday due to 2x night weekend stay restrictions in Newquay and Mevagissey. We suggest that you contact us as soon as possible if you consider a departure during the peak season of June to September.
Bodmin does not have an airport but is easily accessible from Bodmin Parkway Railway Station, which is only 3 miles away. There are direct trains links with London Paddington (4hrs 30 mins) and Bristol Temple Meads (3hrs 30mins). More information on train times and schedules can be found on the National Rail website.
London Paddington provides a direction train connection to London Heathrow Airport From Paddington, you can also combine a the London Underground with overland train services for travel to London Gatwick Airport (south London), London Stanstead (north east of London) and London Luton (north west of London).
Bristol Temple Meads train station connects to Bristol Airport via a direct shuttle bus.
If you are arriving into Bodmin by train, taxis on arrival are available outside the train station. Alternatively, we can arrange a short taxi transfer for you.
Driving
If you would prefer to travel by car, parking for the duration of your trip is available at central Bodmin locations (unfortunately we cannot offer long-stay parking at our Bodmin accommodation). Further details, locations and costs can be accessed at Bodmin Car Parks.
Please follow the directions detailed above in reverse for your journey home.
All baggage transfers are included. We request that you have only one piece of luggage per person and it should weigh only 20kg / 44lbs.
The distances and ascent/ descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear such as good boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
21 speed Ridgeback Lightweight bikes are available to hire. The bike will be delivered and picked up from your accommodation in Bodmin. You may also prefer to upgrade your rental bike to a Specialist Ridgeback Voyage Touring bike (with drop handle bars). E bikes are also an option, subject to availability.
All rentals include a helmet (though we always recommend using your own for safety and hygiene reasons), rear rack with pannier, pump, puncture/tool kit, spare inner tube and a lock.
Please note that if you do want to rent a bike please provide us with your height to ensure we reserve the correct size bike for you.
It is strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this trip is extremely popular especially in the summer months. You can start this holiday on any day of the week.
This trip is graded easy to moderate with daily distances of 13-21 miles so is well suited to cyclists that like a relaxed exploration by bike.You may like to consider hiring an Ebike for a power assisted ride. Its a good idea to get out on your bike for a couple of consecutive days in the lead up to your holiday so you get used to riding back to back days. Each route heads through the villages and towns of Cornwall so there are plenty opportunities to sample local foods and, relax on the beach and explore the rich history of this region
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg.
You will need normal cycling clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers and some warmer cycling clothes, a full detailed kit list will be included in your info pack.
May to June offer warm days and flora is full bloom. Into July and August Cornwall is thriving with life. Days are long, warm and perfect for enjoying a late dip at the beach or a long dinner at a harbourside pub. April and September, evenings might be a little fresher and the crowds have thinned somewhat for you to enjoy the contrast of Cornwall’s countryside and coast.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. Please talk to your accommodation providers or call us should you need any assistance during your trip.
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