Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsMerchant House, Truro
Highly rated by locals and tourists alike, the Merchant House offers all the amenities you’ll need. Guests rave about the complimentary afternoon tea and cake.
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Experience the beautiful scenery and fascinating history of Cornwall by bike
Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.
About this tour:
The far southwestern part of England in Cornwall is as unique as it is beautiful, and you’ll experience it in a special way by bicycle on the Southwest Cornwall cycling tour. Experience Cornish culture at its finest as you cycle from guesthouse to guesthouse and enjoy local hospitality all along the way.
This tour is not all about cycling. Walk the rocky cliffs, explore sea coves and taste the salty sea spray that blows on the wind. Learn more about the history of Cornwall, including the significance of the mining and fishing industries in shaping present-day Cornish culture. You’ll be enchanted by the unique geography that is so characteristic of this ruggedly beautiful region.
Because this tour is self-guided, you’ll feel free to linger in the areas that interest you most. Don’t miss a moment of the fun and adventure that awaits you in Cornwall! Book your Far Southwest Cornwall Cycling Tour today!
Welcome to Truro, the county town of Cornwall. Arrive in Truro by bus or train or fly to the nearby Newquay Airport. Make your way to your hotel and get a good night’s rest in preparation for your cycling tour.
The beautiful route from Truro to Helston takes you out along the coast for some sea views before crossing inland again. Leaving Truro, pass Wheal Jane and its old tin mine and come to Penryn. At one time, Penryn was the main port for this area, and you can learn more of its history in a small museum and get a glimpse of its past in its fine examples of Tudor and Georgian architecture.
Follow the coast south to Falmouth, a pleasant and busy sea town. Pause here to visit a beach, perhaps, or explore the exotic gardens or the Maritime Museum. Dominating the headland is the impressive structure of Pendennis Castle. This strategic military fort was built by Henry VIII for England’s national defense and was used as recently as World War II. Continue cycling past subtropical gardens and eventually come to Gweek. Gweek is located on the Helford Creek and it is home to the National Seal Sanctuary, which cares for injured seal pups and other sea mammals rescued from the local beaches. Continue on from Gweek to Helston, where you will spend the night. Expect steep climbs today as you leave Truro, and around the towns of Falmouth, Constantine, and Gweek.
A circuit route from Helston lets you explore Cornwall’s west coast today. You’ll pass through Church Cove and Mullion, continuing all the way south to Lizard, which is the southernmost point on the British mainland. Visit Kynance Cove where the beaches are full of cliffs, caves, and small islands formed by the effects of the powerful waves shaping the serpentine rock.
Continue your journey across Goonhilly Downs, an area that also has very distinct characteristics because of the underlying serpentine rock. The soil produced here is unique, and therefore so is the plant and animal life it supports. Take note of the Cornish heath, which flowers beautifully in the summer and fall, and watch for rare wildlife such as the short-eared owl and the hen harrier. When you are finished exploring this delightful area, return to Helston to spend the night.
Leave Helston today and cycle to Porthleven, an active fishing port that was once an important boat-building center. Following the coast, continue west to reach the mile long Praa Sands. This beach is very popular with families and surfers alike, and it is reputed to be among the best beaches in Cornwall. Continue further to the west to come to the incredible St. Michael’s Mount. You’ll easily understand why this small island community has become one of Cornwall’s best-known landmarks. Have your camera ready for gorgeous photo opportunities. At low tide, the island can be reached via a causeway. Make your way from here to Penance where you will spend the night. Naturally, your luggage will be waiting for you there.
Explore the far southwest today on this circuit tour from Penance. Cycle first to Newlyn, where the Newlyn School of artists was inspired by the local scenery in and around the England’s busiest fishing port. Museums and galleries all around town showcase the artistic legacy of the area. As you continue your journey, narrow streets take you past the small Mousehole Harbor to Lamorna Cove, a lovely and sheltered area for swimming. You’ll also pass a surprising concentration of ancient Celtic standing stones, including the Merry Maidens, a stone circle from the Bronze Age. When you come to Land’s End, enjoy the fantastic scenery as well as a variety of attractions and events. When you have finished exploring, return to Penance for the night.
Your cycling tour concludes by riding from Penzance back to Truro. Head to the north coast, where wading birds find a rich habitat in the mudflats along the River Hayle. As you follow the coastal road, you’ll pass mile after mile of sand dunes, then rugged cliffs, always with incredible Atlantic Ocean views. Then enter Tehidy Country Park and follow a peaceful woodland cycling trail along your way to Portreath. This cove is popular with surfers, but until the beginning of the 20th Century it was best known for mining. You can explore this heritage by visiting the Cornish Goldsmith exhibitions and workshops, or the nearby Tolgus Mill, the last-surviving tin-streaming works in Cornwall. Finish your ride through lovely wooded valleys to return to Truro. Spend the night in Truro in preparation for departure.
Sadly, your cycling tour of Cornwall has come to an end. Buses and trains are available in Truro to take you to Newquay Airport, or to Plymouth, Exeter, or London and beyond. Have a pleasant journey!
Discover the history of Cornwall riding from village to village on the southwest coast.
Stand at the southernmost point on the British mainland and explore the unique landscape nearby at Goonhilly Downs.
Visit the attractions and events at Land’s End at the far southwestern coast of Cornwall.
Experience Cornish culture, food, and hospitality while staying in local guesthouses and eating in pubs and tea rooms along the way.
6 breakfasts are included with accommodations. Lunches, dinners and drinks are not included.
Accommodations for 6 nights along the tour. Extra nights may be added for an additional fee.
This self-guided walking tour in England is run as private tour for your group only and the price is based on the number of guests on your trip.
Prices below are per person:
This tour is based in 3-4-star hotels and bed and breakfasts. In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $425USD to have a private room in a hotel.
Highly rated by locals and tourists alike, the Merchant House offers all the amenities you’ll need. Guests rave about the complimentary afternoon tea and cake.
You’ll feel completely at home here, with your own side entrance for your convenience. Enjoy the quiet location and garden views, and start your day with their excellent breakfast options.
Enjoy a clean, comfortable room just a quick 500-meter walk from the sea. This guesthouse is also within easy walking distance of downtown Penzance.
Highly rated by locals and tourists alike, the Merchant House offers all the amenities you’ll need. Guests rave about the complimentary afternoon tea and cake.
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How hard is this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The difficulty level is moderate but you should be ready to ride up to 35 miles (56 km) per day over hilly terrain. If this is too much, consider an e-bike.
What kind of rental bike is included?
Rental of a hybrid bike is included in your tour price. The bicycles are branded tour bikes, lightweight, and equipped with 21-speed derailleur and freewheel. They do not come with stands. Also included: puncture repair kits, pumps, locks, panniers, and a handlebar mounted mobile phone pouch. Computers are not provided.
Can I bring my own bicycle?
Yes! If you prefer to bring your own bike, the cost of the bicycle rental can be deducted from the price of your tour.
Do I need a helmet?
A one-size helmet is included with the rental bicycle. You may bring your own if you prefer. Helmets are not required by law in the UK, but they are always recommended for your safety.
Do I need a Visa?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included?
Breakfasts are included with your accommodations. Lunches, dinners, drinks, and other food is not included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Truro to start this tour?
The best way to reach Truro is by train. There is a direct route from London that takes 4.5-5 hours. You can also reach Truro by train from Bristol or Exeter. The closest airport is Newquay (NQY) with bus connections to Truro. If you are arriving by car, please note this at booking as parking is limited and must be reserved in advance.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends in where it began, in Truro.
Can I extend my tour?
Yes! Optional extensions to the Isles of Scilly (from Penzance) or to the Eden Project (from Truro) can be added. Each of these extensions adds 3 days and 2 nights to the trip.
Do I need vaccines?
Check with your family doctor.
What should I wear?
Dress for the weather of the season in Cornwall. Always pack a jacket in case the temperatures are cooler than expected, and quality rain gear. Sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses is also recommended. Choose clothes that are comfortable and manage moisture well. Padded cycling shorts will help improve your comfort on the trip.
What is the weather like in Cornwall?
Cornwall has generally cool but mild weather, without extremes of heat or cold, making it reasonable to visit at any time of year. This beautiful area is not known for abundant sunshine and it rains frequently, particularly during the fall and winter. More information about weather in Cornwall.
When is the best time to travel to England for this tour?
The best time to travel to Cornwall for this tour is during the warmer months from May to September, but the trip is available year-round.
Moderate
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The difficulty level is moderate but you should be ready to ride up to 35 miles (56 km) per day over hilly terrain. If this is too much, consider an e-bike.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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