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Map of Cycle Cornwall including United Kingdom

Discover one of the UK's best loved landscapes by bike

Explore the diverse scenery, great food, and mild weather that makes the Cornwall a perennial favourite from the saddle of a bicycle. This four-day Intrepid Cycling experience offers an active way to discover a part of Britain that has inspired surfers, outdoor enthusiasts, walkers and cyclists alike. Start from the beach mecca of Newquay and cycle your way alongside the Atlantic coast on the South West Coast Path before turning inland through Wadebridge past ancient castles and the space-age Eden Project. The cycling is the highlight, but you’ll have plenty of time to experience all that Cornwall has to offer along the way.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Newquay, United Kingdom
Finish
Newquay, United Kingdom
Destination
United Kingdom
Style
Original
Theme
Cycling
Code
BMXC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 2, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Cycle in one of the UK's most appealing landscapes and alongside the dramatic Atlantic Ocean – there are few better views than from handlebar height.

  • It’s not just sights seen from bikes – step back in history at the ancient Restormel Castle, or plan for the future at the Eden Project.

  • Enjoy the famous Cornish hospitality in the many small cafes and shops, and be sure to try a famous pasties or two along the way.

  • Be charmed by the picture-perfect port town of Padstow and the ideal cycling conditions of the nearby Camel Trail.

  • Start and finish your trip in Newquay, the beating heart of Cornwall and home to some of the finest surfing beaches in Britain.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle. There is no support vehicle on this trip so you need to be fit enough to cycle the distances described. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group. Our riding is done mostly on sealed roads and gravel cycle paths so no technical cycling skills are required.

  • As accommodation on this trip is multi-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details, and please note that in some hotels a single supplement exclusion applies where single rooms are not available.

  • This trip does not have a support vehicle but your luggage is transported for you each day.

BMXC - Camel Trail - Cyclists admiring lake
BMXC - Cornwall - Ruins of Bodmin Jail
BMXC - Cornwall - Group cycling along the Camel Trail
BMXC - Cornwall - Restormel Castle
BMXC - Scenic coast of Cornwall
BMXC - Cornwall - Cyclists crossing iron bridge along the Camel Trail
BMXC - Cornwall - The Eden Project - Biome in a field of flowers

Itinerary
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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
Accommodation
  • Hotel/Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's riding distance is approximately 45 kilometres/28 miles, generally undulating, with approximately 500 metres/1650 feet of elevation gain.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel/Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's riding distance is approximately 53 kilometres/33 miles, mostly undulating with two longer climbs and descents, with approximately 800 metres/2600 feet of elevation gain.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel/Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's riding distance is approximately 55 kilometres/34 miles, undulating, with approximately 900 metres/2950 feet of elevation gain.

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).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's riding distance is approximately 30 kilometres/19 miles, gently uphill for 12kms then downhill, with approximately 550 metres/1800 feet of elevation gain. If you'd like to stay on longer additional accommodation can be arranged. Please enquire with your booking agent at the time of booking.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

4 breakfasts

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike available on request)

Accommodation

Hotel/Guesthouse (3 nights)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Cycle Cornwall trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

1. This trip requires a minimum of two (2) clients to operate.
2. This trip commences at 11am on Day 1.
3. A Single Supplement may be available on this trip, please ask your booking agent for more information.
4. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organise a suitable sized bike.
5. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
6. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group.
7. This trip does not have a support vehicle but your luggage is transported for you each day.
8. Accommodation is not included on day 4 of this trip and the trip finishes on arrival back into Newquay. If you require additional accommodation please enquire at time of booking.
9. Due to Covid-19 restrictions some of the local attractions may be temporarily closed, running reduced hours, or require booking ahead. Please check their websites for up-to-date opening hours.

Essential trip information

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