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Cycle Cornwall

Cycle Cornwall

From $ 3,655 AUD

Description

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.

Trip Name
Cycle Cornwall
Last Updated
2022-02-06
Days
4
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • 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.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Newquay/Wadebridge
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
Day 2 - Charlestown
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.
Day 3 - Truro
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.
Day 4 - Newquay
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).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-04-202226-04-2022AUD $ 3,655-
28-05-202231-05-2022AUD $ 3,655-
25-06-202228-06-2022AUD $ 3,655-
23-07-202226-07-2022AUD $ 3,655-
13-08-202216-08-2022AUD $ 3,655-
03-09-202206-09-2022AUD $ 3,655-
24-09-202227-09-2022AUD $ 3,655-
15-10-202218-10-2022AUD $ 3,655-

Accommodation

Hotel/Guesthouse (3 nights)

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike available on request)

Map