The Cornish Way
Distance: 180 miles | Type: National Cycle Network
The Cornish Way is Cornwall’s premier long-distance cycling route, forming part of the National Cycle Network. This epic journey runs from Land’s End to Bude on the Devon border, designed to avoid major roads while showcasing Cornwall’s finest landscapes, historic towns, fishing villages, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Route Overview
The route offers two alternative paths - one via Padstow on the North Cornish coast, the other via St Austell on the South coast - allowing cyclists to choose their preferred scenery or combine both for a complete Cornwall loop.
The Cornish Way incorporates several established trails including the famous Camel Trail and the Engine House Trail, part of the Mineral Tramway Trails through Cornwall’s historic mining heartland (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The Six Component Trails
1. The First and Last Trail (Land’s End to Hayle)
- Crosses rugged West Cornwall past ancient sites
- Visits picturesque Mousehole and historic Penzance
- Passes iconic St Michael’s Mount at Marazion
- Reaches the foundry town of Hayle on the North Coast
2. The Engine House Trail (Hayle to Truro)
- Through Cornwall’s industrial heartland around Camborne
- Incorporates the largely traffic-free Redruth & Chacewater Railway Trail
- Explores the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site
- Numerous old mine workings and engine houses
3. The Coast and Clay Trail (Truro to Bodmin via St Austell)
- Departs cathedral city of Truro past Trelissick Gardens
- Crosses King Harry Ferry to the Roseland Peninsula
- Coastal route via charming Portloe and Mevagissey
- Past Lost Gardens of Heligan through China Clay Country
- Visits the Eden Project and Lanhydrock House
- Off-road section into Bodmin
4. The North Cornwall Trail (Bodmin to Devon border)
- Climbs to charming Blisland village on Bodmin Moor
- Quiet lanes through valleys and over exposed moorland
- Dramatic moorland landscapes
- Reaches Bude resort town and Devon border
5. The St Piran Trail (Truro to Bodmin via Newquay)
- Alternative route heading to North Coast
- Visits bustling Newquay holiday resort
- Inland to historic St Columb Major
- Joins the Camel Trail at Padstow
- Follows River Camel to Bodmin
6. The Camel Trail (Padstow to Bodmin)
- Cornwall’s most famous traffic-free section
- 18 miles alongside the River Camel
- Flat, suitable for all abilities
- Beautiful estuary and woodland scenery
Route Characteristics
Traffic-Free Sections: Approximately 29 miles of the 180-mile route is traffic-free, including the Camel Trail and sections of the Mineral Tramway Trails.
Quiet Lanes: The remainder follows carefully selected quiet country lanes chosen to minimize traffic exposure while maximizing scenic beauty and points of interest.
Terrain: Varied - from flat coastal sections to challenging moorland climbs. The route includes everything from traffic-free railway paths to narrow Cornish lanes and open moorland roads.
Highlights Along the Route
Natural Beauty:
- Dramatic coastline and sheltered estuaries
- Wild Bodmin Moor landscapes
- Beautiful river valleys
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Cultural Heritage:
- UNESCO World Heritage mining sites
- Historic market towns
- Traditional fishing villages
- Ancient sites and monuments
Major Attractions:
- Eden Project
- Lost Gardens of Heligan
- St Michael’s Mount
- Trelissick Gardens
- Lanhydrock House
Planning Your Journey
Full Route: Plan 7-10 days for the complete journey with stops to explore attractions and rest days.
Section Riding: Each of the six trails makes an excellent day ride or can be split into shorter sections.
Accommodation: Wide range of options in towns along the route including Penzance, St Austell, Truro, Newquay, Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin, and Bude.
Direction: The route works equally well in either direction. Land’s End to Bude generally benefits from prevailing westerly winds.
What to Bring
For Multi-Day Touring:
- Panniers or bikepacking bags
- Camping gear or book accommodation in advance
- Comprehensive repair kit and spares
- OS maps or GPS device with route downloaded
- Waterproof and warm clothing layers
- First aid supplies -充足 water carrying capacity
- Mobile phone and charger/power bank
Navigation: The route is signed as part of the National Cycle Network (Route 3), but detailed maps or GPS are recommended, particularly on the quieter lane sections.
Key Considerations
Fitness Level: While individual sections vary in difficulty, completing the full route requires good cycling fitness and stamina for multi-day riding.
Weather: Cornwall’s weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for rain, wind, and sun, sometimes all in one day.
Road Conditions: Cornish lanes can be narrow with limited passing places. Exercise caution and courtesy with other road users.
Services: Major towns have bike shops for repairs and supplies. Some rural sections have limited services - plan accordingly.
Season: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) often provide the best combination of weather and quieter roads. Summer is busiest but offers longest daylight hours.
Safety Notes
- Let someone know your route and expected arrival times
- Carry sufficient food and water for longer sections
- Mobile signal can be limited in rural and moorland areas
- Be visible - lights essential for dawn/dusk riding and overcast conditions
- Check weather forecasts and be prepared to adjust plans
- Emergency services: Call 999 if needed
The Cornish Way offers an unforgettable cycling adventure through one of Britain’s most beautiful counties - a journey showcasing Cornwall’s diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and stunning coastline.