• Explore all that Cornwall has to offer on this breathtaking 230km figure of eight ride. Starting in Penzance and heading out towards Lands End, Lizard Point and then along the North and South Cornish coasts, you'll be surrounded by epic views. 

    With mixed terrain, this challenging route is perfect for mountain or gravel bikes.  

    Enjoy this adventure on one of our e-Bikes and we can drop it off and collect it for you. We'll also send you route guides and downloadable GPX files to map your route for you.

  • Duration
    4 to 5 Days Riding

    Grade
    Challenging

    Start | Finish
    Penzance, UK | Penzance, UK

    Distance
    230km Approx

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West Kernow Way cycling
West Kernow Way cycling
West Kernow Way cycling route

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival

Arrive in Penzance and check into your accommodation. Use the rest of your day to explore the local area.

Day 2 | Penzance to St Erth (72km, approx)

Start the day following the National Cycle Network Route 3 as far as the Merry Maidens stone circle. From this point on you'll be using the provided route to twist and turn your way along coastal paths towards Lands End. This section has some steep climbs but equally steep descents to enjoy. Take in the views from Lands End, the iconic finish point of the LEJOG cycle route. 

The next part of the route heads along the coast to Cape Cornwall before heading inland and then out again towards the incredible views over Kenidjack Castle. Passing along a string of engine houses on the cliffs it's then inland past hill forts and across remote moors. Soon after you'll arrive in St Erth where you can check in to your accommodation and enjoy the evening.  

Day 3 | St Erth to Coverack (61km approx)

Day three begins by heading down into a roller coaster of small stream valleys before meeting the stone cottage hamlet of Relubbus. You'll then follow crystal clear waters upstream before starting the climbs of the day. Once at the top of Godolphin Hill you'll get the reward of views out towards Penzance Mounts Bay. It was here, during Victorian mining that Bronze Age Axes and prehistoric villages were uncovered. For even better views you may want to take a walk to the very top of the hill before heading off.  

It's then on wards to Porthleven, the most southerly port in the UK before heading for the most southerly peninsula at Lizard point. Along this section enjoy the spectacular coastal views. You'll pass by Predannack Airfield, a WWII RAF satellite airfield built when France fell to Germany. 

The final stretch to Coverack takes you back in time to a quiet part of Cornwall, through ancient lanes and into the natural harbour where you'll spend the night.  

Day 4 | Coverack to Portreath (63km approx)

Get ready for plenty of hills today as you set off inland through ancient sites. If you want to avoid some of the hills then there is an option to take a small foot and cycle ferry from Helford, across the river. This is weather dependent but we'll give you all the details you need in the adventure pack.  

If you choose to take the road then why not stop off at Gweek Seal Sanctury? It's been saving seal pups for over 60 years and make s a good stop before more hills approach. 

Following on from this you'll head towards the mining centre of Cornwall, along a mixture of bridleways and roads. Along the way there's also Fogou's to explore, underground stone passages dating back to the Iron Age. Today ends when you reach Portreath, meaning 'sandy cove', it's beach paradise popular with surfers and birdwatchers. 

Day 5 | Portreath to Penzance (50km approx)

The final day of cycling follows much of the mining trail as the route cuts back from north to south. It's straight into a steep climb, followed shortly after by another through woodland up to the Feadon Wildlife park. You'll briefly head on to The Great Flat Lode Trail with Carn Brea on your right. There's an option to take the climb up to the summit where you'll get panoramic views out beyond St Ives.  

There's still plenty of climbs left however the scenery will change as you head closer to the coast where St Micheal's Mount will start to come in to view. The route officially ends at Marazion and there's plenty of time to give your legs a rest and explore the area before taking a quiet road back along the coast to Penzance.  

Day 6 | Depart

One last morning to take a stroll along the coast and explore before heading home.

Suggested Accommodation

Check out our recommended accommodation options. All vetted by ourselves and our customers.

Penzance, Cornwall

EasyPZ Stay

Situated right near the beach and within 5 minutes walk of Penzance Railway Station, this is a gret place to spend your first night.

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Coverack, Cornwall

The Bay Hotel

It can be tricky to find accommodation in Coverack but The Bay Hotel is a great overnight stop if you can get it. Amazing views and even better food make the tough day of riding more than worth it.

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Portreath, Cornwall

Portreath Arms

An excellent little spot to spend the night. Clean, comfortable, friendly and a free breakfast thrown in - what more could you need?

Check It Out

Some more useful info

Biking Info

Bike Type
We recommend a mountain or gravel/hybrid bike due to the off-road sections on this route. 

Bike Hire
We have an excellent range of bikes available to hire for this adventure. Check out the range here.

Packing

Clothing
We recommend padded cycling shorts and a comfortable top for all of our rides. Remember light waterproofs may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece or jacket is recommended for cooler days/evenings. Other items you may find useful are cycle gloves and a gel seat cover. Bike helmets are required at all times on our biking adventures. 

Out partners at Layer offer a great range of sports and casual apparel. Check them our here.

Footwear
If you do not use cleated cycle shoes we recommend you try to bring stiff-soled shoes as they provide better support for cycling. Comfortable footwear is useful when not on the bike. 

Equipment
A daypack or panniers are recommended. We also advise you to bring a reusable water bottle or alternative water delivery pack (Camelback etc.), cycle glasses, puncture repair kits and spare inner tubes. Sun cream may also be required. 

Nutrition and Hydration
It is important to stay well hydrated. Tap water is fine to drink but there won't be many places to refill on the rides. We also encourage you to travel with sufficient food and snacks. A lot of the rides are in remote areas meaning shops will be few and far between.

Travel and Transfers

Arriving in Penzance
Our tour starts and finishes in Penzance which is easily accessible by car and public transport. Trains run direct from London Paddington and there's even a night train! Newquay airport is only an hour away if you'd rather fly. 

Parking
There are multiple long stay car parks with tickets available to purchase online. 

Final day of cycling
The cycle route actually finishes in Marazion which isn't far from Penzance. We recommend taking a break and exploring Marazion before cycling the last few km for a final nights stay in Penzance and departing the following day.  

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West Kernow Way

West Kernow Way

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