Walking, Cycling & Riding in Cornwall
Cornwall, located on the rugged south-western tip of the UK, is a world-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are exploring the 300 miles of its dramatic coastline or the wild interiors of Bodmin Moor, the region offers a diverse playground for walking, cycling, and riding.
Where to Go & What to Enjoy
Walking: The South West Coast Path is the star attraction, offering sections like the challenging St Ives to Zennor cliff walk or the gentler Boscastle Harbour stroll. Inland, Bodmin Moor provides atmospheric trails to peaks like Brown Willy, the county’s highest point.
Cycling: The Camel Trail is a largely flat, 18-mile repurposed railway line ideal for families, linking Padstow and Bodmin. For mountain bikers, Cardinham Woods features the technical Bodmin Beast trail.
Horse Riding: Experience the unique thrill of beach riding at places like Perranporth with Reen Manor Riding Stables, or trek through the wooded trails of the Tamar Valley.
Who Should Go & When
Who: Everyone from adrenaline-seeking mountain bikers and long-distance hikers to families looking for safe, traffic-free cycle paths.
Best Time:
Spring (March–May): Best for blooming wildflowers and quieter paths before the summer rush.
Late Summer/Autumn (September–October): Offers warm seas, mild weather, and significantly fewer crowds.
Winter: Ideal for “storm watching” and dramatic, bracing coastal walks for those who don’t mind the wind.
What Makes it Unique
Cornwall has a subtropical climate, making it the warmest region in the UK and allowing spring to arrive a month earlier than elsewhere. Its landscape is a unique blend of industrial heritage—visible in the cliffside tin mining ruins—and “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” (AONB) status.
Booking Tips & Member Benefits
Booking Tip: For summer visits (July–August), book accommodation and popular activities like surf lessons or e-bike hire months in advance.
Group Benefits:
The Cornwall Bicycle Project: Annual membership (~£17.50 for adults) provides priority booking, access to social rides via the Spond app, and 10-20% discounts at local bike shops and cafes like the Snail’s Pace Cafe.
Cornwall MTB Club: Offers annual membership (~£15) which covers ride leader training and British Cycling affiliation for regular group mountain bike rides.
Cornwall Trec Group: Provides reduced entry rates for equestrian events and specialized training for members.