Cycling West Cornwall
The coast road that skirts the dramatic cliffs of West Cornwall is one of the most beautiful and exhilarating cycling routes in the country if not the world.
Back of Beyond is the perfect starting point to loop around to the South coast and cut back inland to home again.
Starting from the Gurnard’s Head pub, head towards St Just and Land’s End. The route is gently undulating with awe inspiring seaviews over your right shoulder as you swoop around the bends.
If it’s windy, the high hedges offer some protection as the road snakes its way around the coast. Watch out for open gateways though as the wind can really whip through them and make you veer off course!
As the road winds it way through the villages of Morvah, Pendeen and Trewellard the terrain is rolling but not overly challenging. However as you swoop down the flowing descent towards St Just you round a sharp right hander and face a short but stiff climb into the town. As you catch your breath at the top and roll into the picturesque town square, you are rewarded with a choice of bakers, pubs and cafés if you fancy a quick pitstop!
Follow the road uphill out of town and turn right at the top signposted to Land’s End airport. A fast, technical descent into the valley, then a long, straight flat (but sometimes windy!) section passing the airport itself – one of the air links to the Isles of Scilly. After a couple of miles the road arrives at a T junction onto the main Land’s End road. Turning left takes you back on the loop towards Penzance (If you’re feeling strong turn right and take in Land’s End first and double back again afterwards).
The road to Penzance twists and turns through the high hedges and takes in some short but energy sapping climbs – keep eating and drinking especially in hot weather! When you reach the town head towards the seafront and ride along past the promenade and the open air Jubilee Pool. The road winds around past the harbour, heading past the railway station and out the other side towards Marazion.
Before the main roundabout take a left up a short climb signposted to Gulval. Take the next left signposted to Newmill and Zennor up another gradual but challenging climb. The next turn on the right will direct you towards the tiny village of Newmill.
From here a steady climb up to Trevaylor Woods rewards you with an even tougher one afterwards! However, you’re now on the finishing stretch of the loop. An exhilarating descent and long flat section brings you to Newmill. Passing through the small village, you then gradually climb up onto the beautiful moorland from where you can catch glimpses of the sea ahead as well as behind on a clear day.
On a windy day this section can be quite a challenge, however you’re now within a mile or so of home. A super fast descent delivers you back to your starting point of The Gurnards Head and Back of Beyond – you can almost smell the coffee and taste the scones!
