Devon and Cornwall Private Cycling Adventure

What You'll Do

Set out on a private bespoke cycling adventure where you can cruise through the stunning Dartmoor into the magical coastal drama of Cornwall, and explore old mines, idyllic seaside villages and historic ports, whilst enjoying a number of unique, authentic experiences along the way you could easily miss.

This 6-day 5-night tour immerses you in South England’s stunning countryside and history. The tour is ideal for those who want to get back to nature as the routes contain off-road tracks and converted rail to trail paths, perfect for those who want to bike at a leisurely pace without distractions.

Travel through the stunning Dartmoor National Park, down into Poldark country, along mineral tramways, into historic ports and coastal villages. Cycle along the coast to visit Devon and Cornwall’s most incredible sites including the famous seaside town of St Ives, the seafood Havens of Padstow and Mevagissey, and Port Isaac, home to Doc Martin!

From sea swimming to hiking, fill your days with your favourite activities, cycling each day along glorious and dramatic coastlines, traffic-free trails and through the dreamy landscapes of Devon and Cornwall.

On private tours, your hosts can curate the trip to suit you exactly, including excursions to off-shore castles, waterfalls and swimming spots. They’ll include visits to the best restaurants and guided tours, from Rick Stein’s to the Tate. Travel with your favourite people, as a family or with a group of friends on a journey to remember.

Experience
Highlights

Cruise along the cycle routes you wouldn't find yourself with a local guide

Discover incredible wild swimming spots and soak in lidos with magical views

Explore jaw-dropping castles like Tintagel Castle, the birthplace of King Arthur

Experience Itinerary

Arrive in Devon

The tour starts at Exeter Railway Station. We jump on the bus to take us to Lydford for lunch in Dartmoor National Park. With an earlier start there is the option for a late-morning visit to Lydford Gorge; the deepest gorge in the South West and has a spectacular 30m waterfall.

We begin our cycle ride along the stunning Granite Way, a mostly traffic-free trail with stunning views over Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside. Look out for the spectacular Meldon Viaduct!

There is the option to stop off for coffee at the Finch Foundry near Okehampton, a 19th Century water-powered forge, one of the last examples in England.

There is also the option to cycle to afternoon tea at Gidleigh Park from their Michelin Star restaurant, set majestically on the bubbling upper reaches of the River Tein.

This mostly flat route is the perfect start to your tour, cycling right to the doors of our hotel, the Three Crowns, in Chagford, for a group dinner in this beautiful thatched cottage building.

Accommodation

The Three Crowns, Chagford

Explore the Moors

We cycle through the National Park towards Moretonhampstead and Bovey Tracey, known as the Gateway to Dartmoor. Heading uphill to the heart of Dartmoor we reach Hound Tor and Great Tor, with views over the atmospheric remains of an isolated and abandoned village.

We’ll also see up to Hay Tor, the most famous granite formation in Dartmoor. Dropping down towards Bovey Tracey we stop for lunch at the Home Farm Café, with some great riverside walks for those wishing for an afternoon out of the saddle.

In the afternoon we join the Ray Valley Trail, in the footsteps of Devon’s Victorian railway builders, which leads us through a maze of tiny quiet countryside roads with spectacular views of the mountainous South Devon area.

There is an option (seasonal) instead of cycling this afternoon to swim in the heated open-air river-fed Chagford Lido, fed by the River Teign. We return to the pretty Dartmoor village of Chagford for dinner in the evening.

Accommodation

Three Crowns Chagford

Local Cuisine and Lost Gardens

After a transfer South into Cornwall, we set off on our bikes from Bodmin along a cycle trail inland, past the wonderful Lanhydrock gardens and towards the Roseland Peninsula and the iconic Cornish seaside town of Mevagissey, lunching in an amazing lobster-focused restaurant.

There is the option for a shorter cycle ride in the morning to include a visit to the Eden Project and its dramatic global gardens and rainforests housed within two enormous biomes.

From Mevagissey we head, by bike or support vehicle, to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a quirky botanical masterpiece and a true gem of Cornwall, which lay undiscovered for decades! We finish the day by riding or driving to our stunning hotel, The Plume of Feathers in Mitchell.

Accommodation

The Plume of Feathers

Stunning St Ives

In the morning ride out from the hotel to the intricate tramways of Cornwall’s tin mines, and onto the jewel of Cornwall that is St Ives.

Best known for its spectacular light and as a haven for painters over the last few hundred years, we take the train for the last few miles into the heart of this harbour town, consistently voted one of the best train journeys in Britain.

While on the coast, why not take dip and a swim along Carbis Bay! Look out for seals, regularly spotted perusing this coastline and, with their natural curiosity, happily floating alongside swimmers.

We lunch at one of the wonderful seafood cafes and have plenty of time to walk around and explore town. Be led on a private tour by an art expert around the Tate St Ives or Barbara Hepworth’s Sculpture Garden.

We return to the Plume of Feathers hotel for a lovely dinner in the evening.

Accommodation

The Plume of Feathers

Quaint Ports and King Arthur

We arrive at Bodmin where we join the off-road traffic free Camel Trail, a 25 mile flat ride into which hugs the Camel estuary finishing in the foody heaven and quaint town of Padstow for lunch at the famous Rick Stein’s fish and chip shop.

After catching the ferry over the Camel to Rock we visit the archetypal Cornish village of Port Isaac before heading to the next door bay at Port Gaverne and our accommodation for the night.

There is the option to leave Padstow slightly earlier in the afternoon to take an early evening visit to Tintagel Castle, where the legend of King Arthur was born. Built half on the mainland and half on a jagged headland projecting into the Cornish sea, this castle is one of the most spectacular historic sites in Britain.

Accommodation

Port Gaverne Hotel

Departure Day

We do not bike on the last day. After a relaxed breakfast in our hotel which looks out to the sea and its little cove beach, we transport guests to Bodmin Parkway station for your onward travel – London (4.5 hours).

Location Information

Your adventure begins from Exeter Train Station, where you will be met by your guide who will be taking you on this incredible tour around stunning Devon and Cornwall, showing you the very best sites and local hidden gems as you go.

You’ll head south and west, exploring magical cycling trails, beautiful coastal scenery, dramatic moors and fascinating little towns and villages along the way, before your tour comes to an end in Bodmin.

Here, you will be transferred to Bodmin Parkway Station, which offers direct trains all the way back to London.

FAQs

This tour is rated 2/5 for difficulty meaning it’s appropriate for guests going for a good ride and can handle an incline or two. The terrain we cover is varied. We’ll enjoy some gently rolling hills, with wonderful downhills and a few climbs which will be a bit more demanding.

Your holiday, however, will be tailored by your guide to suit your individual preferences. Rewarding views are guaranteed. Daily distances range from 10-40 miles and options for shorter or longer rides are available on all days.

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