Welcome to the West Kernow Way, a 230km ‘figure of 8’, long distance bikepacking route. It showcases Cornwall’s spectacular scenery and is perfect for challenging cycling adventures. The route blends quiet lanes, bridleways and byways, with stunning coastal and moorland views. Cyclists should be reasonably fit and experienced due to over 4000m of climbs on the route.
An average cyclist could complete the route in about four days. However, it’s worth considering a longer duration to appreciate the numerous breathtaking views and points of interest. To tackle steep sections, a well-maintained hybrid or mountain bike with gears is recommended. Due to the utilisation of small roads and gravel trails, we recommend you ensure your bicycle is suitable for such terrain.
The West Cornwall Section
The West Kernow Way begins and ends in Penzance, accessible by train via the West Coast Train Mainline. This route encompasses three distinct geographic areas: West Cornwall, The Lizard Peninsula and the Mineral Trails Mining Heritage area, each offering its own distinct attractions.
The West Cornwall section features Penzance, a town thriving with artisans and captivating sea views. Explore independent shops and cafes. Continue to Porthcurno, boasting a stunning beach, The Minack Theatre and Porthcurno Museum. Don’t miss Land’s End and the neighbouring seaside village of Sennen, both offering breathtaking coastal views. St Just, a historic mining town, and the scenic Cape Cornwall are also highlights of this section.
Tourist Information Map for West Cornwall
Click to download for free
Also discover the untamed moorlands of the North Penwith Peninsula, with a unique landscape unlike anywhere else in Cornwall.
To plan your trip, click HERE to download the free Tourist Information map of West Cornwall.
The Lizard Peninsula Section
The Lizard Peninsula section of the route is equally impressive, with a visit to the gastro destination of Porthleven being a must. Here, you can sample some of the finest local seafood and explore the independent shops and galleries. This section of the route also takes in the famous Poldark filming locations of Gunwalloe and Kynance Cove. For more details about these two beaches and all of the other Poldark filming locations in Cornwall click HERE.
The historic village of Mullion is also a highlight, and we recommend taking a detour to take in the beautiful Mullion Cove. Lizard point, the southernmost place in the UK, is another must-visit destination, as is the charming village of Coverack.
Tourist Information Map for The Lizard
Click to download for free
Finally, explore the leafy Helford Passage, which has a sub-tropical feel and is a great place to stop for a picnic. To help you plan your trip, we recommend that you click HERE to download the free Tourist Information map of The Lizard Peninsula.
The Mineral Trails Section
The Mineral Trails Mining Heritage area is arguably the jewel in the crown of this route for those who are interested in Cornwall’s rich mining heritage. The West Kernow Way wraps around this area, but it’s worth adding on extra time to cycle all of the trails, which are mostly off-road and take you along the old Mining Tramways used in this area.
This area is rich in history and offers visitors a unique insight into the mining industry that once dominated this part of Cornwall. We recommend that you visit our Mineral Trails network page which will help you plan your journey through this section of the West Kernow Way.
Tourist Information Map for the Mineral Trails
Click to download for free
With Cornwall’s mild climate, this route is best enjoyed in Spring or Autumn. However, for those who don’t mind heat or rain, it is possible to complete the route in the Summer and Winter months too. The route has been created by the charity Cycling UK, and we recommend that you visit their website. Click HERE, to download the GPX files for this route and also purchase a copy of their excellent guide.