Cycling UK is set to launch a long-distance Cornish cycling route this September, providing a dedicated trail that avoids the most popular tracks.
The 150-mile (230km) ‘bikepacking’ route begins and ends in Penzance, and is designed to be ridden over three to four days. It will take in many of the highlights of the western half of the Cornish peninsula, including the Botallack tin mines, the Bronze Age monument Mên-an-Tol, Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount and Lizard Point.
The charity has worked for over a year to develop the route, speaking with landowners while plotting a route using bridleways, byways, quiet country roads and lost ways. It will open on 03 September with a gathering.
The creation of the West Kernow Way is funded through the EU Experience pilot project. Cycling UK is one of 14 partners , who are working to deliver sustainable new off-season tourism experiences in six pilot regions in England and France, which includes Cornwall, Norfolk and Kent.
Additionally, a website with GPX route files will be made freely available in September for the public. An abridged version of the professionally written guidebook will also be available to download.
The West Kernow Way is the fourth long distance off-road cycling route Cycling UK has launched since its riders’ route for the North Downs Way was unveiled in 2018.
In 2019, the charity launched the 800-mile Great North Trail which starts in the Peak District and finishes in either Cape Wrath or John o’ Groats. This was followed by King Alfred’s Way in 2020, a 220-mile loop route from Winchester that travels through 10,000 years’ worth of history in the south of England and ancient Saxon kingdom of Wessex.
Two further routes are planned for 2022 in Kent and Norfolk.
