Ben Hardisty writes…
West Cornwall does not just have some of the best scenery on offer in the UK, it also has some fantastic cycling routes.
On a day when Sennen Cove beach was red flagged, i.e. no surfing allowed, because of a fierce northerly wind, I decided to tackle a very lumpy loop around the peninsula – 40 miles of lumps and bumps, but offering spectacular views of North, South and West coasts.
From Sennen Cove, a sharp breathless climb (300 ft) up to the rolling coastal road, running SE past/through Portcurno, Lamorna, Mousehole and Newlyn. From Penzance it is North into the wind up the long climb through Nancledra, stopping short of St Ives. Then along the equally rolling and stunning Northen coast road heading West towards Zennor, Morvah, Pendeen and St Just.
Finally with a tail wind past the (Land’s End) Aerodrome back to Sennen, with very tired legs after 3,817 ft of climbing according to the faithful Garmin. It also says 1,587 calories burned, enough to feel no guilt tucking into a pastie and a bottle of St Austell’s finest Tribute on the beach.
