West Kernow Way

Unlock the fascinating history and breathtaking beauty of the ancient kingdom of Kernow on this 230km/143-mile adventure ride around the tip of Cornwall

Cyclists riding along a coastal gravel trail. There are ruins and the sea in the background.

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What is West Kernow Way?

This  a 230km/143-mile circular bikepacking route takes 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. Expect spectacular coastal scenery, hedgerows bursting with wildflowers and ancient tracks across isolated moorland.

There’s no denying it will be a challenge, with more than 4,200m of climbing – but all that exertion provides a worthy excuse to sample the excellent Cornish cuisine. Designed to be ridden over three to four days, the route links together bridleways, byways, lost ways and quiet lanes to escape the tourist hotspots and discover hidden treasures which reveal the history and culture of the region.

West Kernow Way has been named one of Lonely Planet’s ‘six most epic bike trips in the world’ – alongside the like of Peru’s Great Divide and Central Highlands & Coast, a 600km route taking in the highlights of Vietnam. Featured in its new Epic Bike Trips of the World, Lonely Planet describes West Kernow Way as “an accessible introduction to multi-day cycling” which “offers a chance to experience Cornwall beyond its most familiar sights”. A pretty epic accolade for one of Cornwall’s most adventurous cycling routes!

West Kernow Way route

The West Kernow Way – GPX and map

148 mi / 237 km
Unlock the fascinating history and breath-taking beauty of the ancient kingdom of Kernow on this 230km adventure ride around the tip of Cornwall … read more

West Kernow Way route guide and art print

Discover our official route guides and art prints, created to help you plan, enjoy and celebrate your cycling adventures.

Our route guides feature detailed maps, local highlights and practical advice - everything you need for an unforgettable ride. The official A3 art prints, designed with Ordnance Survey and printed on premium heavyweight paper, are perfect for commemorating a ride well done or inspiring your next one.

Buying these contributes to Cycling UK’s vital work in improving cycling for everyone and allows us to create more great routes for you to enjoy.

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Experience more of Cornwall by bike

Escape the tourist hotspots and seek out the back lanes, mining tracks and disused railway lines to join the dots between the many fascinating places that reveal the history and culture of the region.

Yes, Cornwall’s hills can be challenging, but with so much interest and beauty packed into a relatively small area, you don’t need to go far to have an incredible experience. Amazing foodie stops as well as traditional pasties and cream teas to help keep you going are never far away, either.

As part of the European Regional Development Fund EXPERIENCE project, Cycling UK worked with Cornwall Council to develop cycle hubs in Mount’s Bay (Penzance and Marazion) and Helston with promoted routes which showcase the varied riding in the area.

Experience Cornwall Routes

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Developing new off-road routes like West Kernow Way is only possible thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters. By signing up for membership or donating, you help us bring new routes to you, increase transport choice for people, boost the number and diversity of people cycling, and campaign to make cycling an even more positive experience. Together, we can make a cycle friendly future.

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