A gear guide, plus where to stay, visit and eat by Georgie Duckworth
GEAR GUIDE
Whatever type of bike you ride, the most important thing is that it’s comfortable for you. My lightweight mountain bike proved a worthy companion on the West Kernow Way, especially on the off-road sections, although mountain bikes can be a little slower on the roads. A gravel bike with 35mm or wider all-terrain tyres is the optimum choice in dry weather, while a hybrid bike would suffice for the majority of the trail, but the thinner wheels could make some of the off-roading more challenging.
An e-bike would certainly be a help on the hills and give those uncertain about their fitness levels some confidence, but its weight would be a disadvantage if you ended up having to push the bike for a time, for example, if the battery went flat.
Whatever bike you take, make sure it’s in good working order. Though there are several bike shops along the way, it’s worth brushing up on simple maintenance skills, including how to repair a punctured tyre.
We weren’t camping, so our kit was relatively easy to carry. We used strap-on bike-packing bags and rucksacks instead of panniers, which made the narrow trails easier to navigate. Even in summer, waterproofs and warm layers are recommended in case the weather closes in. Padded cycling shorts are a must to minimise sore bottoms!
Bike hire
You can hire bikes and kit from a number of locations.
• Land’s End Cycle Hire; landsendcyclehire.com
• Ebike Cornwall in Penzance and Mullion; ebikecornwall.com
• Go By Cycle will deliver a bike to you anywhere in Cornwall; cornwallbikehire.co.uk
STAY
Harbour Inn, Porthleven
Ideally situated on the harbour front of this historic fishing village, the most southerly port in Britain. The large breakfast is a welcome refuel before a long day on two wheels. harbourinnporthleven.co.uk
Portreath Arms, Portreath
A wide selection of local ales, comfy rooms and a good Cornish welcome await you at the Portreath Arms, located in the centre of the village just a short walk from Portreath’s pretty harbour and beach. theportreatharms.co.uk
YHA Coverack
You will find great value and comfy accommodation at this YHA bunkhouse (below). You can choose a bed in a shared room, book a private room or pitch your tent if you wish to camp. There is similar YHA accommodation at Land’s End, Lizard Point and Penzance. yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-coverack
Treen Farm Campsite
No booking is needed at this fantastic campsite. Enjoy incredible sea views and magical sunsets. In high season there are often caterers on site, or wonder dow
