Cycling in Cornwall - Bude and Holsworthy Area @ Cornwall Chycor UK

CYCLING ROUTES

Bude - Kilkhampton
Bude - Poundstock
Bude - Pyworthy
Holsworthy - Tamar Lakes
Holsworthy - Torrington
Holsworthy - Boyton

Cycle Hire

These routes are not necessarily suitable for all riders, particularly children or the less experienced. They have been chosen to make maximum use of quiet country roads through beautiful countryside. No part of this area is completely flat so the cyclist should be prepared for short steep hills and the occasional very steep climb. Occasionally main roads have to be used or crossed - take extra care. Riders following these routes do so entirely at their own risk.

It is highly recommended that you take with you a copy of the Ordnance Survey Landranger Map No.190. Bude - Clovelly. This should ensure that you have no difficulty in following any of the six routes outlined below.

Route 1. Bude - Tamar Lakes - Kilkhampton

LENGTH: 20 miles (32 km) AVERAGE TIME: 4 hrs

THE AREA
North of Bude is a quiet area with rural lanes, often full of flowers. Hidden away in this countryside are the charming Tamar Lakes. Kilkhampton is an important village in this farming country and stands at the head of a beautiful valley running down to the sea at DuckpooL There is a long climb to reach the Tamar Lakes but it is well worth the effort.

THE ROUTE
From Bude take the main road down to Stratton. Just over the bridge in Stratton go straight on as the main road swings right. Take the first right and you should come out by the Church. Stratton is the original town of the area.
Take the road on past the Church, keeping it on your left. At the next junction go straight on (left). You will now be climbing into the hinterland. Do stop to admire the views.........
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Route 2. Bude - Marhamchurch - Week St. Mary - Poundstock

LENGTH: 15 miles (24 km) AVERAGE TIME: 3 hrs

THE AREA
Week St. Mary is a quiet inland village full of historical interest, amongst rolling wooded hills. The cycle ride takes in canal and coast as well as the quiet hamlet of Poundstock. There is a climb up to Week St. Mary, otherwise, a not too diffwult ride through undulating countryside.

THE ROUTE
Leave Bude by the canal towpath. Please give priority to pedestrians. The canal closed in 1891 but today is used for recreation and by wildlife.
Cross the A39 carefully towards Marhamchurch. You may care to stop at Helebridge to look at the old wharf building and inclined plane. In Marharnchurch turn right by the Church then follow the road round the Bullers Arms towards Week St. Mary.......
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Route 3. Bude - Marhamchurch - Whitstone - Pyworthy

LENGTH: 23 miles (37 km) AVERAGE TIME: 5 hrs

THE AREA
Quite a long ride with several hills, but is rewarded by country lanes and views over the Cornwall and Devon countryside. Several small villages are visited and the Tamar is crossed twice.

THE ROUTE
Leave Bude by the canal towpath. Although allowed to ride along here, please give priority to walkers. Along the way you pass two old locks.
Cross the A39 and head towards Marhamchurch. At Helebridge you may care to stop to look at the old canal wharf area and incline plane.
Through the village take the Bridgerule road and then turn right into Hilton Road. At the next junction turn right for Whitstone.......
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Route 4. Holsworthy - Tamar Lakes

LENGTH: 18 miles (29 km) AVERAGE TIME: 3 hrs

THE AREA
From Holsworthy this cycle ride goes through attractive farmland to the Tamar Lakes which sfraddle the county boundary. These are attractive to both human and wildIife visitors (and residents). The return journey is through quiet countryside, associated with the aqueduct that once fed the Bude canal.

THE ROUTE
Leave Holsworthy by the road to Torrington. Look out on the left for a sign to the hospital. Follow these and once past the hospital stay on this road. The road gradually rises for about 3 miles.
At Honeycroft you will come to a junction. Tum right. At the next junction turn left to take you to High Barrow. There turn right following the signs for Sutcombe, then left at the next......
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Route 5. Holsworthy - Halwill - Black Torrington

LENGTH: 25 miles (40 km) AVERAGE TIME: 5 hrs

THE AREA
East of the market town of Holsworthy was once considered poor farming land and consequendy, much forestry is to be seen. Today much of this 'forgotten' countryside is rich in wildlLfe, especially the culm grassland. The cycle ride passes through quiet hamlets with fascinating churches, connected by deep Devon lanes.

THE ROUTE
From Holsworthy main car park go out past the market place, under the railway arch following the old Launceston road. At the top of the hill turn left for Hollacombe.
Go along this road for about 2 miles. Take the second right turning to Hollacombe. Soon you can see the church ahead up on the hill. Past the church the road drops down and then rises again through woods. On the right there is an area of moorland that has been planted by the Woodland Trust. There is public access over this land which should be full of flowers and butterflies in the summer......
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Route 6. Holsworthy - Boyton

LENGTH: 23 miles (37 km) AVERAGE TIME: 5 hrs

THE AREA
The countryside each side of the upper Tamar valley is off the beaten track and full of delightful surprises. This ride generally runs along the high ground above the river, with climbs at those places where we cross or nearly cross it.

THE ROUTE
Leave Holsworthy through the square and immediately turn right for North Tamerton. The road passes close to the railway viaduct then drops down to Derriton. By the Pyworthy junction there is an interesting cattle trough, showing Rolsworthy's importance as a market town......
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It is best to telephone in advance to check opening times, prices and availability.

Name and Location	Tel: No	Facility
North Coast Cycles, Bude	Bude. 01288 352974	Sunday hire, by prior arrangement. Mountain and road bikes, tool and puncture repair kit, helmets and rescue service all available.
Tracks, Bude	Bude. 01288 356689	Sunday hire, by prior arrangement. Mountain bikes, tool and puncture repair kit and children's sizes are all available.
C. Gifford, Holsworthy	Hols. 01409 254020	Sunday hire, by prior arrangement. Mountain and road bikes, tool and puncture repair kit, helmets, on request, and children's sizes are all available.

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