From the gentle, flat cycle path near the Bude Canal through to the more challenging long-distance routes, Bude makes an ideal base for a cycling holiday or perhaps a healthy two-wheel option while in Cornwall.  However energetic or experienced you are, there is much to explore using the quiet country roads and lanes through the delightful countryside of North Cornwall and across the border into Devon, together with and a selection of specialist cycle trails.

Enjoy the flat routes close to the Bude Canal or take on the challenge of the routes in the coastal area. Between the sandy surfing beaches of North Cornwall there are breathtaking cliffs interspersed with river valleys and old stone bridges.  Cycling in the coastal area is certainly not flat!

For those after a really strenuous challenge, head south for the route used for the Cornwall Tor Cyclosportif (which includes the ‘Millook Killer Climb’), or the Arthurian legend site of Tintagel and Port Isaac (Port Wenn in TV’s Doc Martin and home of the Fishermans Friends)

A few miles inland are rides though country lanes, alongside lakes and through forests – with a much more gentle profile.  Many are designated cycle-parks where you can securely chain your bike while exploring on foot.

Those who bring their bikes to Bude will find many places of beauty and interest – and if bringing your own bikes isn’t practicable, bikes can be hired locally at reasonable rates.

Specific routes, trails or locations

Bude itself is on the main National Cycle Network 3 down the west side of Cornwall (NCN3).

  •     For one of the most informative web sites, go Bude’s Atlantic Trail where you’ll find comprehensive detail of routes to suit all levels of experience.
  •     Major developments are in hand in the Bude, Launceston and Holsworthy areas with connections to North Devon’s Ruby Country
  •     Heading northwards, quiet minor roads will take you to Tarka Trail in north Devon.
  •     South of Bude is Cornwall’s Camel Trail, going through wonderful coastal and moorland scenery on quiet country lanes.
  •     In addition to prescribed cycle routes/trails, off-road cycle tracks exist or are under development.  For example at Stowe Woods (2 or 3 miles north of Bude), Cookworthy Forest (near Halwill Junction), Holsworthy Woods and Tamar Lakes.

While most people who plan a cycling break in Cornwall will bring their own bikes, if it’s not practicable, there are several local Cycle Hire outlets. See below for two that are Bude based.

Other useful links

Bude’s Atlantic Trail web site – with lots of detailed information on cycle routes in the area (http://www.atlantictrail.co.uk)

Bude TIC – their VisitBude web site has a cycling page with many useful links with details of local routes (http://www.visitbude.info/site/attractions/cycling-in-bude

Bude & Holsworthy Cycle Routes – has details of six local routes (http://www.chycor.co.uk/holidays/cycling-in-cornwall/bude-holsworthy/bude-holsworthy.htm)

Triathlon Topics. If you’d rather watch, there are two spectacular events centred on Bude – The Shoreline Triathlon and The Awesome Foursome. (See more at http://www.tricornwall.co.uk)

GPS Cycling and Walking Routes is a national site with over 500 well-defined routes – and if you put Bude in the search box it will list 6 long distance routes (35 – 50 miles) (http://www.gps-routes.co.uk)

For Cycle Hire

Bude Cycle Centre, Pethericks Mill, Bude EX23 8TF.  07749 408100 (http://www.budebikehire.co.uk)

Cycles can also be hired from North Coast Cycles (Bude Garden Machinery) 2 Summerleaze Avenue, Bude, EX23 8RL.  Tel: 01288 352974