Dreaming of discovering Cornwall at your own pace? Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the region’s stunning coast, historic towns, and beautiful countryside—and Penryn makes the perfect base for your adventure.
Cycle-Friendly Stays at Penryn Campus
Stay at Glasney Rooms on Penryn Campus in July or August and enjoy a cycle-friendly base with everything you need for two-wheeled exploring:
- Covered outdoor cycle storage right by your accommodation.
- 24-hour campus security for peace of mind.
- A short 0.8-mile ride (8 minutes) from Penryn Train Station—ideal if you’re arriving by rail with your bike.
Don’t have your own wheels? No worries—you can hire a Beryl e-bike directly on campus. Just download the Beryl app to activate a bike, and you’re ready to ride!
Ride to the Falmouth Seafront
From Penryn, the coast is always within easy reach. Cycle from Glasney Rooms to Falmouth seafront in less than 30 minutes (4.2 miles) via Penryn town. It’s a scenic route that takes you through historic streets and down to the sparkling shoreline in Falmouth. Here you can enjoy a stroll along the beach, treat yourself to refreshment at the Castle Beach Cafe, or dine in the Gylly Beach Cafe, and soak up the views across the bay.
The Bissoe Cycle Trail
If you’re looking for a day out with a difference, the Bissoe Cycle Trail is a must. This scenic route follows Cornwall’s old mineral tramways, offering a peaceful, mostly traffic-free ride through wooded valleys, open countryside, and historic landscapes.
Trail at a glance:
- Length: 11 miles (18 km)
- Route: Portreath to Devoran (with midpoint access at Bissoe Valley)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate – suitable for all levels
- Surface: Tarmac, gravel, and compacted earth
- Great for: Cyclists, walkers, and even horse riders
Start your adventure at the Saint Piran Café in Bissoe (about 20 minutes’ drive from Penryn Campus), where you can also hire bikes on-site.
From here, you can:
- Ride north to Cornwall’s rugged North Coast (9 miles), following the old copper mine tramway towards Portreath.
- Ride south for a gentle 2–3 mile pedal to the charming creekside village of Devoran, perfect for a waterside coffee stop.
Why Cycle Cornwall?
Cycling around Penryn and Falmouth isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about soaking up Cornwall’s natural beauty. From coastal views and creekside paths to countryside trails steeped in history, every ride offers a new perspective on this incredible part of the UK.
So whether you’re here for a weekend break or a longer stay, saddle up, breathe in the sea air, and let Cornwall’s landscapes unfold around you—one pedal at a time.
