A circular route from Lanhydrock House
Route facts
Waterways:
River Fowey »
Duration: This cycle ride will probably take most of the day
Difficulty: Energetic
Suitable for: Everyone
Circular route from: Respryn Bridge, Lanhydrock House
This circular route takes in a variety of Cornish countryside and winds past must-see landmarks such as Lanhydrock House and the contemporary Eden project. A variety of pubs and scenic stop-offs make this an ideal day-excursion.
Getting there
Parking: There is a carpark by Respryn Bridge
Waypoints
1. Respryn Bridge to the Saints Way
Your journey conveniently begins at the car park by Respryn Bridge (Lanhydrock House). Turn right out of the car park and up the hill to Bodmin. Then turn left at the top of the hill, cycle past the visitor entrance to Lanhydrock House and follow signs for the National Cycle Route Number 3. After the roundabout enjoy a scenic stretch along the Penvivian Downs with views over Bodmin. Here the NCR3 joins the Saints Way.
2. Trebell Green to the Eden Project
The NCR3 threads through Trebell Green and past the imposing Hellman Tor and the quaint Roseny Mill. At Luxulyan bear left and tackle the steep hill to the church. We now make a strike for independence and leave the NCR3 by turning right, and then taking the next left over the railway line. Those in need of refreshment and/or relaxation may be tempted by the bright lights of the Kings Arms, but all others can carry on past the pub, up the hill, past the Croft Farm Holiday Park and straight on to the Eden Project.
3. Eden to Luxulyan Valley
After seeing the sights (visitors arriving at Eden by bike qualify for a discounted entrance fee), leave the way you came and turn right at the first junction to re-join the NCR3. Turn left and tackle yet another uphill climb. The first right, near the brow of the hill, is a back road to Prideaux House. Bear left, passing the rear of Prideaux House and take the left turn down the hill (hurrah) into the Luxulyan Valley.
4. The last uphill struggle
The Treffry Aqueduct is a sight worth stopping for, and this is also a good opportunity to brace yourself for the next upward climb. Just after the aqueduct turn right off the NCR and up the hill. At Trethevey bear left and take your final climb to the Sandy Way Bridge. Turn right, dismount and take a well-deserved break. This is the perfect spot for a stop-off, with sweeping moorland views to your right and a vast panorama incorporating Carlyon Bay and the Lizard to your left.
5. Lanlivery to Lostwithiel
You can now rest tired legs with a pleasant downhill stretch into Lanlivery. Take the first road left, and then turn left again once you reach the village for a welcome pit-stop in the 12th Century Crown Inn. The Saints Way takes you out of Lanlivery towards Lostwithiel. Take the left fork at the green, turn left again up the hill to Bodmin, and then left again at the Bodmin – St Austell road. The first road on the right takes you down to Lostwithiel.
6. The way back down
Check your breaks before starting this steep climb down to the ancient county capital. At the bottom of the first hill bear left up a narrow tarmac track, then turn right and resume your downhill descent. The St Austell to Liskeard road joins the bottom of the hill, and after 50 metres take the first road on the left to Restormel Castle above the River Fowey.
7. Restormel Castle to Respryn Bridge
Restormel Castle is not high on the usual tourist agenda, but since you are here, you may wish to cycle up the hill for a closer look. On the way back down, take the turning sign-posted Restormel Farm for the beginning of the public footpath to Luxulyan House. The footpath is tarmac, but you will still need to dismount and walk along this relaxing riverside stretch. Go past the waterworks and continue straight on across the fields. The red gate is the entrance to the Lanhydrock Estate. Once through it, turn left and then immediately right onto Newton Lane. This leads you back to Respryn Bridge.
contact us
print page