Car Free Activities

Leave the car at home and experience the real Cornwall with these car free activities

Walking

With the South West Coast Path just a few hundred yards from Towan Valley, our visitors have access to some of the finest walks and coastal trails that Cornwall has to offer.

There are recommended walks and routes of differing lengths for all abilities, or you can simply head down to the beach and decide which direction you want to take.  Take the path up onto either cliff in Porthtowan and be your own guide across the clearly marked coastal path.  Head south towards Portreath, or north towards Chapel Porth and Perranporth beyond.

For more information on the South West Coast Path and the recommended routes near Porthtowan visit www.southwestcoastpath.com

Cycling

2 miles from Towan Valley you will find the Mineral Tramways Coast to Coast cycling route.  This area of Cornwall has one of the world’s greatest and best-conserved concentrations of historic mine buildings.  One of the best ways to see them is by cycling from North to South coast along the Mineral Tramways route.  This trail runs for 11 miles from the coastal village of Portreath to Devoran, and is almost entirely on purpose built cycle paths or quiet country lanes.

Part of the Mineral Tramways Cycle Network, the Coast to Coast Trail, is flat (ponies pulling copper ore and coal didn’t like hills), making it ideal for children and beginner riders.  Along the route there are also plenty of extra tracks with more demanding sections for those who like challenges!

Many of the large granite and stone constructed engine houses able to be seen along the trail – a long lasting tribute to Cornwall’s Industrial Heritage.

Much of the trail follows the route of two mineral tramways – the Portreath Tram Road and the Redruth and Chacewater Railway – which were built for the transportation of copper ore from the mines to the ports.

The sign-posted, largely off-road routes have been specially created for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Refreshments and food are available at good pubs in Portreath, Scorrier (mid way) and Devoran and there is cycle hire available on the route at Bissoe from Bike Chain Bike Hire,  and also from The Bike Barn in Portreath.

The main trail is easily manageable and does not require the use of specialist cycles but an optional additional route is available for those mountain bikers who enjoy the challenge of a more demanding terrain.

Click here to discover 20 things to do without a car in Cornwall >