This 328-mile cycling route connects Land's End in Cornwall to Bristol via the beautiful, verdant countryside of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. It’s a fantastic long-distance cycling challenge for cycle tourers, bikepackers or other adventurers looking to get out and explore the beautiful south west of England.
The start of the route in Land's End follows the Cornish Way. This is a delightful trail which runs from Land’s End to Bude and takes you through the gorgeous Cornish countryside.
Near Truro the Cornish Way splits and Route 3 forms the southern option, crossing the River Fal on the King Harry Ferry and taking in Mevagissey, St. Austell and the Eden Project.
The Eden Project is an amazing place and we recommend that you plan a visit into your trip. The massive geodesic domes look positively futuristic as they rise out of the landscape. Housed within them is the largest rainforest in captivity and there are lots of opportunities to learn about the plants if you’re interested.
Heading north the route passes Camelford and the edge of Bodmin Moor on the way to the seaside resort town of Bude in north Cornwall.
It’s worth spending some extra time on atmospheric Bodmin Moor. It’s a World Heritage Site, the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cornwall and most of the moor has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Importance. Due to the lack of light pollution it also has Dark Skies status.
If you enjoy hiking then we’d recommend spending a few days in this area exploring the local trails. Bodmin Moor contains the two highest peaks in Cornwall, Rough Tor and Brown Willy, which offer fabulous views of their surroundings.
As Route 3 continues out of Bude towards Bristol it becomes the West Country Way. As you cycle along this section you’ll enjoy the varied landscapes of the West Country including Devon's rolling countryside, wild Exmoor, tranquil canal towpaths and the Mendip Hills.
In Exmoor, keep an eye out for a series of benches made from local materials to reflect the characteristics of the local area. Craftspeople Robert Kilvington, Keith Rand and Eve Body, assisted by Des Sharp, were commissioned to make a series of benchmarks. The designs are inspired by the unique landscape.
The sites of the benches were carefully chosen to create resting places which fit with their surroundings, oriented towards a particular view, and sometimes to provide shelter from the prevailing wind and weather.
The route from Bridgwater to Bristol crosses the Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills and the Chew Valley on mainly country roads. You also pass through Street, Glastonbury, Wells and Chew Magna.
This part of the country is full of charming areas. Why not visit Glastonbury Tor, a tower-topped hill linked to Arthurian legend or the Shoe Museum in Street, which houses more than 1,500 shoes from Roman to modern day?
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness. However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes. Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces. Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.