Falmouth bike trails and walks

Falmouth and surrounding areas are perfect for those who like an adventure, whether that’s on foot or two wheels, with many bike trails and Falmouth walks nearby.

You will need to travel a little further outside of Falmouth for dedicated cycle routes. Generally speaking, cyclists shouldn’t use the South West Coast Path, as the majority of it is only available to people on foot, however bikes are allowed on all of Fal River ferries.

If you’re looking to explore closer to home, here you’ll find some of our favourite Falmouth walks to try.

©National Trust Images Chris Lacey

Penrose

A half-an-hour drive from Falmouth is National Trust spot Penrose, which offers a stunning wooded country around Cornwall’s largest natural lake, Loe Pool. With 17 miles of path and multi-use trails waiting to be explored, Penrose offers cyclist and hikers woodland tracks, stretches of coastline and open parkland. You of course don’t need to complete all 17 miles of this bike trail near Falmouth, Helston Drive is great for a family cycle as this two mile trail  offers a smooth tarmacked bridleway, leading from Helston through woodland and parkland to the Stables Café.

Rosemullion Head, Falmouth Bay ©National Trust Images Sue Brackenbury

Rosemullion Head

There’s a popular four-mile circular walking route just outside of Falmouth around Mawnan Smith. If you fancy some Falmouth hiking, you could adapt this walk and start from Gyllngvase beach, but be prepared to walk an extra three miles or so.

The route usually starts at St Mawnan’s Church, taking in parts of the South West Coast Path with spectacular views of Rosemullion Head, secluded coves and Toll Point at the mouth of the Helford River.

You’ll descend into Porthallack and Porth Saxon beach, where a path leads up to Carwinion woods, and then back onto the coast path to Rosemullion Head where at the base you’ll see as far as St Mawes, St Anthony’s Head, Dodman Point and beyond.

To find out more about this route, click here.

The Coast to Coast Trail

For a Falmouth bike trail, head seven miles to nearby Devoran, where cyclist can enjoy the Coast to Coast Trail. Aptly named, this 11 mile trail links the north coast (Portreath) to the south coast (Devoran).

Clearly signposted, follow the line of two historic transport routes; the Redruth and Chasewater Railway and the early horse-worked Portreath tramroad. Predominantly traffic-free, cycle along the gravel tracks, beware there is the occasional roadside path and road terrain, on this gentle, but lengthy, trail. The route is challenging more for its length than its degree of difficulty, but there are various points along the route that you can pick it up.