Walking

With over 400 miles of public footpath and bridleway, South East Cornwall provides excellent countryside for exploring. Locally we have the Looe Valley on our doorstep with many wonderful walks anlongside the canal and railway line. See their web site for details.

http://www.looevalleywalking.com/

South East Cornwall has a dense network of public footpath rights of way which pass through some of the best countryside in the district. Many are very ancient paths which link the old hamlets and villages together, whilst others are little more than paths which stretch across the farmers’ fields. There are plenty of walks described in the many books for sale and in Ordnance Survey Maps. Do check with Pencubitt Management for walking books and maps, a variety are kept for guests.

Long Distance Paths: The South West Coast Path Stretching for over 600 miles from Minehead in Somerset along the Devon and Cornish coast all the way to Poole Harbour in Dorset, the South West Coast Path offers spectacular and varied walking. The 33 miles of Coast Path in South East Cornwall are often remote and unspoilt, and always offer dramatic scenery as the path threads its way between the historic fishing villages of Cawsand, Looe, Polperro and Polruan.

Cycling

Anyone who can ride a bicycle can discover the very best of South East Cornwall. Cycling is the ideal way to explore the area without disturbing the peace of the countryside. The network of back lanes is ideal for cycling, though care is still needed as they are used by motor vehicles as well. Travelling at bike speed gives you the opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the country as first hand. It is the ideal way for the whole family to explore at their leisure with none of the pressures of parking or traffic congestion.

Cycling in Cornwall inevitably means a few hills, but this should not put would-be cyclists off. The free-wheel down the other side and the spectacular views are more than adequate compensation, and, with plenty of refreshment stops, there can be few better ways of enjoying the countryside. For cyclists wanting to explore off-road, there are plenty of bridleways, byways and white lanes on which cycling is permitted. Please remember that cycling on footpaths is illegal, as well as dangerous.

Cardinham Woods Family cycling is particularly encouraged in these 650 acres of productive mixed woodlands owned by the Forestry Commission. There is a cycle hire centre and a 7.2km way-marked cycle trail. The trail is designed for family groups and is mostly gentle gradients. The woods offer safe off-road cycling for most of the way. There is also a café, picnic and barbecue areas, children’s playtrail and toilets. Contact: Forest District Office Tel: 01392 833138 or Site Office Tel: 01208 72577

Seaton Valley Countryside Park, Seaton, 5 miles east of Looe. Opened in 1998, Seaton Valley Countryside Park offers a lovely flat 2km track which winds its way through a valley bottom with ponds, woodlands, picnic areas and a beach at the end. Particularly good for the very young.

There are plenty of published routes in books which are available from local shops and again, check with Pencubitt management as to availability of their cycling books and maps.

DISCLAIMER. The descriptions above are taken from South East Cornwall Discovery Centre literature and other publications relating to sports described. The information is not verified by Pencubitt House management, accordingly Pencubitt House management cannot be held responsible for any defects in the descriptions above. Further information: South East Cornwall Discovery Centre Millpool West Looe Cornwall PL13 2AF Open Summer & Easter Sun - Friday: 10am - 5pm Sat: closed. Other times: Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm Sun11am - 3pm. Closed Christmas Day - 1st March. Admission free.