BEST OF 2020 Cornwall Adventure Sports & Activities

Cornwall is a Mecca for adrenalin-seekers and there are numerous ways to enjoy thrilling activities while getting to see the county’s beautiful countryside and coastline at the same time.

11 BEST OF CORNWALL 2020 Whether you love the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the steep granite The Camel Trail is the most well-known recreational trail in Cornwall and is suitable for children and cliffs, zooming along the shores in a buggy, or descending a rocky winding trail adults, and cyclists of all abilities. Follow the trail as it runs alongside a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. on a mountain bike, Cornwall offers plenty of adventure sports and activities for any The 18-mile trails offers views of the beautiful Camel Estuary and there are plenty of opportunities to age and any level. Plan a day out at one of our fun-packed adventure centres or try stop off at and visit local shops, pubs and attractions along the way. out a new sport with a qualified instructor and release the fear! On the following pages we have some of the best adventure sports and activities that Popular cycling trails in Cornwall include the Cornish Trail Multi-Way Trails, Mineral Tramway Heritage Project, First and Last Trail, Engine House Trail, Coast and Clay Trail, the North Cornwall Trail, St, Piran Cornwall has to offer: Trail, Saint’s Way, Wheal Peevor Mine Trail and the Goss Moor Trail.

Land-Based Adventures GO KARTING / QUAD BIKING If you fancy yourself as a Formula One driver, and you need to get Abseiling originates from the German world abseilen which translates into “to rope down” and the some practice in, try out one activity involves the controlled descent down a cliff or rock face using a rope. The climber wears a of the go-karting centres in safety harness and uses the rope to climb down cliffs or slopes that are too dangerous to descend Cornwall. any other way. Test your driving skills in real With its soaring granite and slate races as you zoom around all cliffs that tower over the crashing weather tracks in four-stroke waves of the Atlantic Ocean engine karts and experience this or miles of golden soft sand adrenalin-pumping thrill. beaches, Cornwall offers plenty of abseiling opportunities, for Go-karting is a fantastic activity for both adults and children and the circuit centres in Cornwall offer beginners, to the more advanced a drive with a view due to their countryside locations. and adventurous climbers. St Eval Karting Racing Circuit offers a huge outdoor 1.2km track and caters for anyone over the Bodmin Moor, Carn Brea Quarry, age of seven, including groups of any size. The all-weather track is the largest in Cornwall and the

Courtesy BF Adventure Courtesy and Cardinham Woods provide modern karts range from 8mph limits up to 70mph limits. Visitors can buy refreshments and there is fantastic spots for inland abseiling and both the north and south coasts offer dramatic descents with a spectator area. breathtaking views of Cornwall’s famous seascapes. Kartworld has an 800m track and a 100m infant’s track, making it a great day out for the family. ARCHERY The karts range from 15 mph limits to 40 mph limits and there are coin operated karts for children under six years old. The centre offers facilities including a restaurant, picnic area and an area Dating back to 25,000BC, archery has been used throughout history for hunting and fighting but in for spectators. modern times, this activity has become a recreational sport. HORSE RIDING Explore the ancient art of archery in Cornwall, home to some of the UK’s most historical castles and Gallop across the moors, canter along sites that were once the settings of bow and arrow combat. Learn how to aim and fire the bow within the sandy shores or trot along the gorgeous natural landscapes in the Cornish countryside. bridleways of Cornwall on horseback The activity is suitable for all ages and there are plenty of centres that offer archery tuition and discover Cornwall from a different and sessions. perspective. Whether you are a beginner or an BLOKARTING advanced rider, there are plenty of trails A Blokart is a small three- to choose from to take in the views. cart powered by a . Blokarts Trek along the coastline, estuaries, or are fun, fast and safe and can woodlands with family and friends and be used in any open space by enjoy a fun day out. children and adults. Cornwall is home to many stables and With several long and flat riding schools and you can choose from beaches, Cornwall offers the lessons or guided tours within scenic surroundings. perfect terrain for this exciting KITE BUGGYING & sport as the that blows off Courtesy Speed Sail UK Speed Sail Courtesy the Atlantic Ocean propels these three-wheeled karts along the shoreline. Beaches in Gwithian, Perranporth and Watergate Bay offer ideal conditions for the sport.

You are strapped into the seat where you can control the direction of the kart with a single hand controlled sail that is steered by a hand tiller bar. All you need is the wind to get you going. The activity can also be carried out on airfields, large car parks and sports areas and is suitable for children and adults.

CYCLING Though not technically an adventure sport, cycling is a very popular sport in Cornwall and with so many trails to choose from,

what better way to take in the local sights Bay Watergate Academy, Extreme courtesy © Flexifoil, than hopping on a bike and doing your bit With a huge selection of flat, long and wide beaches to choose from, Cornwall is the perfect place to for the environment? enjoy kite buggying and kite landboarding.

The diverse landscapes of Cornwall make Kite buggies are light purpose-built kart that are powered by traction (power kites). it a great place to cycle, from woodland Kite landboarding is designed for freestyle and performance riding. The rider’s feet are strapped into areas inland, to coastal paths along the bindings on a board, and like it’s all about the jumps, turns and board grabs as you are dramatic granite cliffs. propelled into the air by the power of the wind.

12 BEST OF CORNWALL 2020

These environmentally sustainable outdoor sports are a great way to explore the county’s stunning find a fourteenth century chapel when you get to the top. There are also a number of activity centres beaches such as Gwithian and Watergate Bay. Using the wind as your power, soar over the steep that offer tuition and courses for climbers of any ages where you can take part in challenges that will dunes of Crantock beach; roll down steep grassy hills inland; or zoom along the shores of physically and mentally prepare you for your adventures around Cornwall’s natural climbing sites. Pentewan beach. SEGWAY Experience this unique form of transport, likened to on a magic carpet. Riding a Segway Cornwall offers ideal landscape for mountain biking is really easy and accessible to most ages and abilities (subject to weight and height restrictions) and riders of all ages and abilities can enjoy and most importantly great fun. As seen on television and film, from Dr Who to the Gadget Show to this sport. Riders can head to off-road trails, downhill Hollywood blockbusters. woodland descents, challenging tracks on quarries, ZORBING clay trails and coastal paths for an adrenalin rush, Ever imagined how a hamster must feel in one of those while taking in the views of some of Cornwall’s finest plastic clear balls as it rolls itself around the house or scenery. garden? Well, now you can experience it for yourself with zorbing. It involves rolling down a hill at high speed in a Take the family on a guided tour with an experienced 12-foot clear inflatable ball (orb) while strapped inside to mountain biking instructor, or go it alone and explore a harness. You can reach speeds up to 30 mph as you roll the country’s beautiful diverse environment. There are plenty of bike hire companies, mountain bike head over heels down the slope. You can either go it alone guides and mountain bike schools to choose from across Cornwall. or enjoy the experience with friends or family. The slopes POWER KITING are set within the rolling hills of the Cornish countryside Power kiting is one of the most popular sports in Cornwall, thanks to its variety of beautiful beaches but don’t expect much of a view along the way! and the prevailing Atlantic . Use the power of the wind to control the huge kite by grabbing on ZIP WIRE to the handle or bar as you soar across the sand and jump into the air. This is a great activity for all Cornwall’s cliffs, quarries and woodlands provide the ideal environment for adrenalin-pumping ages and there are different types of kites to suit different levels. zip-wire rides. Zip-wiring, also known as zip-lining, is a popular activity Cornwall’s coastline features dramatic cliffs and across the UK and consists of a pulley suspended on a rocky headlands, making it the perfect terrain for stainless steel cable mounted on an incline. Wearing a rock climbing activities. A range of climbing routes safety harness and helmet, feel the rush as you fly high can be found on both the north and south coasts along the cable that is suspended above woodland, lakes, of Cornwall to suit climbers of all abilities, from the Cornish quarries or soft sand beaches, to the other the jagged south westernmost cliffs of Land’s End, side. Sennen, and the Lizard, to inland sites such as the Cheesewring on Bodmin Moor. Scramble across How fast you go depends on your weight and the incline natural rock formations at popular granite cliff sites of the cable but the activity is safe for children and adults. including Bosigran, Trewavas Head, Chair Ladder, or This is a fantastic way to enjoy the natural surroundings head to the inland crag of Roche Rock where you will while enjoying a thrilling ride.

COMPANIES OFFERING LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES Abesiling Archery Blokarting Cycling Biking Go Karting/Quad Riding Horse Landboarding Buggying Kite Biking Mountain Kiting Power Climbing Rock Segway Zip Wire Zorbing Adrenalin Quarry Liskeard 01579 308204 www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk ■ ATV Centre Truro TR4 8HJ 01872 560753 www.atv-centre.com ■ Barguse Riding Centre St Austell 01208 831817 www.barguseridingcentre.co.uk ■ BF Adventure Penryn 01326 340912 www.bfadventure.org ■ ■ ■ ■ Bike Smart Wadebridge 01208 814545 www.cameltrailbikes.com ■ Bissoe Bike Hire Truro 01872 870341 www.cornwallcyclehire.com ■ Bridge Bike Hire Wadebridge 01208 813050 www.bridgebikehire.co.uk ■ Coastal Rush St Agnes 01872 552002 www.coastalrush.co.uk ■ Cornish Cycle Tours Bodmin 01637 889156 www.cornishcycletours..co.uk ■ Cornwall Segway Nr Helston 07977 000444 www.cornwallsegway.co.uk ■ ■ Cornwall Waverunner 07581141591 www.waverunnersafaris.co.uk ■ ■ EBO Penhale Adventure Newquay 01637 831206 www.penhaleadventure.com ■ ■ ■ Elemental UK Falmouth & Newquay 01326 318771 www.elementaluk.com ■ ■ ■ Elm Farm Bike Barn Nancekuke 01209 891498 www.elmfarm.biz ■ ■ JB Kite Surfing Mobile 01736 794001 www.jbkitesurfingcornwall.co.uk ■ ■ Kartworld Liskeard 01579 347229 www.kartworldcornwall.co.uk ■ Newquay Riding Stables Newquay 01637 872699 www.newquayridingstables.co.uk ■ Newquay Watersports Newquay 07535 103119 www.newquaywatersportscentre.co.uk ■ ■ ■ Ocean High Marazion 07801 438320 www.oceanhigh,co.uk ■ Padstow Cycle Hire Padstow 01841 533533 www.padstowcyclehire.com ■ Salt Air Adventures Falmouth 07828 246278 www.saltair.co.uk ■ ■ Siblyback Lake Liskeard 01579 346522 www.swlakestrust.org.uk ■ ■ Speedsail UK Penzance 01736 332648 www.speedsailuk.com ■ St Eval Kart Circuit Wadebridge 01637 860160 www.cornwallkarting.com ■ Stithians Lake Redruth 01209 860301 www.swlakestrust.org.uk ■ The Extreme Academy Newquay 01637 860840 www.extremeacademy.co.uk ■ ■ The Old Vicarage Penzance 01736 711508 www.oldvicaragepenzance.co.uk ■ ZorBude 0845 872 5634 www.zorbude.co.uk ■

13 BEST OF CORNWALL 2020 Water-based Adventures Standing on a long board you use a long paddle to move yourself along the water like a gondolier in Venice, but with rivers and the ocean replacing Italian winding canals. The sport has become increasingly popular in Cornwall and many riders are taking to the ocean to Coasteering is the ultimate adventure sport for ride the waves in a unique way. thrill-seekers. The activity offers a mixture of rock climbing, ocean swimming, and cave Popular destinations for paddle boarding or paddle surfing include Watergate Bay, the Gannel River exploring. Cornwall is a hotspot for this exciting sport in Newquay, Mylor, Rock, and Swanpool. as adrenalin junkies scramble across the Cornish cliffs, jump into the cobalt ocean waters, swim into coastal & BOAT CHARTERS caves and climb up rugged crags. There is no better place to enjoy breathtaking There are plenty of coasteering days out available coastal scenery, sighting of across Cornwall and many trips are geared towards coastal ecology where participants can discover the dolphins, seals and other marine creatures, and the wonders of Cornwall’s historic marine environment. blue and green sparkling & SNORKELLING waters of the Atlantic Explore the underwater world that Ocean, than Cornwall surrounds Cornwall, from ancient - home to centuries of shipwrecks dotted along the ocean maritime history. Sailing bed, to vibrant reefs that are is one of Cornwall’s most

teeming with marine species. Anthony St Courtesy popular water activities

Though Cornwall might not offer and it’s no wonder why, as the 400 miles of coastline offer diverse environments for sailors of all a tropical climate like many other levels. Whether you want to learn the basics of sailing, or you would rather sit back on a boat or destinations across yacht and enjoy the ride, there is something to suit everyone in Cornwall. the world, its ocean waters are Cornish sailing hot spots include the Fowey, Fal and Helford estuaries, Mount’s Bay, Rock and inland thriving with creatures including lakes including Stithians and Sibleyback and the sea waters host high profile sailing competitions basking sharks, seals, dolphins, and races throughout the year. lobsters, crabs, turtles, clams, mussels, fish, seaweeds, sponges and corals. The county offers opportunities for dinghy sailing, catamaran sailing, cruising or yachting, sailing centres, yacht charters, sailing schools and all types of boat hire. Discover what lies at the bottom of the soaring cliffs beneath the surface of the rolling waves or travel further out to sea by boat and dive into the open waters. Visit the tall ships in Charlestown, enjoy a traditional boat trip across Falmouth Bay, or skipper your

Cornwall boasts an array of diving schools that offer PADI courses, and charter companies who will own motor or sailing boat to the stunning hidden coves and creeks of the Helford Estuary from take you out to spectacular diving sites. St. Anthony.

If you don’t fancy taking the plunge to the deep waters, try scuba diving around the coastline where you can get close to some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures.

KAYAKING & CANOEING Try out white water kayaking or canoeing along the Cornish rivers, or head to the beautiful lakes to voyage amid tranquil countryside. Enjoy surf or sea kayaking on the coast and battle your way over the Sailaway St. Anthony Ltd Atlantic Ocean’s crashing waves. ...for discovering the Helford River Glide past the towering cliff tops Sailing, Motorboat & Kayak Hire of the Cornish coastline or duck Visitors Moorings with Ferry Service under the branches of trees as you Easy launching, Dinghy & Trailer Parks silently slide along creeks and Boat Repairs & Lay-up Facilities sloped woodlands. Kayaking and canoeing gives you the chance Creek and Country Holiday Cottages in an idyllic location Courtesy St Antony St Courtesy to witness some of the county’s magnificent wildlife, from herons, and kingfishers, to otters, seals and dolphins. A unique selection of cottages in one of the best boating areas in the country Both kayaking and canoeing are fantastic activities for people of all ages and all abilities, and Good local beaches with safe bathing Cornwall has plenty of places to enjoy these sports including various locations along the River Tamar, Beautiful cliff & riverside walks the Gannel River, the Camel Estuary, Helford River, the Fal Estuary, River Fowey and several beaches. Great local pubs & bistros Ideal year around & for Winter short breaks KITESURFING Cornwall is paradise for kitesurfers with its choppy swells and miles of coastline that offers a fantastic environment for this thrill-seeking sport. The adventure sport combines surfing, wakeboarding, and . Riders use small surfboards or kiteboards, with or without straps or bindings, and with the power of the wind and a large kite, they propel themselves across waves. Riders often carry out tricks such as jumps, turns and spins while coasting along the ocean swell. There are plenty of beaches in Cornwall to try out both of these exciting sports including

Perranporth, Par, Hayle, Marazion and Watergate Bay. St. Anthony Holidays and Sailaway St. Anthony Ltd. St. Anthony, Manaccan, Helston, Cornwall TR12 6JW PADDLE BOARDING Tel: 01326 231 357 Email: [email protected] www.stanthony.co.uk Paddle boarding is fantastic way to enjoy some time on the water, whether it’s on the waves of the ocean or the calm estuaries and creeks of Cornwall.

14 BEST OF CORNWALL 2020 SURFING & WAKEBOARDING

Cornwall is renowned Wakeboarding is a fun sport involving a speed boat towing a rider on a board across the surface of for being one of the top the water. surfing regions in the UK The sport is closely linked to surfing and and offers an exhilarating experience for and several champions water-lovers. While being towed along by a speed boat along a lake or large open area of water, originate from the Cornish wakeboarders can attempt impressive tricks such as jumps, board grabs and spins. shores. The sport is great for all ages and because of Cornwall’s prime location, there are several places to Cornwall is a Mecca for enjoy the activity. surfing and bodyboarding enthusiasts and some of the best waves can be The rider is trapped onto a pair of water-skis and towed along by a speed boat up to 20 mph where

Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay Watergate Academy, Extreme found at Fistral beach, they will have the chance to show off some impressive jumps, or just sit back and enjoy the ride. Watergate Bay, , Praa, Sennen and Godrevy. WAVESKIING Whether you are a novice or a surfing pro, there are waves to suit all abilities throughout the year With the thrill of surfing but easier to grasp, waveskiing is a mixture of white-water kayaking and and it is a great way to not only get fit but to also get close to one of Mother’s Nature’s finest surfing. Unlike a kayak which you sit in, you sit on the waveski and paddle in hand, ride the waves. creations – the ocean. If you haven’t tried waveskiing before, a comforting fact might be that most first-timers are surfing Cornwall has over 400 miles of coastline and the north coast is famous for its Atlantic swell. waves within the first hour. The south coast has calmer waters but surfers can often catch some good waves from beach and WINDSURFING reef breaks. The North Atlantic coast has ideal conditions for windsurfing and Cornwall’s long beaches, calm Surfing involves the rider standing up on a surfboard to ride the crest of a wave as it carries them lakes, and secluded creeks are an idyllic place to enjoy this fun activity with different wind directions towards the shore. Bodyboarding is a similar concept but instead of standing up, the rider lies on a and beautiful landscapes. Watergate Bay, Gwithian, Pendower and Marazion, the Camel Estuary, smaller board using their body to manoeuvre impressive spins and back flips on the breaking waves. Coverack and Millendreath are just a few places to learn or practice the sport. Riders use a two to Whatever your age, surfing and bodyboarding can be enjoyed all over Cornwall’s coastline! four metre-long board with a sail to skim across the surface of the water with the help of the wind.

COMPANIES OFFERING WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES Boat Hire Boat Coasteering Diving & Snorkling & Conoeing Kayaking Surfing Kite Boarding Paddle Sailing Bodyboarding & Surfing Wakeboarding Skiing Water Waveskiing WIndsurfing Adrenalin Quarry Liskeard 01579 308204 www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk ■ Atlantic Scuba Falmouth 01326 618583 www.atlanticscuba.co.uk ■ BF Adventure Penryn 01326 340912 www.bfadventure.org ■ ■ Camel Sailing School Rock 01208 862881 www.camelsailing.co.uk ■ Camel Ski School Rock 01208 862727 www.camelskischool.com ■ ■ Coastal Rush St Agnes 01872 552002 www.coastalrush.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ Cornish Blue Sailing Falmouth 01637 876210 www.cornishbluesailing.co.uk ■ Cornish Rock Tors Port Gaverne 07791 534884 www.cornishrocktors.com ■ ■ ■ Cornwall Watersports St Austell 01726 842939 www.cornwallwatersports.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Cornwall Waverunner Newquay 07581141591 www.waverunnersafaris.co.uk ■ Coverack Windsurfing Centre Coverack 01326 280939 www.coverack.co.uk ■ ■ ■ EBO Penhale Adventure Newquay 01637 831206 www.penhaleadventure.com ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Elemental UK Falmouth & Newquay 01326 318771 www.elementaluk.com ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ English Surf School Newquay 01637 879571 www.englishsurfschool.com ■ ■ Global Boarders Surf School Marazion 01736 711289 www.gbsurfschool.com ■ Gylly Adventures Falmouth 07341890495 www.gyllyadventures.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Harlyn Surf School Padstow 01841 533076 www.harlynsurfschool.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ Hibiscus Surf School (Ladies only) Newquay 01637 879374 www.hibiscussurfschool.co.uk ■ Hotrock Coasteer Newquay 01637 877722 www.hotrockcoasteer.co.uk ■ JB Kite Surfing Mobile 01736 794001 www.jbkitesurfingcornwall.co.uk ■ Kennack Diving Helston 07816 903260 www.kennackdiving.co.uk ■ Loe Beach Watersports Centre Truro 01872 300800 www.loebeach.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre Newquay 01637 872444 www,lustyglazeadventurecentre.co.uk ■ Newquay Activity Centre Newquay 01637 877722 www.newquayactivitycentre.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ Newquay Watersports Newquay 07535 103119 www.newquaywatersportscentre.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ Ocean High Kiteboarding Marazion 07801 438320 www.oceanhigh,co.uk ■ ■ Perranporth Surf School Perranporth 07974 550823 www,perranporthsurfschool.co.uk ■ Polkerris Beach Company Par 01726 813306 www.polkerrisbeach.com ■ ■ Porthkerris Divers St Keverne 01326 280620 www.porthkerris.com ■ Raven Surf School Bude 01288 353693 www.ravensurf.co.uk ■ Sailaway St Anthony Manaccan 01326 231357 www.stanthony.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ Salt Air Adventures Newquay 07828 246278 www.saltair.co.uk ■ ■ ■ Siblyback Lake Liskeard 01579 346522 www.swlakestrust.org.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ St Ives Surf School St Ives 01736 793938 www.stivessurfschool.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ Stithians Lake Redruth 01209 860301 www.swlakestrust.org.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ The Extreme Academy Newquay 01637 860840 www.extremeacademy.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ Trysail Training & Charters Falmouth 01326 212320 www.trysail.net International Mylor Harbour 01328 376191 www.windsport.co.uk ■ ■ ■

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