Cycle Hire in Pentewan Valley

For this month’s story I wanted to highlight a lovely local business that’s at the heart of their community. A popular pass time in Cornwall is cycling, although our county isn’t particularly flat, we have some wonderful bike trails. Running all around Cornwall you can explore these scenic routes and immerse yourself in the history with the freedom of a bike, and one such place you can hire them is in the beautiful village of Pentewan on the south coast. Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire is run by Rachel and Andy and their friendly approach and invaluable advice has made this cycle hire a real draw for experienced riders or complete novices. 

Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire is ideally located because whatever your skill or fitness there is something for you. You can just keep to the flat, tree-lined trails that follow the waters edge and take a gentle ride around the village. Perhaps have a swim at the sheltered family-friendly beach, or watch the wildlife in the harbour (ice cream in hand of course!) But that isn’t it, you can climb the hills with their brilliant electric bikes and explore the neighbouring harbour of Mevagissey, or pedal to the stunning Lost Gardens of Heligan or even cycle to the ancient Cornish gem that is Charlestown. That’s why I love it here, it’s a base to explore so much of what Cornwall has to offer.

As you can imagine the electric bikes Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire provide are really popular. Rachel mentioned how they have opened up cycling to people who might not have been able to before. Like a visitor they had who needed to use an oxygen tank but was even able to cycle because of them. The bike hire has great add-ons too, with trailers for children or dogs. I love the little ’tag-a-longs’ where kids can be joined on the end of their grown-up's bikes. 

They also offer a service where they will deliver your bike if you are staying local, plus they don’t charge extra for things like helmets, locks or repair kits. The team puts their expert knowledge to good use and when they aren’t hiring out cycles they have a great side business in restoration, service or repair. Rachel spoke of the joy it brings seeing someone reunited with a much loved bike, all in working order.

Their website has some great suggestions as to routes that you can explore from Pentewan, with local attractions too. You can cycle to the Eden Project, visit the Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum or just cycle around the old clay trails. I do love it up there, it’s an unusual landscape, full of wildlife with far-reaching views.

I think the electric bikes are definitely a draw for me, it opens up so many possibilities! But I do wonder what a tandem bike would be like? The Pentewan team will be lending theirs for an upcoming charity cycle ride in July, does it add to the challenge or is it the perfect tool for team work? I'll have to ask them!