Cycle Hire in Pentewan Valley

For this month’s story, I wanted to highlight a lovely local business at the heart of its community. Cycling is a popular pastime in Cornwall. Although our county isn’t particularly flat, we have some wonderful bike trails. Routes run all across Cornwall, letting you explore scenic landscapes and immerse yourself in the county’s history with the freedom of a bike. One place to 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 have made the business a real draw for experienced riders and complete novices alike.

For more ideas around the county, take a look at our guide to cycling in Cornwall.

Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire is ideally located, with something for every level of skill and fitness. You can keep to the flat, tree-lined trails that follow the water’s edge and enjoy 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 all. You can climb the hills with their brilliant electric bikes and explore the neighbouring harbour town of Mevagissey, pedal to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, or cycle to the ancient Cornish gem of Charlestown. That’s why I love it here. It is a base from which to explore so much of what Cornwall has to offer.

As you can imagine, the electric bikes provided by Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire are really popular. Rachel explained that they have opened up cycling to people who may not have been able to ride before. One visitor needed to use an oxygen tank but was still able to cycle with the help of an electric bike.

The bike hire comes with some great add-ons too, including trailers for children or dogs. I love the little ‘tag-alongs’, which let children join onto the back of a grown-up’s bike.

They also offer a local bike delivery service, and helmets, locks and repair kits are included at no extra charge. The team puts its expert knowledge to good use, and when they aren’t hiring out bikes, they also restore, service and repair them. Rachel spoke of the joy of seeing someone reunited with a much-loved bike, all in working order.

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

The electric bikes are definitely a draw for me because they open up so many possibilities. But I do wonder what a tandem would be like. Does it add to the challenge, or is it the perfect tool for teamwork? I’ll have to ask them!