National Cycle Network Route 3 (NCN 3) showcases the best of South West England, revealing landscapes of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Pedal past Cornish fishing villages, historic tin mines, sandy coves, surfing beaches, railway and canal trails, England’s smallest city and the captivating Exmoor National Park.

Starting at Land End, the route spans 315 miles (507 km), finishing in the vibrant city of Bristol. I've divided the journey into seven stages, each concluding in a town offering a variety of accommodation options. Within each Tour description, I've also included recommendations for campsites if you prefer to bring along a tent.

Every leg of NCN 3 guides you through a landscape dotted with villages and towns, so you’ll have access to pubs, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and bike shops along the way. Having said this, you’ll also enjoy some remote regions, particularly the section through Exmoor.

Most of the route (over 90%) comprises paved surfaces, and just under a third is traffic-free. Whilst you’ll enjoy some long, cruisy sections on flat surfaces, expect a week-long trip of ups and downs, typical of the South West. Given the undulating terrain and an average daily distance of 45 miles (72 km), prior experience with multi-day cycling is recommended. Nonetheless, the full route offers adaptability, allowing you to customise it to your desired pace for a more leisurely (or challenging) experience! For this excursion, a comfortable hybrid, touring, or gravel bike would be the most fitting choice, but a road bike can suffice if you don’t mind pushing over the occasional rougher off-road segments.

This journey is feasible throughout the year; however, it's important to note that Devon and Cornwall tend to be exceptionally crowded during the peak summer season. Also bear in mind that many campsites close over the winter months.

You’ll need to plan your journey to the start of the route at Land’s End, as it's a relatively remote part of the country. Penzance is the nearest train station, an 11-mile (18 km) cycle away, mainly on B-roads. The end is well-connected by rail services to most of the UK from Temple Meads station in the heart of Bristol.

Get ready to be enchanted by the stunning vistas that the West Country unveils. Immerse yourself in the allure of Cornwall's southern and northern coastlines, embark on Devon's traffic-free Tarka Trail, and explore the treasures of Somerset, including Exmoor and the rolling Mendip Hills.

If you don’t have time to cycle the full route, consider the Cornish Way, which traces NCN 3 from Land’s End to Bude. Full details can be found in this Collection: komoot.com/collection/904573