Lone weekend.....Devon or Cornwall

[ThrottleBod]

Have a week off work in July and due to various reasons fancy getting away on my own for a couple of days. I'm going to ride my motorbike and fancy either Devon or Cornwall.

Just wondered if anyone had any opinions on either or recommendations?

[Midlifecrisis71]

At that time of year, there will be a lot of tourists, so have your wits about you on your bike.

Depends on your age & needs - do you want to get drunk, or enjoy the sights and culture ?

Drunk - Torquay or Newquay
Culture - St.Ives, St.Mawes, Padstow, Exeter
Solitude- Dartmoor

Accommodation would be key at that time of the year, have a hunt for somewhere to stay & most places will be reachable on the bike in a day.

[ThrottleBod]

Thanks. I won't be going to ride like a loon just be a bit more fun on bike.

Going for the sights, just to have a look around etc. to be honest I'll probably just take the long way wherever I go the possibly leave the bike where I'm staying and go and have a look around.

I'll have a look at those places you suggested. Thanks

[TwistingMyMelon]

I go down to Cornwall every year, Devoran, between Falmouth and Truro , is lovely there

Loads of quiet well surfaced back roads , I have enjoyed cycling there and great driving roads (even more on a motorbike) , plus its easy to get to DC and Motorway 95% of the way from my place in Swindon

If you avoid the hotspots in Cornwall and family places it doesn't get too busy in peak season.

[graham22]

Some suggestions, as a motor bike owner in Cornwall:

Probably best to avoid coming down the A30, particularly on a Friday or Saturday (just listen to Radio 2 on a Friday evening to hear how many are heading this way).

If you want to make the journey down more interesting, come off the M5 at Taunton to Minehead & follow the A39 down - will take longer but far more interesting. Alternatively there's several roads that link the M5/A30 to the A39, not direct but most are fun.

I'd suggest taking the road from Tresillian (near Truro) to St Mawes. Also some of the roads on the Lizard Peninsula are good with decent old harbours.

As much as it pains me as it's a great road usually ruined by coaches/tractors/tourists but the coast road from St Ives to Land End - at this time of year you won't be able to push on but the views are great, likewise if you take the coast road down from Perranporth to Hayle/St Ives first.

Ultimately, if you want it quiet, head in-land as all coastal towns will be busy but that's part of the appeal particularly if an event is on.

Send me a pm if you want to run any other ideas past me.

[TDIfurby]

Driving roads aplenty on Exmoor and Dartmoor, although 40mph global Dartmoor speed limit can make enjoying it a little more of a challenge.

Could maybe take in some sights en-route? Not sure which direction you're coming from but there is the Haynes museum just off the A303 (technically Dorset I think though)

[sgrimshaw]

TDIfurby said:

Not sure which direction you're coming from but there is the Haynes museum just off the A303 (technically Dorset I think though)

Somerset