The beauty of St Ives is it’s all year round ability for finding something for everyone to do no matter what time of year you visit. If you feel like an active holiday without the crowds, November is the perfect time to visit Cornwall, so why not jump in your car, pack the wetsuits, bikes and dogs and head South West this year?
For the keen cyclists among you:
If you fancy a great day out to enjoy a bike ride that’s off the beaten track, then one of my favourites that should be on your list is Portreath to Devoran.
This is best undertaken on a mountain bike, and is suitable for all ages and ability. Start your ride at the small former fishing port of Portreath, just 20 minutes up the north coast from St Ives, and head inland towards Devoran. A superb 14 mile cycle route takes you pretty much traffic free all the way to Devoran along an old tramway once used to transport minerals from coast to coast, taking in some breathtaking countryside, while passing through some of Cornwall’s most historic mining areas. (half way along the route is a spectacular quarry where you can really practice your off road skills, but not for the faint hearted!)
The round trip takes approx 2.5 hours, but I would recommend that you explore the lovely creeks around Devoran before stopping off to refuel for a welcome pint and very tasty lunch at the Old Key Inn in Devoran (excellent Sunday Roasts!) before starting your return journey to Portreath.
For the dog walkers among you:
This is an absolute ‘must’ for all dog owners and your four legged friends will love you for it!
Take a 15 minute drive up the North Coast from St Ives, just below Portreath and head for Tehidy Country Park on the North Cliffs. Tehidy is the largest woodland in West Cornwall, set in 250 acres and has miles and miles of wonderful clearly marked paths to explore with your dogs, with most routes being circular from the car park. If you were feeling really adventurous you can extend this walk into Portreath and back up along the South West Coast path with some stunning views over the Atlantic. Pop to Godrevy Café (National Trust) after for some very delicious homemade food and welcome hot drinks, and if you still have the legs for it,drop down onto the beach where a further 3 miles of golden sands awaits with amazing views over the bay across to St Ives…absolute doggy heaven!
For the Seafarers among you:
If you love water sports then its back into St Ives for those wanting to take to the ocean.
St Ives Surf school is open pretty much all year round and daily until mid November where you can learn to surf or participate in stand up paddle boarding, Sea kayaking and for the really brave, Coasteering. (After mid November email them as activities may be considered by prior arrangement).
For the Golfers among you:
If you fancy blowing the cobwebs away on a chilly winters day at a more sedate pace then you should definitely pop down to the West Cornwall Golf Club at Lelant, just a 5 minutes drive from St Ives. Here you will find a fabulous links course situated next to the Hayle Estuary and over looking Porth Kidney beach, and out to Godrevy light house. After 18 holes visit the club house for a lunch and a pint, job done!
At the end of your day, St Ives still awaits with the most amazing shops, restaurants cafes, bars and galleries that are open all year . the perfect way to end your active November day!
To enjoy your November stay in St Ives we have many luxurious cosy holiday cottages to choose from this winter, whether it’s a short break ,or a week’s stay or just a last minute break, you can book online or give our very friendly team a call at the office on 01736 490 640 .
Author: Tim Petersen
