Cornwall Adventure Sports & Activities

Cornwall is a Mecca for adrenalin-seekers and there are numerous ways to enjoy thrilling activities while getting to see the county’s beautiful countryside and coastline at the same time.

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BEST OF CORNWALL 2020

Whether you love surfing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, climbing the steep granite

cliffs, zooming along the shores in a kite buggy, or descending a rocky winding trail

on a mountain bike, Cornwall offers plenty of adventure sports and activities for any

age and any level. Plan a day out at one of our fun-packed adventure centres or try

out a new sport with a qualified instructor and release the fear!

On the following pages we have some of the best adventure sports and activities that

Cornwall has to offer:

Land-Based Adventures

ABSEILING

Abseiling originates from the German world abseilen which translates into “to rope down” and the

activity involves the controlled descent down a cliff or rock face using a rope. The climber wears a

safety harness and uses the rope to climb down cliffs or slopes that are too dangerous to descend

any other way.

With its soaring granite and slate

cliffs that tower over the crashing

waves of the Atlantic Ocean

or miles of golden soft sand

beaches, Cornwall offers plenty

of abseiling opportunities, for

beginners, to the more advanced

and adventurous climbers.

Bodmin Moor, Carn Brea Quarry,

and Cardinham Woods provide

fantastic spots for inland abseiling and both the north and south coasts offer dramatic descents with

breathtaking views of Cornwall’s famous seascapes.

ARCHERY

Dating back to 25,000BC, archery has been used throughout history for hunting and fighting but in

modern times, this activity has become a recreational sport.

Explore the ancient art of archery in Cornwall, home to some of the UK’s most historical castles and

sites that were once the settings of bow and arrow combat. Learn how to aim and fire the bow within

gorgeous natural landscapes in the Cornish countryside.

The activity is suitable for all ages and there are plenty of centres that offer archery tuition

and sessions.

BLOKARTING

A Blokart is a small three-wheel

cart powered by a sail. Blokarts

are fun, fast and safe and can

be used in any open space by

children and adults.

With several long and flat

beaches, Cornwall offers the

perfect terrain for this exciting

sport as the wind that blows off

the Atlantic Ocean propels these

three-wheeled karts along the shoreline. Beaches in Gwithian, Perranporth and Watergate Bay offer

ideal conditions for the sport.

You are strapped into the seat where you can control the direction of the kart with a single hand

controlled sail that is steered by a hand tiller bar. All you need is the wind to get you going. The

activity can also be carried out on airfields, large car parks and sports areas and is suitable for

children and adults.

CYCLING

Though not technically an adventure sport,

cycling is a very popular sport in Cornwall

and with so many trails to choose from,

what better way to take in the local sights

than hopping on a bike and doing your bit

for the environment?

The diverse landscapes of Cornwall make

it a great place to cycle, from woodland

areas inland, to coastal paths along the

dramatic granite cliffs.

The Camel Trail is the most well-known recreational trail in Cornwall and is suitable for children and

adults, and cyclists of all abilities. Follow the trail as it runs alongside a disused railway line between

Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.

The 18-mile trails offers views of the beautiful Camel Estuary and there are plenty of opportunities to

stop off at and visit local shops, pubs and attractions along the way.

Popular cycling trails in Cornwall include the Cornish Trail Multi-Way Trails, Mineral Tramway Heritage

Project, First and Last Trail, Engine House Trail, Coast and Clay Trail, the North Cornwall Trail, St, Piran

Trail, Saint’s Way, Wheal Peevor Mine Trail and the Goss Moor Trail.

GO KARTING / QUAD BIKING

If you fancy yourself as a Formula

One driver, and you need to get

some practice in, try out one

of the go-karting centres in

Cornwall.

Test your driving skills in real

races as you zoom around all

weather tracks in four-stroke

engine karts and experience this

adrenalin-pumping thrill.

Go-karting is a fantastic activity for both adults and children and the circuit centres in Cornwall offer

a drive with a view due to their countryside locations.

St Eval Karting Racing Circuit offers a huge outdoor 1.2km track and caters for anyone over the

age of seven, including groups of any size. The all-weather track is the largest in Cornwall and the

modern karts range from 8mph limits up to 70mph limits. Visitors can buy refreshments and there is

a spectator area.

Kartworld has an 800m track and a 100m infant’s track, making it a great day out for the family.

The karts range from 15 mph limits to 40 mph limits and there are coin operated karts for children

under six years old. The centre offers facilities including a restaurant, picnic area and an area

for spectators.

HORSE RIDING

Gallop across the moors, canter along

the sandy shores or trot along the

bridleways of Cornwall on horseback

and discover Cornwall from a different

perspective.

Whether you are a beginner or an

advanced rider, there are plenty of trails

to choose from to take in the views.

Trek along the coastline, estuaries, or

woodlands with family and friends and

enjoy a fun day out.

Cornwall is home to many stables and

riding schools and you can choose from

lessons or guided tours within scenic surroundings.

KITE BUGGYING & KITE LANDBOARDING

With a huge selection of flat, long and wide beaches to choose from, Cornwall is the perfect place to

enjoy kite buggying and kite landboarding.

Kite buggies are light purpose-built kart vehicles that are powered by traction kites (power kites).

Kite landboarding is designed for freestyle and performance riding. The rider’s feet are strapped into

bindings on a board, and like wakeboarding it’s all about the jumps, turns and board grabs as you are

propelled into the air by the power of the wind.

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BEST OF CORNWALL 2020

These environmentally sustainable outdoor sports are a great way to explore the county’s stunning

beaches such as Gwithian and Watergate Bay. Using the wind as your power, soar over the steep

dunes of Crantock beach; roll down steep grassy hills inland; or zoom along the shores of

Pentewan beach.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Cornwall offers ideal landscape for mountain biking

and riders of all ages and abilities can enjoy

this sport. Riders can head to off-road trails, downhill

woodland descents, challenging tracks on quarries,

clay trails and coastal paths for an adrenalin rush,

while taking in the views of some of Cornwall’s finest

scenery.

Take the family on a guided tour with an experienced

mountain biking instructor, or go it alone and explore

the country’s beautiful diverse environment. There are plenty of bike hire companies, mountain bike

guides and mountain bike schools to choose from across Cornwall.

POWER KITING

Power kiting is one of the most popular sports in Cornwall, thanks to its variety of beautiful beaches

and the prevailing Atlantic winds. Use the power of the wind to control the huge kite by grabbing on

to the handle or bar as you soar across the sand and jump into the air. This is a great activity for all

ages and there are different types of kites to suit different levels.

ROCK CLIMBING

Cornwall’s coastline features dramatic cliffs and

rocky headlands, making it the perfect terrain for

rock climbing activities. A range of climbing routes

can be found on both the north and south coasts

of Cornwall to suit climbers of all abilities, from

the jagged south westernmost cliffs of Land’s End,

Sennen, and the Lizard, to inland sites such as the

Cheesewring on Bodmin Moor. Scramble across

natural rock formations at popular granite cliff sites

including Bosigran, Trewavas Head, Chair Ladder, or

head to the inland crag of Roche Rock where you will

find a fourteenth century chapel when you get to the top. There are also a number of activity centres

that offer tuition and courses for climbers of any ages where you can take part in challenges that will

physically and mentally prepare you for your adventures around Cornwall’s natural climbing sites.

SEGWAY

Experience this unique form of transport, likened to gliding on a magic carpet. Riding a Segway

is really easy and accessible to most ages and abilities (subject to weight and height restrictions)

and most importantly great fun. As seen on television and film, from Dr Who to the Gadget Show to

Hollywood blockbusters.

ZORBING

Ever imagined how a hamster must feel in one of those

plastic clear balls as it rolls itself around the house or

garden? Well, now you can experience it for yourself with

zorbing. It involves rolling down a hill at high speed in a

12-foot clear inflatable ball (orb) while strapped inside to

a harness. You can reach speeds up to 30 mph as you roll

head over heels down the slope. You can either go it alone

or enjoy the experience with friends or family. The slopes

are set within the rolling hills of the Cornish countryside

but don’t expect much of a view along the way!

ZIP WIRE

Cornwall’s cliffs, quarries and woodlands provide the ideal environment for adrenalin-pumping

zip-wire rides.

Zip-wiring, also known as zip-lining, is a popular activity

across the UK and consists of a pulley suspended on a

stainless steel cable mounted on an incline. Wearing a

safety harness and helmet, feel the rush as you fly high

along the cable that is suspended above woodland, lakes,

the Cornish quarries or soft sand beaches, to the other

side.

How fast you go depends on your weight and the incline

of the cable but the activity is safe for children and adults.

This is a fantastic way to enjoy the natural surroundings

while enjoying a thrilling ride.

COMPANIES OFFERING LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES

Adrenalin Quarry Liskeard 01579 308204 www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk ■

ATV Centre Truro TR4 8HJ 01872 560753 www.atv-centre.com ■

Barguse Riding Centre St Austell 01208 831817 www.barguseridingcentre.co.uk ■

BF Adventure Penryn 01326 340912 www.bfadventure.org ■ ■ ■ ■

Bike Smart Wadebridge 01208 814545 www.cameltrailbikes.com ■

Bissoe Bike Hire Truro 01872 870341 www.cornwallcyclehire.com ■

Bridge Bike Hire Wadebridge 01208 813050 www.bridgebikehire.co.uk ■

Coastal Rush St Agnes 01872 552002 www.coastalrush.co.uk ■

Cornish Cycle Tours Bodmin 01637 889156 www.cornishcycletours..co.uk ■

Cornwall Segway Nr Helston 07977 000444 www.cornwallsegway.co.uk ■ ■

Cornwall Waverunner Newquay 07581141591 www.waverunnersafaris.co.uk ■ ■

EBO Penhale Adventure Newquay 01637 831206 www.penhaleadventure.com ■ ■ ■

Elemental UK Falmouth & Newquay 01326 318771 www.elementaluk.com ■ ■ ■

Elm Farm Bike Barn Nancekuke 01209 891498 www.elmfarm.biz ■ ■

JB Kite Surfing Mobile 01736 794001 www.jbkitesurfingcornwall.co.uk ■ ■

Kartworld Liskeard 01579 347229 www.kartworldcornwall.co.uk ■

Newquay Riding Stables Newquay 01637 872699 www.newquayridingstables.co.uk ■

Newquay Watersports Newquay 07535 103119 www.newquaywatersportscentre.co.uk ■ ■ ■

Ocean High Kiteboarding Marazion 07801 438320 www.oceanhigh,co.uk ■

Padstow Cycle Hire Padstow 01841 533533 www.padstowcyclehire.com ■

Salt Air Adventures Falmouth 07828 246278 www.saltair.co.uk ■ ■

Siblyback Lake Liskeard 01579 346522 www.swlakestrust.org.uk ■ ■

Speedsail UK Penzance 01736 332648 www.speedsailuk.com ■

St Eval Kart Circuit Wadebridge 01637 860160 www.cornwallkarting.com ■

Stithians Lake Redruth 01209 860301 www.swlakestrust.org.uk ■

The Extreme Academy Newquay 01637 860840 www.extremeacademy.co.uk ■ ■

The Old Vicarage Penzance 01736 711508 www.oldvicaragepenzance.co.uk ■

ZorBude Bude 0845 872 5634 www.zorbude.co.uk ■

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BEST OF CORNWALL 2020

Water-based Adventures

COASTEERING

Coasteering is the ultimate adventure sport for

thrill-seekers. The activity offers a mixture of rock

climbing, ocean swimming, cliff jumping and cave

exploring. Cornwall is a hotspot for this exciting sport

as adrenalin junkies scramble across the Cornish cliffs,

jump into the cobalt ocean waters, swim into coastal

caves and climb up rugged crags.

There are plenty of coasteering days out available

across Cornwall and many trips are geared towards

coastal ecology where participants can discover the

wonders of Cornwall’s historic marine environment.

DIVING & SNORKELLING

Explore the underwater world that

surrounds Cornwall, from ancient

shipwrecks dotted along the ocean

bed, to vibrant reefs that are

teeming with marine species.

Though Cornwall might not offer

a tropical climate like many other

scuba diving destinations across

the world, its ocean waters are

thriving with creatures including

basking sharks, seals, dolphins,

lobsters, crabs, turtles, clams,

mussels, fish, seaweeds, sponges and corals.

Discover what lies at the bottom of the soaring cliffs beneath the surface of the rolling waves or

travel further out to sea by boat and dive into the open waters.

Cornwall boasts an array of diving schools that offer PADI courses, and charter companies who will

take you out to spectacular diving sites.

If you don’t fancy taking the plunge to the deep waters, try scuba diving around the coastline where

you can get close to some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures.

KAYAKING & CANOEING

Try out white water kayaking or canoeing along the Cornish rivers, or head to the beautiful lakes to

voyage amid tranquil countryside.

Enjoy surf or sea kayaking on the

coast and battle your way over the

Atlantic Ocean’s crashing waves.

Glide past the towering cliff tops

of the Cornish coastline or duck

under the branches of trees as you

silently slide along creeks and

sloped woodlands. Kayaking and

canoeing gives you the chance

to witness some of the county’s

magnificent wildlife, from herons, and kingfishers, to otters, seals and dolphins.

Both kayaking and canoeing are fantastic activities for people of all ages and all abilities, and

Cornwall has plenty of places to enjoy these sports including various locations along the River Tamar,

the Gannel River, the Camel Estuary, Helford River, the Fal Estuary, River Fowey and several beaches.

KITESURFING

Cornwall is paradise for kitesurfers with its choppy swells and miles of coastline that offers a

fantastic environment for this thrill-seeking sport.

The adventure sport combines surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and paragliding. Riders use small

surfboards or kiteboards, with or without straps or bindings, and with the power of the wind and a

large kite, they propel themselves across waves. Riders often carry out tricks such as jumps, turns

and spins while coasting along the ocean swell.

There are plenty of beaches in Cornwall to try out both of these exciting sports including

Perranporth, Par, Hayle, Marazion and Watergate Bay.

PADDLE BOARDING

Paddle boarding is fantastic way to enjoy some time on the water, whether it’s on the waves of the

ocean or the calm estuaries and creeks of Cornwall.

Standing on a long board you use a long paddle to move yourself along the water like a gondolier in

Venice, but with rivers and the ocean replacing Italian winding canals.

The sport has become increasingly popular in Cornwall and many riders are taking to the ocean to

ride the waves in a unique way.

Popular destinations for paddle boarding or paddle surfing include Watergate Bay, the Gannel River

in Newquay, Mylor, Rock, and Swanpool.

SAILING & BOAT CHARTERS

There is no better place

to enjoy breathtaking

coastal scenery, sighting of

dolphins, seals and other

marine creatures, and the

blue and green sparkling

waters of the Atlantic

Ocean, than Cornwall

- home to centuries of

maritime history. Sailing

is one of Cornwall’s most

popular water activities

and it’s no wonder why, as the 400 miles of coastline offer diverse environments for sailors of all

levels. Whether you want to learn the basics of sailing, or you would rather sit back on a boat or

yacht and enjoy the ride, there is something to suit everyone in Cornwall.

Cornish sailing hot spots include the Fowey, Fal and Helford estuaries, Mount’s Bay, Rock and inland

lakes including Stithians and Sibleyback and the sea waters host high profile sailing competitions

and races throughout the year.

The county offers opportunities for dinghy sailing, catamaran sailing, cruising or yachting, sailing

centres, yacht charters, sailing schools and all types of boat hire.

Visit the tall ships in Charlestown, enjoy a traditional boat trip across Falmouth Bay, or skipper your

own motor or sailing boat to the stunning hidden coves and creeks of the Helford Estuary from

St. Anthony.

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St. Anthony Holidays and Sailaway St. Anthony Ltd. St. Anthony, Manaccan, Helston, Cornwall TR12 6JW

Tel: 01326 231 357 Email: info@stanthony.co.uk www.stanthony.co.uk

Sailaway St. Anthony Ltd

...for discovering the Helford River Sailing, Motorboat & Kayak Hire

Visitors Moorings with Ferry Service

Easy launching, Dinghy & Trailer Parks

Boat Repairs & Lay-up Facilities

Creek and Country Holiday Cottages

in an idyllic location A unique selection of cottages in one of the best

boating areas in the country

Good local beaches with safe bathing

Beautiful cliff & riverside walks

Great local pubs & bistros

Ideal year around & for Winter short breaks

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BEST OF CORNWALL 2020

SURFING & BODYBOARDING

Cornwall is renowned

for being one of the top

surfing regions in the UK

and several champions

originate from the Cornish

shores.

Cornwall is a Mecca for

surfing and bodyboarding

enthusiasts and some of

the best waves can be

found at Fistral beach,

Watergate Bay, Polzeath, Praa, Sennen and Godrevy.

Whether you are a novice or a surfing pro, there are waves to suit all abilities throughout the year

and it is a great way to not only get fit but to also get close to one of Mother’s Nature’s finest

creations – the ocean.

Cornwall has over 400 miles of coastline and the north coast is famous for its Atlantic swell.

The south coast has calmer waters but surfers can often catch some good waves from beach and

reef breaks.

Surfing involves the rider standing up on a surfboard to ride the crest of a wave as it carries them

towards the shore. Bodyboarding is a similar concept but instead of standing up, the rider lies on a

smaller board using their body to manoeuvre impressive spins and back flips on the breaking waves.

Whatever your age, surfing and bodyboarding can be enjoyed all over Cornwall’s coastline!

WAKEBOARDING

Wakeboarding is a fun sport involving a speed boat towing a rider on a board across the surface of

the water.

The sport is closely linked to surfing and snowboarding and offers an exhilarating experience for

water-lovers. While being towed along by a speed boat along a lake or large open area of water,

wakeboarders can attempt impressive tricks such as jumps, board grabs and spins.

The sport is great for all ages and because of Cornwall’s prime location, there are several places to

enjoy the activity.

WATER SKIING

The rider is trapped onto a pair of water-skis and towed along by a speed boat up to 20 mph where

they will have the chance to show off some impressive jumps, or just sit back and enjoy the ride.

WAVESKIING

With the thrill of surfing but easier to grasp, waveskiing is a mixture of white-water kayaking and

surfing. Unlike a kayak which you sit in, you sit on the waveski and paddle in hand, ride the waves.

If you haven’t tried waveskiing before, a comforting fact might be that most first-timers are surfing

waves within the first hour.

WINDSURFING

The North Atlantic coast has ideal conditions for windsurfing and Cornwall’s long beaches, calm

lakes, and secluded creeks are an idyllic place to enjoy this fun activity with different wind directions

and beautiful landscapes. Watergate Bay, Gwithian, Pendower and Marazion, the Camel Estuary,

Coverack and Millendreath are just a few places to learn or practice the sport. Riders use a two to

four metre-long board with a sail to skim across the surface of the water with the help of the wind.

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COMPANIES OFFERING WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES

Adrenalin Quarry Liskeard 01579 308204 www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk ■

Atlantic Scuba Falmouth 01326 618583 www.atlanticscuba.co.uk ■

BF Adventure Penryn 01326 340912 www.bfadventure.org ■ ■

Camel Sailing School Rock 01208 862881 www.camelsailing.co.uk ■

Camel Ski School Rock 01208 862727 www.camelskischool.com ■ ■

Coastal Rush St Agnes 01872 552002 www.coastalrush.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■

Cornish Blue Sailing Falmouth 01637 876210 www.cornishbluesailing.co.uk ■

Cornish Rock Tors Port Gaverne 07791 534884 www.cornishrocktors.com ■ ■ ■

Cornwall Watersports St Austell 01726 842939 www.cornwallwatersports.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Cornwall Waverunner Newquay 07581141591 www.waverunnersafaris.co.uk ■

Coverack Windsurfing Centre Coverack 01326 280939 www.coverack.co.uk ■ ■ ■

EBO Penhale Adventure Newquay 01637 831206 www.penhaleadventure.com ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Elemental UK Falmouth & Newquay 01326 318771 www.elementaluk.com ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

English Surf School Newquay 01637 879571 www.englishsurfschool.com ■ ■

Global Boarders Surf School Marazion 01736 711289 www.gbsurfschool.com ■

Gylly Adventures Falmouth 07341890495 www.gyllyadventures.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Harlyn Surf School Padstow 01841 533076 www.harlynsurfschool.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■

Hibiscus Surf School (Ladies only) Newquay 01637 879374 www.hibiscussurfschool.co.uk ■

Hotrock Coasteer Newquay 01637 877722 www.hotrockcoasteer.co.uk ■

JB Kite Surfing Mobile 01736 794001 www.jbkitesurfingcornwall.co.uk ■

Kennack Diving Helston 07816 903260 www.kennackdiving.co.uk ■

Loe Beach Watersports Centre Truro 01872 300800 www.loebeach.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■

Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre Newquay 01637 872444 www,lustyglazeadventurecentre.co.uk ■

Newquay Activity Centre Newquay 01637 877722 www.newquayactivitycentre.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■

Newquay Watersports Newquay 07535 103119 www.newquaywatersportscentre.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■

Ocean High Kiteboarding Marazion 07801 438320 www.oceanhigh,co.uk ■ ■

Perranporth Surf School Perranporth 07974 550823 www,perranporthsurfschool.co.uk ■

Polkerris Beach Company Par 01726 813306 www.polkerrisbeach.com ■ ■

Porthkerris Divers St Keverne 01326 280620 www.porthkerris.com ■

Raven Surf School Bude 01288 353693 www.ravensurf.co.uk ■

Sailaway St Anthony Manaccan 01326 231357 www.stanthony.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■

Salt Air Adventures Newquay 07828 246278 www.saltair.co.uk ■ ■ ■

Siblyback Lake Liskeard 01579 346522 www.swlakestrust.org.uk ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

St Ives Surf School St Ives 01736 793938 www.stivessurfschool.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■

Stithians Lake Redruth 01209 860301 www.swlakestrust.org.uk ■ ■ ■ ■

The Extreme Academy Newquay 01637 860840 www.extremeacademy.co.uk ■ ■ ■ ■

Trysail Training & Charters Falmouth 01326 212320 www.trysail.net

Windsport International Mylor Harbour 01328 376191 www.windsport.co.uk ■ ■ ■

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