The best road cycling routes around St. Austell Bay

Rook with a Book – A Scenic Stop Right by the Fowey Ferry If you’re bikepacking through South Cornwall and looking to cross the River Fowey, this spot combines function with a bit of culture. Just meters from the Polruan passenger ferry landing, you’ll find “Rook with a Book” — a striking metal sculpture created by Thrussells, celebrating local author Daphne du Maurier. While the sculpture might resemble an eagle at first glance, it’s actually a rook — a clever symbol of intelligence and storytelling, fitting for the town where du Maurier wrote some of her most famous works, including The Birds. The sculpture, named Isla, overlooks the estuary and makes a great place to pause before or after your ferry ride. 🧭 Bikepacker Tips: • The Polruan Ferry is just a few steps away and usually allows bikes, though space can be limited at busy times or during high tide. • Need a sturdier crossing? The Bodinnick vehicle ferry is just upriver and better for loaded rigs. • Fowey offers a solid resupply opportunity — with cafés, food shops, and great views. • The sculpture makes a great landmark and rest stop with benches nearby and panoramic views across the estuary. 📸 Look out for buzzards or kestrels overhead — while there are no eagles here, the wild birds and sweeping views add to the atmosphere of this uniquely Cornish crossing point. 📍Fowey waterfront – sculpture and ferry landing are just meters apart

Rook with a Book – A Scenic Stop Right by the Fowey Ferry If you’re bikepacking through South Cornwall and looking to cross the River Fowey, this spot combines function with a bit of culture. Just meters from the Polruan passenger ferry landing, you’ll find “Rook with a Book” — a striking metal sculpture created by Thrussells, celebrating local author Daphne du Maurier. While the sculpture might resemble an eagle at first glance, it’s actually a rook — a clever symbol of intelligence and storytelling, fitting for the town where du Maurier wrote some of her most famous works, including The Birds. The sculpture, named Isla, overlooks the estuary and makes a great place to pause before or after your ferry ride. 🧭 Bikepacker Tips: • The Polruan Ferry is just a few steps away and usually allows bikes, though space can be limited at busy times or during high tide. • Need a sturdier crossing? The Bodinnick vehicle ferry is just upriver and better for loaded rigs. • Fowey offers a solid resupply opportunity — with cafés, food shops, and great views. • The sculpture makes a great landmark and rest stop with benches nearby and panoramic views across the estuary. 📸 Look out for buzzards or kestrels overhead — while there are no eagles here, the wild birds and sweeping views add to the atmosphere of this uniquely Cornish crossing point. 📍Fowey waterfront – sculpture and ferry landing are just meters apart

This is a nice tranquil location. It is a relaxed place where people are walking about, sitting drinking and eating at cafes and outside of restaurants and bars. The are different statues and features, it os decorated quite well. The big bird is one example

great campsite, great amenaties and good access to cycle routes.

Whole ride great. Except the Single track from Golant cross roads to the top of Penventinue. Unless it’s emtb you will struggle. Steep, muddy, overgrown and slippy. It’s a challenge! Counted 23 hills of 10 to 15% plus. It’s hilly, excellent short trainer. Not sure if it was fun🤔.

Fantastic coffee and a great selection of cakes (other food and drinks are available). We make a point of stopping here when out for a ride as it's probably the best coffee in Cornwall!

new pathway

Beautiful setting. Great spot to catch the ferry with bikes to Falmouth