The Bissoe Trail now has an extension past Twelveheads which takes you over to a wonderful circuit at the Great Flat Lode between Camborne and Redruth. But first you have to negotiate the black hole of Carharrack where the signposting is erratic and the hills unfairly steep (no comment on the map reader of course).It was a glorious day today with sun and cloud and only a momenary spit of rain: just the day for a gentle cycle ride. We hitched on the new bike rack, hired another bike at Bissoe and set off.
We left Carharrack on a marked route which was not the right one as its gradient matched the south col.
Three hours later we had a puncture. We rested in a mine house from a brief shower of rain before starting out again. Half an hour later a minor crash dented an elbow and dug a few holes in a hand but no bones broken.
The landscape was stunning: the best of unknown Cornwall with green valleys interspersed with engine houses and mine tailings. Wheal Francis - see photo - more resembled a small romanesque cathedral than a place of industry.
We even ran into a friend on a horse who kindly directed us to the top of Carn Marth, another of the High Spots of Cornwall and well worth the effort on a clear day with views as far as Trevose, Pendennis Castle and something which just could be St Ives. Finally, exhausted after five hours in the saddle, we made our way down hill - it really is down hill - back to Bissoe and home for a hot bath.
In a few week's time we will be cycling on holiday and today's length will merely be a light Day 1 amble. But at least they do not have Carharrack in Central Europe; we hope.
