Cornish Roads and Country Lanes

Local Cornish Roads and Lanes

Local roads

Local roads in Cornwall are mainly single-carriageway and can be narrow. Road improvement schemes have led to stretches of dual-carriageway, but even on routes between the major towns there are usually still stretches of single-carriageway remaining.

This isn't a problem in itself, but can lead to delays if someone ahead has had a breakdown. There are stretches on the road from Truro to Falmouth which are notorious in this respect, having high banks or steep drops to the side so that there is no verge where the offending vehicle can be pushed off the carriageway.

Essentially the road network in Cornwall is adequate for the traffic during most of the year, but can be stretched during the holiday season.

Country lanes

Cornish lanes are a great resource for seeing the countryside. There are many picturesque hamlets, farm houses, Cornish cottages, and seaside coves that can be reached only by a lane.

These country lanes are in use throughout the day by locals, and not everybody is there to admire the scenery. It is good manners to pull over and let the faster traffic overtake, rather than force everyone to go at your pace.

Cornish lanes often have high banks, i.e., the so-called Cornish hedge which is actually built of stone. In places they can be extremely narrow, although there are always passing places provided. It's a good idea to be aware of them as you pass, just in case you are forced to back up.

Cars are not the only traffic that use the country lanes in Cornwall. There could be anything around the next corner. Farm tractors, delivery vehicles, pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, children on their way home from school, a herd of cows, even solitary farm dogs trotting along the lane.

I have personally encountered a farmer chasing a runaway bull, a sign that said "Caution - pet rabbit on road", and once a cow launched itself from the top of a bank to land in a heap in front of my car. Fortunately I was able to stop in time, otherwise I am not sure which would have come off worse - the cow or my car.

It is best to avoid Cornish lanes during wet weather, or at least drive with extra care. Country lanes are narrow and a build up of mud and wet leaves at the edge of the road can induce a skid if you have to brake, especially if you have pulled over to pass an oncoming car and you nearside wheels are in the mud. And contact with the stones of a Cornish hedge can be very unforgiving!

Similarly unless you are familiar with the route, Cornish lanes are best avoided at night. If you meet another car, trying to back up into a meagre passing place is not something best done in the dark.