Anyone who calls Cornwall home will understand just how stunning it is with its breathtaking beaches and dramatic coastlines.
The county draws holidaymakers from right across Britain and international tourists alike. Plenty are familiar with the gorgeous scenery and attractions Cornwall boasts but there are certain things only residents are likely to know about.
Ella Camm ventured to the renowned south west county and received quite a shock. The visitor shared part of her experience by posting a brief video on TikTok, incorporating a screaming voice effect in the background alongside on-screen text reading: “Go to Cornwall they said, it will be fun they said.”
The footage captures her perspective whilst seated in a vehicle navigating the tight, twisting country lanes bordered by hedgerows, manoeuvring past other vehicles and a tractor during a rainy day. This might surprise unprepared visitors and could prove challenging for more nervous motorists.
The A30 serves as the primary dual carriageway running through Cornwall but outside the major routes, it’s renowned for its vast network of narrow, winding lanes that are frequently flanked by towering hedges, making visibility difficult for drivers and creating problems when vehicles need to overtake. Also, the restricted space on these roads might make them unsuitable for larger vehicles.
Career Gappers has offered guidance on driving in Cornwall to help visitors have a smoother trip. Patience is key when driving in Cornwall, as the majority of roads are single carriageways and the country lanes are notoriously narrow.
Drivers may find themselves stuck behind a tractor, delivery truck, local bus or simply a slow driver, with overtaking often not an option. Road etiquette is crucial in Cornwall, according to the travel resource and one simple rule is to give way to cars coming uphill when two vehicles meet on a steep, narrow hill.
Career Gappers also advises allowing more time than suggested by maps or GPS due to slower traffic on the county’s country roads. The likelihood of hold-ups or getting stuck behind another vehicle is high.
It also suggests keeping an eye out for animals, as more than 70 per cent of Cornwall’s land is used for farming, meaning cattle are a common sight on country lanes. Ella humorously captioned her TikTok video: “Spent more time in bushes than we did on the actual road.”
The post has garnered thousands of views and likes, along with hundreds of comments. One fellow tourist commented: “100% this! Just came back from Cornwall. Loved it but OMG the roads lol.”
Another added: “It’s a journey and a half but worth it.” A viewer joked: “Cornwall is where you learn to actually drive.”
A local resident chimed in: “I live in Cornwall and it’s easier to ride a bike around than a car because of traffic.” Someone else said: “Love Cornwall, never had a problem with the roads, just drive to the conditions and be prepared to have to reverse from time to time, no big deal.”