Online Information for Backpackers about BUDE!

British seaside towns were once reputed to be sleepy little places, where a trip to the ice cream van could well be the highlight of your day. Not anymore. Abseiling, karting, paintballing and mountain biking are just some of the things to do on a trip to the lively Cornish town of Bude.

Its shoreline is particularly well known for its excellent surfing conditions, and its many surf schools make it one of the best places in the country to pick up new skills or hone your existing technique. There are eight beaches in the area, but Crooklets is considered the best for water sports. Its perfect waves have led to it being dubbed the British Bondi. If the sea is flat, head on over to Ivyleaf Mountainboarding Centre for some surfing on dry land!

For even more energetic visitors, the Shoreline Triathlon is one of the best events of its type in the country. This year’s event takes place on the 29th of June at Summerleaze beach and involves a 500m swim, an 11 mile bike ride and then a 3 mile run for dessert. Hundreds of entrants take part each year and you can either enter on your own, or with a group of mates as a relay team. It’s hard work, but great fun.

by Cat Hackforth

Did you know?

The Bude Boom was a very loud, unexplained noise in October 2006. The source of the sound was never identified.