The Camel Trail is one of the most popular days out in Cornwall, and it is easy to see why. Following the route of an old railway line along the Camel Estuary, it is flat, traffic-free and beautiful, with sandbanks, birdlife and wide river views. The most popular stretch, between Padstow and Wadebridge, is about five and a half miles each way and suits families, dog walkers and gentle cyclists alike.
The route
The full trail runs for around 18 miles from Padstow through Wadebridge and Bodmin to Wenfordbridge on the edge of Bodmin Moor. It follows the trackbed of railways that once carried slate, china clay and passengers, and later the holidaymakers bound for Padstow. The line closed in the 1960s and was turned into a trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The Padstow to Wadebridge section hugs the estuary the whole way, crossing creeks on old railway bridges. The longer Wadebridge to Bodmin and Wenfordbridge sections are quieter, running inland through woodland beside the River Camel.
Bike hire
You don't need to bring your own bike. There are several bike hire businesses in both Padstow and Wadebridge, close to the trail, offering adult bikes, children's bikes, tandems, trailers and tag-alongs. In summer it is worth booking ahead. Many people start in Wadebridge, ride to Padstow for lunch and ride back, which saves the busiest part of the day in Padstow for the middle.
Walking the trail
The trail is just as good on foot. Walking from Padstow to Wadebridge takes around two hours at a steady pace. If you don't want to walk both ways, check local bus timetables between the two towns, and walk one way and ride the bus back.
What to see along the way
The estuary is a haven for wildlife. Look out for little egrets, curlews, oystercatchers and herons on the mud flats, especially as the tide goes out. In winter, wading birds and wildfowl arrive in large numbers. Near the Padstow end, you pass the Iron Bridge over Little Petherick Creek. On the quieter section between Wadebridge and Bodmin, near Nanstallon, the trail passes close to Camel Valley vineyard, which is known for its sparkling wines. Check opening times if you want to visit.
Padstow and Wadebridge
Padstow at one end is a busy harbour town, famous for its food, fishing boats and the ferry across to Rock. Wadebridge at the other is a market town with independent shops and a long medieval bridge across the river. Both have plenty of cafés and places to eat, so you can plan your stop around lunch.
Trail etiquette
The trail is shared between cyclists, walkers, horse riders and wheelchair users, and it gets busy on summer days. Cyclists should ride at a sensible speed, ring a bell when passing and give way to walkers. Walkers should keep to one side, and dog owners should keep dogs close and clear up after them.
Good to know
- The surface is mostly firm and level, making it suitable for buggies and many wheelchairs. Some sections can be muddy after rain.
- There is little shade on the Padstow to Wadebridge stretch. Take water and sun cream in summer.
- Parking in Padstow is limited in high season. Starting at Wadebridge, or arriving early, is often easier.
- Toilets are available in Padstow and Wadebridge but are few and far between along the trail.
Photos: The Camel Trail by Guy Wareham, CC BY-SA 2.0; The River Camel by Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0; via Wikimedia Commons.
