3 facts about the Camel Trail
History of Camel Trail
The Camel Trail was built on two former railway tracks, one that was known as “The Old North Cornwall Railway Line”. The Padstow to Wadebridge line, the first section of the Camel Trail, was opened in 1899 and closed in 1967. The second section of the trail was built on the former Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway.
Current Use
Named after the river that it runs along, the River Camel, the Camel Trail is now 18 miles of mostly traffic free, flat terrain for the public to use. There is a short section of the trail that encounters normal traffic in Wadebridge.
The trail is managed and maintained by Cornwall Council.
It’s accessible to all, whether you’re on foot, cycling or horse riding. The trail is also suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. It’s made up over three main sections, allowing you to take in the beautiful scenery from Padstow all the way to Wenfordbridge.
The trail also has links to other popular trails in Cornwall. These include the St Piran Trail, the Coast and Clay Trail and the North Cornwall Trail.
Take your time exploring the Camel Trail and stay in this luxury 3 bed caravan in Padstow!
Camel Trail Bike Hire
Looking to venture along the trail by bicycle but want to hire a bike when you get there? Worry not! Each cycle hire has a range of bikes available. From comfortable hybrids, to mountain bikes and even tandems, you’ll be sure to find a bike suitable for the whole family! Here are some places that you can hire a bike from in Padstow and Wadebridge:
Padstow
- Padstow Cycle Hire
- Trail Bike Hire
Wadebridge
- Camel Trail Cycle Hire
- Bridge Bike Hire
How long does it take to walk/cycle?
To cycle the trail from Padstow to Wenfordbridge, it would take roughly 1 hour and 3o minutes. Walking the whole trail will take roughly 6 hours.
Padstow to Wadebridge
Starting at Padstow, the Padstow to Wadebridge section of the Camel Trail takes just under 2 hours to walk. It’s 5.5 miles in length and has a flat terrain. If you’re looking for somewhere to go for a leisurely stroll with beautiful scenery, this is a great walk! There are some great pasty shops in Wadebridge to stop and fill your boots along the way, such as Malcom Barnecutts.
Wadebridge to Bodmin
If you’re looking to walk a little further, you can continue your walk along the Camel Trail with the section from Wadebridge to Bodmin. It’s 5.75 miles in length. There is car parking at Wadebridge, for if you’re looking to explore either direction of the trail from Wadebridge.
Bodmin/Boscarne to Wenfordbridge
The last section of the Camel Trail runs from Bodmin to Wenfordbridge. It’s 6.25 miles long and passes points such as Pencarrow Wood and Poley’s Bridge. If you are looking to start your adventure from this section of the trail and you’re bringing your own bicycle, there is car parking at Poley’s Bridge.
Facebook Comments