Cycling
The Camel Trail, one of the country’s most popular off road cycling facilities is part owned by North Cornwall District Council and by Cornwall County Council. Managed as a Partnership involving local community organisations, the Camel Trail is carefully maintained and promoted in order to accommodate the 350,000 users each year. The Camel Trail is a 18 mile largely traffic free cycleway which passes through some of the most spectacular countryside in the south west. Following the disused railway line once used by the London and South West Railway, cyclists hug the Camel Estuary from Padstow to Wadebridge before joining the route through the deeply incised and beautifully wooded ‘Camel Valley’ to Bodmin. At Bodmin yet another line, one of the most historic in the country, winds its way inland to the foot of Bodmin Moor where it comes to an end near Blisland, an extraordinarily pretty moorland village.
Bikes can be hired in Padstow or Wadebridge from the start of the Camel Trail.
- Padstow Cycle Hire, Padstow
£10 instead of the usual £13 to hire a standard bike on selected dates for all Harbour Holidays guests.
01841 533 533 - Trail Bike Hire, Padstow
01841 532 594 - Bridge Cycle Hire, Wadebridge
01208 814 545 - Babes and Bikes, Wadebridge
01208 815 262
If you fancy an ice cream during your ride along the Camel Trail, who maybe have a birthday or other special occasion to celebrate, why not visit Treats on Trikes, or new for this year there is also a crepe machine and other homemade goodies available!
- Treats on Trikes,
01841 540855
THE CAMEL TRAIL
The Camel Trail, wends its ways through some of England’s most beautiful and relatively unknown coastal scenery and countryside. There are 11 miles of disused railway beside the River Camel that have been converted from the rail track bed to trail way, thus linking the towns of Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin.
An offshoot of the trail follows the river through North Cornwall’s rugged moor land village landscapes and idyllic wooded valleys, towards the picturesque market town of Camelford. The hub of the Camel Trail can be found at Wadebridge and from here poses two possibilities. One is to head west and follow the trail to Padstow. Just over five miles of cycle trail are waiting to be discovered.
The trail passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in England, with stunning views out over the Camel estuary, complimented with little tributaries that disappear into the heart of the fabulous north Cornwall countryside, as well as revealing little inland coves and beaches at low tide.
In either direction you will enjoy a myriad of sights to inspire the mind as well as the benefits of a healthy excursion. The Camel Trail is virtually level all the way due to it being laid on the old railway track. Although not quite a road surface, the Camel Trail is mostly smooth and provides safe and easy access to unspoilt countryside for those folk unable to use our undulating inland and coastal paths.
