In these strange times of Covid we have all been encouraged to get out and excercise. One of the success stories has been the popularity of cycling. We are spoilt here at Cowries as we have some great cycle trails around us, with one of the most popular being the The Camel Trail.

The Camel Trail is an 18 mile largely traffic free, surfaced and virtually level multi use trail which provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.

The trail is also suitable for walkers, horse-riders and wheel-chair users and falls into three main sections:

• Padstow to Wadebridge – 5.5 Miles (8.8Km)
• Wadebridge to Bodmin (Boscarne) – 5.75 Miles (9.25Km)
• Bodmin to Wenfordbridge – 6.25 Miles (10.1 Km)

We opted for the Wadebridge to Padstow (and back) and hired our bikes from Bridge Bike Hire.

It’s a great way to see the Cornish countryside and there are plenty of places that you can park up and explore. We stopped in Padstow and rewarded our efforts with a Kelly’s ice cream!

How to get there

There are a number of ways that you can get to the Camel Trail:

Car – view the Camel Trail leaflet or a map of the Camel Trail to find out how to get there by car. You can also find information about car parks and how to access the trail below in the facilities and parking section.

Facilities and Parking

Cost: Free

Bike Hire: is available at Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wendfordbridge. (Only licensed providers are permitted to hire bikes for the Trail, please check your hirer is licensed).

Toilets: are located at Wendfordbridge, Wadebridge alongside the trail and in Padstow town centre.

Main Car parks / Entrances onto the Trail

The Camel Trail leaflet includes a map of the trail and access points to it.

• Padstow (SW921 747) – Multiple car parks in the town
• Old Town Cove (SW932 742) – Follow signs for Old Town Cove from St Issey
• Wadebridge (SW988 727) – Multiple car parks in the town
• Dunmere Bodmin (SX046 675) – Car park at the Borough Arms, PL31 2RD.
• Scarletts Well Bodmin (SX061 674)
• Grogley Halt (SX014 685)
• Shell Woods (SX087 722)
• Wenfordbridge (SX084 751) – Small car park at the Wenfordbridge end of the trail

Refreshments are available at: Padstow, The old Quarry (between Padstow and Wadebridge) Wadebridge, Nanstallon, Bodmin and Wendfordbridge.

Bird Hide: There is an accessible bird hide alongside the trail near Wadebridge at SW997 717.