The Camel Trail

The Camel Trail is an 18-mile, surfaced, largely traffic-free and virtually level path, free to use. It follows a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow, and Cornwall Council describes it as suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. It falls into three sections: Padstow to Wadebridge is 5.5 miles, Wadebridge to Bodmin (Boscarne) is 5.75 miles, and Bodmin to Wenfordbridge is 6.25 miles.

The busiest stretch is Padstow to Wadebridge, which runs beside the Camel Estuary and is the easiest option for families. The quietest is the climb from Bodmin towards the edge of Bodmin Moor at Wenfordbridge. Bike hire is available at Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wenfordbridge, and only licensed providers may hire bikes for the trail, so check your hirer is licensed.

Toilets are at Wenfordbridge, alongside the trail at Wadebridge and in Padstow town centre. Refreshments are available at Padstow, the old quarry between Padstow and Wadebridge, Wadebridge, Nanstallon, Bodmin and Wenfordbridge. The route runs through a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, and the council lists otters, bats, kingfishers and little egrets among the wildlife to look for. There is an accessible bird hide beside the trail near Wadebridge. Car parks serve Padstow, Old Town Cove, Wadebridge, Dunmere, Scarletts Well, Grogley Halt, Shell Woods and Wenfordbridge.