The Camel Trail in North Cornwall, 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.
The other option is to head inland, east towards the town of Bodmin, with equally inspirational surroundings and various interesting diversions
along the way.
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.
Camel Trail
Code of Conduct for all users
Please ensure that you and others have a
good day out when using the
camel trail by following this code
Please use the trail safely
Walkers always have right of way
Prams and buggies have right of way. Wheelchairs do too!
Do not drop litter, or light fires
Please respect landowners privacy-
Do not trespass onto privately owned land
Please show consideration to other users
Cyclists
Please wear a safety helmet and carry a repair kit
Please keep your speed down
Remember that walkers always have right of way.
When you approach other users from behind, let them know you are there.
Dogs
Dog owners, please take a bag with you and use the dog waste
bins provided at Guineaport and Padstow.
Dog owners, please stop
your dog bothering other trail users, wildlife and adjoining landowners'
stock.
We want you to keep your dog under control - if this means you have to keep
it on a lead please do so.
Please keep your dogs under control
Do not cycle with your dog- it is very dangerous
Horses
Horses must walk at all times. No trotting, cantering or
galloping.
Groups should go at the pace of the slowest or wait for it to
catch up. Horses are huge and skittish compared to a toddler on a bike. Horses are not allowed on the North Cornwall District
Councils section from Nanstallon to Poley's Bridge.
With no cars to bother you and beautiful
scenery, an abundance of wildlife, little coves, old quarry workings
and the mighty Iron Bridge that sits astride the estuary leading to Padstow.
There is a wealth to see and do at Padstow, with its shops,
restaurants, cafes and pubs.
To give you the freedom to enjoy the old fishing town, you can chain
your cycles up and walk around the town
Poley's Bridge and Bodmin
Again a level trail, free of cars: As you go
along this trail, the River Camel gradually narrows to a shallow stream in a
wooded valley.
A lovely place to picnic.
There is a tea room along the trail, also a
pub. You can make your way to Bodmin Jail and Railway Station, or take the
left fork at the junction and carry on, passing through woodlands with the
river to your left. This leads to Poley's Bridge and eventually to the car
park, where there is a newly opened extension to the trail which takes you on
to Wenford Bridge.
Wenford Bridge is the inland starting point of
the
Camel Trail.
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get to, totally traffic free, only maintenance vehicles allowed
and well signed when working on the T-Rail.