The Camel Trail
Distance: 18 miles (one way) | Type: Traffic-Free
Cornwall’s most famous cycling route, the Camel Trail follows a disused railway line for 18 miles from the historic fishing port of Padstow to Bodmin. This flat, traffic-free path is perfect for families and leisure cyclists of all abilities.
Route Overview
The trail runs along the picturesque Camel Estuary before heading inland through woodland and countryside to Bodmin. The entire route is on a well-maintained tarmac and hard-packed surface, making it suitable for all types of bikes including hybrids, road bikes, and mountain bikes.
Highlights
- Padstow - Charming harbour town with excellent cafés and restaurants
- Camel Estuary - Stunning tidal estuary with abundant wildlife
- Wadebridge - Traditional market town, ideal refreshment stop
- Woodland sections - Beautiful tree-lined stretches through Forestry Commission land
- Bodmin - Historic market town marking the trail’s end
Wildlife & Scenery
The estuary sections offer excellent bird watching opportunities with herons, egrets, curlews, and oystercatchers commonly seen. In spring and summer, wildflowers line the trail. The tidal nature of the estuary means the scenery changes throughout the day.
Practical Information
Starting Points:
- Padstow (harbour) - busy in summer, arrive early for parking
- Wadebridge - good facilities, easier parking
- Bodmin - quieter end of the trail
Facilities:
- Bike hire available at multiple locations
- Cafés and pubs along the route
- Public toilets at main towns
- Picnic spots and benches throughout
Planning Your Ride
Full Trail: 18 miles one way (36 miles return) - allow 4-6 hours for a leisurely return trip
Shorter Options:
- Padstow to Wadebridge (5.5 miles) - flat, scenic estuary riding
- Wadebridge to Bodmin (12.5 miles) - more varied scenery, gentle climb to Bodmin
Best Time: Early morning or weekday visits avoid summer crowds. The trail is open year-round and beautiful in all seasons.
What to Bring
- Water and snacks (or money for cafés)
- Sun protection in summer
- Waterproof jacket (weather can change quickly)
- Basic bike repair kit
- Mobile phone
- Binoculars for bird watching
Tips for Your Visit
- Book bike hire in advance during summer and school holidays
- Padstow end gets very busy - consider starting from Wadebridge
- Prevailing winds usually favor Padstow to Bodmin direction
- Trail can be muddy after rain in places
- Dogs welcome but must be kept under control
- Be courteous to other users - walkers have priority
The Camel Trail is Cornwall’s most accessible and popular cycling route - perfect for a family day out or a relaxed ride through beautiful Cornish countryside.