Last Updated on 18/04/2026 by Ting Dalton
The Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Padstow is one of the most popular cycle routes in Cornwall – and for good reason. It’s flat, mostly traffic-free, and follows the course of the River Camel along the estuary, with views that open up wider with every turn of the pedals.
We cycled this route as a family during a stay at a family-friendly farm, Coombe Mill, after hearing from other guests that it was a brilliant thing to do with kids. They were right. The 5.5-mile ride from Wadebridge to Padstow took us around 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, and it’s easily the most enjoyable afternoon we’ve had on two wheels in North Cornwall.
What is the Camel Trail?
The Camel Trail is an 18-mile largely traffic-free trail that follows the path of a disused railway line through scenic Cornish countryside between Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wenford Bridge. It’s part of the National Cycle Network (Route 32) and is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.
The trail runs through both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, and the Wadebridge to Padstow stretch passes through the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Around 400,000 people use the trail every year, and it’s managed by Cornwall Council and the Camel Trail Partnership.
It falls into three main sections:
- Padstow to Wadebridge – 5.5 miles (the most popular stretch)
- Wadebridge to Bodmin (Boscarne) – 5.75 miles
- Bodmin to Wenford Bridge – 6.25 miles
We only did the Wadebridge to Padstow section – the most popular stretch of the Camel Trail – but you can easily extend the ride towards Bodmin if you want a longer day out. That part of the trail takes you through quieter Forestry Commission woodland and native trees along the Camel river valley, past the Camel Trail Tea Garden (a great place for a cream tea halfway), and within easy reach of Lanhydrock House, as well as the edge of Bodmin Moor. If you time it right you might catch the Bodmin and Wenford steam railway pulling into Boscarne Junction.
A brief history of the Camel Trail
The section from Wadebridge to Poley’s Bridge (now Wenford Bridge) is one of the oldest railway lines in Britain, opened in 1834. It was originally built to carry sea sand from the Camel Estuary inland to farms as fertiliser, and later transported china clay, granite and passengers. The Wadebridge line to Padstow came later, opening in 1899 as part of the South West railway network’s route from London Waterloo.
Passenger services ended in 1967, while the freight-only section from Bodmin to Wenford Bridge kept running until 1983. The disused railway was eventually converted into the trail we know today – and its flat, gently surfaced trackbed is exactly what makes it so easy to cycle.
Bike hire in Wadebridge
We hired our bikes from Bike Smart on Eddystone Road, right near the start of the trail. The staff were helpful and sized up everything we needed, including a child seat with tight-fitting safety straps and cycle helmets.
There are several licensed Camel Trail cycle hire shops in Wadebridge, so you have options:
- Bridge Bike Hire – the original bike hire on the trail, established in 1983, with direct traffic-free access onto the Camel Trail from their courtyard. They also offer wheelchair bikes and accessibility options.
- Bike Smart – opposite Ann’s Cottage on Eddystone Road, with free on-site parking for customers.
- Camel Trail Cycle Hire – also on Eddystone Road, directly opposite the start of the Wadebridge to Padstow route.
All three offer child trailers, tag-alongs, child seats and e-bikes. Book ahead during summer months and school holidays – this is a popular route and bikes do sell out. You can also bring your own bike if you prefer.
Our Camel Trail cycle ride
The three of us were buzzing with excitement. This was the first time my son had ever been on the back of a ‘big bike’ as he referred to it. And it was the first time hubby or I had ridden one for some years. I was a bit wobbly to begin with, but the age-old saying of ‘you never forget how to ride a bike’ is so true – after just a few minutes we were well on our way, and my son was encouraging us both to race.
We managed long stretches without seeing other people, but when we did, my son would tell us to ring our bells. Even though hubby started complaining about how uncomfortable his saddle was, I have to say it didn’t feel like a chore at all – the sun was shining, the views across the Camel Estuary were gorgeous, and we pedalled along on a flat path that didn’t require too much effort. About halfway along this part of the trail, you’ll pass the Atlantic Coast Express – a vintage train carriage converted into an open-air café, which is a fun pit stop. Even if you haven’t cycled in years, you’ll manage this trail.
The scenery coming into Padstow was particularly lovely. The tide was far out, and because it was such a clear day, we could see for miles across the estuary towards Rock. At low tide, the sandbanks and mudflats open up, and it’s a great spot for nature lovers – look out for little egrets, curlews and oystercatchers wading at the water’s edge.
Arriving in Padstow
Once we got to Padstow, we were surprised by how many bikes were already parked up. After chaining ours up, we strolled into the town centre and enjoyed a fish and chip lunch, had a wander around the harbour, bought some souvenirs and then headed back for the return ride.
If you’d rather not cycle both ways, you could also take the Rock to Padstow ferry one way and cycle the other – it’s a great way to see the estuary from the water too.
My son was so exhausted by the outing that he managed to fall asleep on the back of the bike, head lolling from side to side. The ride back flew by, and it was a fantastic outdoor activity for the afternoon – fresh air, a bit of exercise, and proper family fun. We still talk about it now.
Practical information for the Camel Trail
- Distance (Wadebridge to Padstow): 5.5 miles each way
- Time: approximately 45 minutes each way at a steady pace
- Surface: compressed gravel and some tarmac – flat the entire route
- Parking: there are several car parks in Wadebridge town centre (Piggy Lane car park is close to the trail start). Some bike hire shops also offer free parking for customers.
- Public toilets: available in Wadebridge (alongside the trail) and in Padstow town centre
- Bike hire: available in Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wenford Bridge. Only licensed providers are permitted – check your hirer is licensed by Cornwall Council.
- Dogs: welcome but must be kept under control
- Accessibility: the trail has easy access for wheelchair users and mobility scooters. Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge offers a wheelchair tandem bike.
For full details, including a downloadable map, visit the Cornwall Council Camel Trail page.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Camel Trail walk from Wadebridge to Padstow?
It’s 5.5 miles each way. On foot, allow around 2-2.5 hours in each direction. By bike, it takes roughly 45 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Can you walk the Camel Trail, or is it just for cyclists?
The trail is open to walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. It’s a shared-use path, so just be aware of other users – especially during busy summer months.
Is the Camel Trail flat?
Yes. Because it follows the route of an old railway line, the entire route is virtually level. This makes it ideal for families with young children, beginners, and anyone who hasn’t been on a bike in a while.
Do you need to book bike hire in advance?
It’s a good idea, especially during summer holidays and the busier months when the trail gets busy. Most hire shops in Wadebridge offer online booking.
Which part of the Camel Trail is best?
The Wadebridge to Padstow stretch is the most popular and, in my opinion, the most scenic. You ride alongside the Camel Estuary with wide open views across the water. The Wadebridge to Bodmin section is quieter and more wooded – a great choice if you prefer a peaceful ride.
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