The Camel Trail is one of our favourite days out, and Wadebridge is the perfect place to start. From here you can follow the estuary to Padstow or head inland towards Bodmin. Both routes are largely traffic free and almost completely flat, so you can walk or cycle at whatever pace suits your group. Here's everything you need to plan your day, from distances and bike hire to parking and the best places to stop for cake!
The Camel Trail follows an old railway line between Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wenfordbridge. It's 18 miles in total, surfaced and virtually level, and split into three sections. You don't need to tackle the whole thing to enjoy it. Pick a direction, pack a picnic and turn back whenever you're ready!
These distances come from Cornwall Council. The Bodmin distance takes you to Boscarne, so allow a little extra if you want to carry on into the town centre. Going out and back also means you'll finish where you started, right by your parked car or your bike hire shop, with no need to arrange a lift home.
If you'd like water views and a lovely lunch spot at the end, head west towards Padstow. The trail runs right alongside the Camel Estuary, and there's plenty of space to stop and watch the birds over the water. About halfway, you'll find the Atlantic Coast Express café in the old quarry, a great spot for a break.
This is the most popular (and busiest) stretch of the trail, so it's worth setting off early in the holidays. Remember that 5.5 miles is one way, so the round trip is 11 miles. That can feel like a long way with little ones, so it's fine to turn back early. If you do make it to Padstow, have a wander around the harbour before heading home.
Turn the other way at Wadebridge and the trail heads inland towards Bodmin. It's a completely different ride from the estuary, following the river through wooded countryside. The section is 5.75 miles to Boscarne, so allow around 11.5 miles if you go all the way and back.
This is a great choice if you've already done the Padstow stretch or you'd like something a bit quieter. Stop at the Camel Trail Tea Garden at Nanstallon, or save yourself for the delicious cakes at the Snails Pace Cafe near the Bodmin end. Check opening hours for both before you set off. If you've still got energy to spare, the trail carries on for another 6.25 miles towards Wenfordbridge.
Just a heads up: Boscarne and Bodmin town centre aren't the same place. If you want to stop in the town, check your route beforehand, as it adds some extra distance and may involve roads.
Wadebridge is a handy starting point because you can choose either direction once you're on the trail. Cornwall Council lists Wadebridge as one of the trail's main access points and car parks.
We recommend Bridge Bike Hire, right on the trail in Wadebridge. They've got everything from standard bikes to trailers, tag-alongs, tricycles and even an accessible wheelchair bike. It gets busy in the holidays, so book your bikes in advance! There's also bike hire in Padstow, Bodmin and Wenfordbridge, and only licensed providers are allowed to hire out bikes for the trail. For more ideas, have a look at our guide to cycling in North Cornwall.
While you're in Wadebridge, it's worth having a mooch around the town. Don't miss Dickson's, the most amazing hardware shop!
You'll find toilets alongside the trail at Wadebridge, in Padstow town centre and at Wenfordbridge. There are places to eat and drink in Padstow, at the old quarry, in Wadebridge, at Nanstallon, in Bodmin and at Wenfordbridge.
Opening times vary through the year, so it's a good idea to take water and snacks, especially if you're heading inland. There's also an accessible bird hide near Wadebridge if you fancy a quiet moment spotting wildlife.
Absolutely! The trail is flat and largely traffic free, so it's ideal for a family ride. It's shared with walkers, horse riders and wheelchair users, so keep your speed down and leave plenty of room for people walking and little ones who wobble.
If your children are still finding their feet on two wheels, going out and back makes the day easy to adjust. Choose your turnaround point based on how much energy they'll need to get home, not how far they can get on the way out. If you need adapted equipment, have a chat with the hire shop before your visit to make sure everything fits.
Yes! The Camel Trail is just as lovely on foot, and starting in Wadebridge lets you choose how far you go. The Padstow section is 5.5 miles each way, which is quite a walk once you add the return. There's no need to do it all, though. Walk for a while, stop to watch the estuary, then head back to Wadebridge.
Check the weather before you leave, and plan a shorter route if it's looking wild. If you're cycling, make sure everyone's bike fits them properly and that they know how to pass other trail users safely. If your group rides at different speeds, agree on a meeting point, and leave plenty of time to get the bikes back without rushing.
We're just five minutes' drive from Wadebridge, so the Camel Trail makes an easy day out from the farm. The Olde House is our family-run countryside escape on Penpont Farm in Chapel Amble, and we've got plenty to keep everyone happy when you're back.
Tired legs can head to the indoor pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Anyone with energy left can try the games room, outdoor play areas, the indoor play barn (for under-10s) or our farm trail and bird hide. Whatever the weather, there's something for everyone!
Our self-catering cottages sleep from 2 to 10 guests, so there's something for couples, families and bigger groups. You can pack a picnic for the trail, pop back to the cottage for lunch or keep the afternoon free. Browse our cottages to find the right one for you, then book your stay and put a Camel Trail day in the diary!
The Camel Trail is one of our favourite days out, and Wadebridge is the perfect place to start. Here's everything you need to plan your day, from distances and bike hire to parking and the best places to stop for cake!
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