The Camel & Other Trails

Tom’s Cottage’s nearest designated trail - a flat, 18 mile stretch that follows the River Camel on a converted old railway line.

The full route can be broken down into 3 roughly equal stages, running from Wenford Bridge on the edge of Bodmin Moor to the outskirts of Bodmin, from Bodmin to Wadebridge and Wadebridge to Padstow on the coast. Other, less busy, access points are located along the trail; usually serviced by small car parks and not much else.

Although flat by Cornish standards, there is a gradual gradient running the overall length of the Camel Trail: Wenford Bridge (by our calculations) being 50-70 metres higher than Padstow at sea-level. So, if planning an out and back route, choosing the right starting point may make the return leg easier going.

There are a few country road crossings en route (all clearly marked), and an unavoidable stretch of road through Wadebridge – our local town that coincidently has a good vibe to it.  

Wenford Bridge – Bodmin, 6¼ miles

Tom’s Cottage to Wenford Bridge: 6¼ miles

Tom’s Cottage to Dunmere, Bodmin (Borough Arms car park): 11 miles

Other access points: Poley’s Bridge, Shell Woods, and Helland Bridge

In the valley below the moorland villages of St Breward and Blisland rests Wenford Bridge, and the Snails Pace café Hire bikes here and enjoy a light lunch or the fabulous cakes from a family friendly establishment (we also recommend the salads that cater for all diets).

The trail itself sets out past the old Wenford Dries that once dried china clay quarried at Stannon, passes through Shell Woods to Hellandbridge; and continues through more woods to Dunmere.

On the approach to Dunmere, there is a 1½ mile side-path that leads to the historic Bodmin Jail on the edge of Bodmin. The town is home to Bodmin and Wenford Railway which operates steam train trips with various ‘specials’ throughout the year.

Bodmin – Wadebridge, 5¾ miles

Tom’s Cottage to Dunmere, Bodmin (Borough Arms car park): 11 miles

Tom’s Cottage to Wadebridge (Lidl car park): 7¼ miles

Other access points: Boscarne Junction, Polbrock bridge, Grogley Halt and the Guineaport end of Wadebridge

This section runs through valley meadows with wooded glades direct to Wadebridge.  

Trail users cycling its entire length will need to navigate the town roads to follow the River Camel to the start of the Padstow leg, but this pleasant town has a good array of refreshment stops and interesting shops; and happens to be Tom’s Cottage’s choice of local towns.

Wadebridge – Padstow, 5½ miles

Tom’s Cottage to Wadebridge (Lidl car park): 7¼ miles

Tom’s Cottage to Padstow (harbour car park): 15 miles

Other access points: Tregunna and Old Town cove

Several bike hire companies are located in Wadebridge near the start of the Padstow section.

The most popular leg of the Camel Trail, the trail runs alongside the river’s transformation into an estuary. Waders and waterbirds make a notable change from the songbirds of other legs, and the open watery vistas lures cyclists and walkers on toward the coast.

On reaching Padstow there’s the harbour, notable eateries and boat trips to be had. Side roads leading away from the harbour house several good shops, particularly of the clothes type.

Don’t miss Padstow’s Lobster Hatchery in the harbour car park, a ferry ride to Rock and a walk out on Stepper Point – make for the War Memorial and beyond for Harbour Cove: a beautiful beach looking out over the infamous Doom Bar; with the old coastguard’s station clearly visible along the beach at Hawkers Cove.