One of North Cornwall’s most beloved natural attractions, the Camel Trail is the perfect activity for those who love a good stroll, a relaxing bike ride, and even a casual journey on horseback.
Whether you’re visiting our beautiful county and looking for fun things to do, or you’re a local seeking more information about the trail, you’ve come to the right place. As proud North Cornwall residents, we know everything there is to know about the picturesque Camel Trail, and in this post, we’ll share it all with you.
What is the Camel Trail?
The Camel Trail is a walking, biking, and equestrian trail in Cornwall, starting in the north of the county, then curving inland and upwards. This route is laid over an old railway line, which means the trail is almost entirely flat, making it ideal for all abilities, from young children to mobility aid users. 95.5% of the trail has asphalt or a hard track surface, making it even easier to traverse. One of the benefits that makes it so popular is the lack of traffic. In fact, the trail is 96% traffic-free. The only times you’ll encounter cars are the short segments that take you through towns.
The trail runs through many different types of Cornwall’s landscapes, including marshland and woodland, and offers stunning river views and picturesque town settings. It’s the perfect route for nature lovers, budding photographers, and those looking to truly soak in what Cornwall has to offer.
Why is it called the Camel Trail?
The Camel Trail’s unique name comes from the river it runs alongside, the River Camel. This name, in turn, comes from the river’s Cornish name ‘Dowr Kammel’, which means crooked river, perfectly describing its winding route.
Where does the Camel Trail start and finish?
The Camel Trail officially starts in Padstow, a town in north Cornwall, which sits on the west bank of the River Camel estuary. It then runs east along the river before heading southeast to Wadebridge, then onto Bodmin, and then north to Wendford Bridge, which is where the Camel Trail finishes. Despite these starting and finishing points, the trail can be done in reverse or broken up into more manageable sections.
How long is the Camel Trail?
The Camel Trail is 18.3 miles long, or 29.45 km. The route is perfect for long-distance runners and marathon trainers, cyclists, and horse riders to tackle in one go.
The most popular route segments are all fairly equal lengths:
- Padstow to Wadebridge: 5.3 miles or 8.5 km
- Wadebridge to Bodmin: 6.7 miles or 10.8 km
- Bodmin to Wenford Bridge: 6.3 miles or 10.1 km
Can you walk along the Camel Trail?
Yes, you can walk the Camel Trail! However, 18 miles is a fair distance to go on foot, so many walkers choose to break it down into shorter trails. If you’d like to walk the full route in one day, make sure you’ve packed plenty of supplies and SPF, and plan for breaks at the various eateries along the trail.
Cyclists and horse riders must give right of way to those on foot on the Camel Trail.
How long does it take to do the Camel Trail?
Walking, biking, or riding on horseback along the Camel Trail takes time, so plan your day accordingly. When looking at our estimates below for timing, remember that this is just one way! If you plan on turning at the end to get back to where you started, you’ll need to double the estimate.
On foot: Walking at an average speed, the trail could take an adult between six and eight hours with no breaks. This is a bit of a trek for some, so ensure you’ve got water and snacks or planned for some stops to refresh and refuel.
Walking speed differs greatly for children, so it’ll be down to you to estimate how long they’ll take. We do not advise attempting the entire trail on foot with children under 12, as it could take up to 18 hours to complete! Instead, break it down into segments across several days, or choose just one segment to explore, such as the 5.3-mile trail from Padstow to Wadebridge.
On a bike: This depends on the speed you like to ride at, but we’ve found that adults cycling at a leisurely pace take around two to three hours to complete the trail.
Again, children’s cycling speeds vary significantly based on both age and bike experience, so we’d recommend avoiding completing the entire trail in one day with kids under 10.
On a horse: Horse speeds vary, but riders have said that it takes around four to five hours to complete the trail on horseback. However, horses must be kept to a walking speed – no cantering or trotting down the trail, please.
Sites to see along the trail
There is so much to see along the Camel Trail. A wide variation of stunning scenery awaits, from shaded woodlands to thriving marshlands. Bird watchers love the trail for the diverse range of birdlife that calls Cornwall home, swooping through trees and reedbeds along the route.
Between Padstow and Wadebridge, you’ll travel across a beautiful listed Victorian bridge known as the Iron Bridge. Stop for a stunning photo opp with the river in the background. Another must-see on this trail segment is the Atlantic Express, an old railway carriage converted into a cafe. Grab some coffee and a breakfast bap to refuel at this charming stop in the middle of an old slate quarry.
Between Wadebridge and Bodmin, enjoy the journey through wooded valleys and spot the many historic remnants of the old railway. Stop at Camel Valley Vineyard for a refreshing glass of locally grown wine, or get some delicious tea and cake at Camel Trail Tea Gardens. Bodmin is home to some fantastic pubs and restaurants too – we recommend taking a break here for some well-deserved lunch!
Between Bodmin and Wenford Bridge, travel over more charming old bridges, including one from the 14th century, and see the ruins of Wenford Clay Dries and its towering chimneys. This final leg of the trail has a more peaceful and remote feel than the others, offering tranquil quiet as you take in the countryside on your journey through the trees. Don’t forget to stop at Snail’s Pace Cafe, an off-grid cafe built inside a recycled shipping container!
Is the Camel Trail free?
Yes, the Camel Trail is completely free to access and travel along. If you plan on hiring bikes or stopping at one of the many cafes or pubs along the way, then those will come with a charge.
Is the Camel Trail dog-friendly?
Yes, the trail welcomes dogs, as long as they are kept off the surrounding land. Dogs can cause damage and harm to wildlife, private land, and the river, so it’s best to keep them on a long lead. Always remember to bring dog poo bags with you if your furry companion is along for the ride and leave no mess behind.
Where to park in Padstow for the Camel Trail
Park in the Railway Car Park on Station Road in Padstow for the quickest access to the trail. You can pay on-site via debit or credit card, or cashless via RingGo with the location code 2849. Some machines accept coins, but no change is given, so it’s best to use a card.
If the Railway Car Park is full, try the Lawns Car Park on School Hill. It’s slightly further away from the trail’s start, but only by a few minutes. This car park also accepts credit and debit cards, payments via RingGo with location code 2848, and some machines accept coins but give no change.
Holiday homes in Padstow
If you’re ready to tackle the wonderful Camel Trail in all its natural glory, then make sure you’ve got somewhere lovely to rest your head. We have a beautiful selection of holiday homes in Padstow to suit your needs, from cosy two-bedroom cottages like the gorgeous Little Penty in the heart of town, to the bright and spacious Boskilly home, ready to sleep 10 eager Camel Trail explorers.
Join us in Padstow as you navigate the Camel Trail and everything else Cornwall has to offer.
