Your Guide to the Camel Trail
The Camel Trail stretches all the way from Bodmin to Padstow, looping in woodland, wildlife and waterside views.
Where the River Camel winds through the heart of Cornwall, you’ll find the Camel Trail: just over 18 miles of flat, traffic-free discovery.
It’s no surprise that exploring the Camel Trail is one of Cornwall’s best-loved outdoor activities. Passing along woodland, marshland and riverbanks, it provides a rare chance to take in swathes of uninterrupted scenery.
The trail follows the footprint of an old railway line, which explains its flat, firm surface – making it perfect for bikes, horses, wheelchairs, scooters, and wandering feet. One of its starting points is right here in Bodmin, on Scarletts Well Road (just along from Bodmin Jail).
From Bodmin, you’re spoilt for choice: ours is the only location with two routes to try out. You can head towards Wadebridge (which leads on to Padstow), or take the former branch line to Wenford Bridge (with the potential to veer off track and explore nearby Bodmin Moor).
From Bodmin to Wadebridge
This section covers 6.7 miles (10.8km), taking in tree-lined avenues, patches of woodland, and riverside pathways. For a breather, you could stop off at the Camel Valley Vineyard or Camel Trail Tea Garden. If you go as far as Wadebridge, you’ll find local shops and cafes to browse while you’re there.
From Bodmin to Wenford Bridge
Or head out from Bodmin to Wenford Bridge, tracing the River Camel back towards its source on Bodmin Moor. This stretch spans 6.3 miles (10.1km), while adding in a medieval bridge, evocative industrial ruins and established woodland. At Wenford Bridge, the off-grid Snail’s Pace Café becomes your handy rest and refuel point.
How will you travel the trail?
Whatever your age or abilities, the Camel Trail is the perfect way to get out and hit your stride. Go on foot, choosing a stretch that suits you; tick off the trail section by section; or hop on a bike and breeze through the scenery. If you don’t have wheels with you, there are lots of local providers offering cycle hire, including Explore by Bike, here in Bodmin, and Camel Trail Cycle Hire in Wadebridge.
What to spot along the way
Wildlife on the Camel Estuary
With a lively collection of landscapes, the Camel Trail is a great route for wildlife watching. At the Camel Estuary near Padstow, you can often spot birds like oystercatchers, sanderlings and herons. And, if you’re (very) lucky, you might catch a rare glimpse of resident otters.
The Iron Bridge
Built in 1899, the Iron Bridge arches across Little Petherick Creek, between Wadebridge and Padstow. It’s a popular spot to pause in for photos, or to linger and enjoy the waterside views.
Passing steam trains and railway history
Because it follows a reclaimed train line, the Camel Trail includes interesting echoes of its railway age. As you travel, look out for former stations and railway buildings. Depending on timetables, you may even spot steam trains passing along the Bodmin Railway.
Good to know…
- The Camel Trail is free, and remains open all year round.
- In Bodmin, you’ll find car parks at Berrycombe and Scarletts Well.
- Dogs are very welcome, but should be kept under close control to protect wildlife.
- This is a multi-use route, so do look out for others, including walkers, cyclists, and horses.
If you’d like to know more, you can check out maps, overviews and parking information on the Camel Trail website.