Bluebells on the Camel Trail
One of Spring's Best Kept Secrets
If you're looking for things to do in Cornwall this spring, we've got a suggestion that doesn't involve a car park queue or an entry fee. Just a bike, a few miles of trail, and one of the most quietly beautiful seasonal spectacles the county has to offer.
Right now, the Camel Trail is lining itself with bluebells.
Where to Find Bluebells on the Camel Trail
The wildflowers are out along both directions of the trail at the moment — you'll spot splashes of colour heading towards Padstow as well as towards Bodmin — but if you want the full bluebell experience, head towards Bodmin.
About 2.5 miles from our base in Wadebridge, the trail takes you into what our family have always called the bluebell woods. You'll know you're there when you spot the little bench marking the entrance. Lock up your bike — we provide locks with every hire, so your bike will be waiting safely when you get back — and head up into the woods on foot.
Take a picnic. Seriously. It's one of those spots that makes you want to slow right down and stay a while, you look over the trail and towards the river and it’s super quiet.
The Wild Garlic Is Worth Stopping For Too
Alongside the bluebells, wild garlic is absolutely everywhere at the moment, and if you've never done anything with it, now is the time.
Our favourite thing to do is pick a good handful of leaves, head home (or to wherever you're staying), and make the most wonderful wild garlic pesto. Chop the leaves, mix them with olive oil and pine nuts, and you're done. It sounds almost too simple, but it's genuinely one of our favourite things about this time of year — not just the eating, but the whole thing. The picking, the laughing in the kitchen with a bottle of wine while you make it, and then of course the slightly aromatic aftermath. Let's just say you'll know you've had it.
Plan Your Bluebell Bike Ride
The distances from Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge are beautifully manageable:
Bluebell woods (towards Bodmin) — approximately 2.5 miles
Bodmin — approximately 5 miles
Padstow — approximately 5 miles
You can make a full day of it, or just head out for a couple of hours. The trail is flat, traffic-free, and genuinely lovely at this time of year — quieter than the summer months, with wildlife going about its business all around you if you take your time.
Stock Up Before You Go With A Picnic From Wadebridge
Wadebridge is a great little town and worth a wander before you set off. Pick up a picnic from Le Snack or one of the many other cafés and delis in town, and if you're planning to make a wild garlic pesto evening of it, Wadebridge Wines or one of the supermarkets on your way through will sort you out on the bottle front nicely.
Hire Your Bike and Head Out In Search Of Bluebells
We have bikes for everyone — adults, children, and a full range of accessibility bikes including wheelchair bikes, tandems, trikes, child seats and trailers. Locks are included so you can leave the trail with confidence and explore on foot whenever something catches your eye.
Bluebell season doesn't hang around for long. May is the sweet spot — get out while they're at their best.
Book online or get in touch: 🌐 www.bridgebikehire.co.uk 📞 01208 813050 📧 info@bridgebikehire.co.uk
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Bridge Bike Hire — the original and first bike hire on the Camel Trail, based in Wadebridge, Cornwall.
