Can I Ride My Own Bike on the Camel Trail?
Yes! You absolutely can ride your own bike on the Camel Trail.
This stunning traffic-free route is one of Cornwall's most popular cycling destinations, and it's open to everyone who wants to explore its beautiful riverside scenery on their own bicycle.
Understanding the Camel Trail's Multi-Use Status
The Camel Trail is owned and managed by Cornwall Council as a multi-use recreational trail. This means the trail welcomes a diverse range of users, including cyclists, walkers, runners, horse riders, wheelchair users, dog walkers, and those learning to ride. Whether you're bringing your own bike or hiring locally, you're welcome to enjoy this iconic Cornish trail.
To ensure everyone can safely enjoy the trail, all users must follow the Camel Trail Code of Conduct. This code helps maintain a respectful, safe environment for the thousands of people who use the trail each year.
Safety Tips for Riding Your Own Bike on the Camel Trail
While the Camel Trail is predominantly flat and completely traffic-free, it can get busy, especially during peak season and school holidays. Here are some essential safety considerations:
Wear a helmet. Even though the trail is flat and away from roads, wearing a helmet is always advisable. With high volumes of trail users at certain times, it's an important safety precaution.
Approach with caution. People and animals can act unexpectedly, particularly when you're overtaking. Always slow down and give plenty of space when passing other trail users. A friendly bell ring or verbal warning helps too!
Watch for crossing points. At certain locations along the trail, vehicles may cross to access properties and businesses. These crossing points are clearly signposted, so stay alert and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Take extra care with children and dogs. When arriving at or leaving the trail, especially near car parks or road crossings, it's best to walk your bikes. This ensures everyone in your group stays together and safe.
Accessing the Camel Trail with Your Own Bike
One of the great advantages of bringing your own bike is the flexibility to start your ride from various access points along the trail. There are numerous car parks located along the route with easy access to the trail itself.
For detailed information about the best places to park and access the Camel Trail, check out our guide on where to park to access the Camel Trail.
Leaving Your Bike
The Camel Trail is pretty safe and there are lots of places to picnic and explore however if you are visiting Padstow, Wadebridge or Bodmin you may want to leave your bike and explore the town in which case a lock and chain will be handy. In Padstow, there is also the option of leaving your bike with Padstow Bike Hire for a small charge per bike, just in case you forget your lock!
Need Help or Prefer to Hire?
If you don't have your own bike or prefer the convenience of hiring locally, Bridge Bike Hire offers direct, traffic-free access to the Camel Trail. As the original Camel Trail bike hire established in 1983, we provide a comprehensive range of bikes from super comfort models to tandems, kids' bikes, and an extensive selection of accessibility bikes including wheelchair bikes and recumbent Ice trikes.
Contact Bridge Bike Hire:
Tel: 01208 813050
Email: info@bridgebikehire.co.uk
We promise a warm welcome for everyone – even the family dog! Whether you're riding your own bike or hiring from us, enjoy your Camel Trail adventure.
