Car Parks Along the Camel Trail

30 Aug

When bringing your own bikes or starting a walk on the Camel Trail, there are multiple options to choose from regarding parking and access. The main access points to the Camel Trail are Padstow and Wadebridge. There are bike hires at both points: Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge, which is the only hire with direct access to the trail, and Padstow Bike Hire in Padstow.

Padstow (SW921 747)

Padstow Town Car Park

Address: Padstow Town Car Park, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AF
GPS Coordinates: 50.5390° N, 4.9359° W
Other nearby car parks: The Strand Car Park, Station Road Car Park

From this car park it is a short walk along the river to the start of the Camel Trail. Padstow Town Council requests that you walk your bikes along this short section as it is through a busy car park and past some businesses which need vehicular access.

Old Town Cove (SW932 742)

Working from Padstow upriver, the next car park is very small and more difficult to navigate to. Offering around a dozen parking spaces, it gives access 2 miles from Padstow and is good for those wanting an easy walk or short cycle for little legs. Bear in mind this is a drive down quite a few single-lane tracks and there is very limited parking, so you are not guaranteed a parking space when you get there. Good for out of season and used a lot by locals.

Address: Old Town Cove, near St Issey, Wadebridge, PL27 7QS
GPS Coordinates: 50.5362° N, 4.9228° W
Follow signs for Old Town Cove from St Issey

Wadebridge (SW988 727)

The most popular place to start your exploration of the Camel Trail is Wadebridge. With multiple car parks, you can always find a space. Again, given the busy roads and large car parks, you are requested to walk your bikes to the trail. You will see Bridge Bike Hire – the first bike hire on the Camel Trail – right at the start of the trail towards Padstow.

Address: Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6DF (town centre)
GPS Coordinates: 50.5179° N, 4.8381° W
Closest car parks to the trail: Piggy Lane Car Park, Goldsworthy Way Car Park
For those exploring upriver towards Bodmin: Jubilee Road Pay and Display (short walk to the start of the trail)

Dunmere, Bodmin (SX046 675)

There is a lovely pub, The Borough Arms, here as well as a large car park – perfect for refreshments on return or before you set off! Access to the trail is down a narrow path, so it's advisable to walk this very short section.

Address: Borough Arms, Dunmere Road, Bodmin, PL31 2RD
GPS Coordinates: 50.4510° N, 4.7443° W

Scarletts Well, Bodmin (SX061 674)

This is the biggest car park on the trail and is relatively unused. Access to the trail is on a cycle path that takes you through a local garden area.

Address: Scarletts Well, Bodmin, PL31 1DQ
GPS Coordinates: 50.4498° N, 4.7232° W

Grogley Halt (SX014 685)

A small car park with access to the trail. Again, expect small lanes and a fair drive to access this location. This places you on the trail between Wadebridge and Bodmin.

Address: Grogley Halt, near Bodmin, PL30 5BT
GPS Coordinates: 50.4634° N, 4.7895° W

Shell Woods (SX087 722)

A smaller but quieter car park accessible down small lanes. This gives you access halfway between Bodmin and Wenfordbridge.

Address: Shell Woods, near Wadebridge, PL27 6HB
GPS Coordinates: 50.5145° N, 4.6866° W

Wenfordbridge (SX084 751)

This is the far end of the trail near Bodmin Moor. The car park gives direct access to the trail and is generally very quiet. There is a seasonal café at this car park.

Address: Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, PL30 3PY
GPS Coordinates: 50.5331° N, 4.6907° W

Planning Your Camel Trail Adventure

Whether you're bringing your own bike or hiring locally, choosing the right car park can enhance your Camel Trail experience. For families and those seeking convenience, Wadebridge offers the best facilities and easy access. For a quieter start, consider Scarletts Well or Wenfordbridge.

Contact Bridge Bike Hire for more information: