A Golden Opportunity for Cornwall's Hidden Gem

Exciting news is brewing in North Cornwall! MP Ben Maguire has just announced that funding has been secured for a feasibility study to extend the beloved Camel Trail all the way to Camelford. This represents a transformative opportunity for a town that's been quietly waiting for its moment to shine.

Why This Matters

The camel trail with cyclist and horse rider — The Camel Trail is open to all Walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders

The Camel Trail is already one of Britain's most popular off-road cycling and walking routes, attracting over 400,000 visitors annually. Currently stretching 18 miles from Padstow through Wadebridge to Wenfordbridge, the trail follows a scenic disused railway line that's accessible to walkers, cyclists, horse-riders, and wheelchair users alike.

Extending this recreational lifeline to Camelford could be exactly what this charming Cornish market town needs. As recent community consultation revealed, local residents are eager to see increased footfall and economic activity that would breathe new life into their high street shops and businesses.

The Potential Impact

For Camelford, this extension represents more than just a cycling path - it's a gateway to economic revitalization. The town, which sits beautifully positioned between the sea and Bodmin Moor, has all the ingredients to become a thriving destination: historic character, stunning natural surroundings, and a strong sense of community. What it's been missing is the visitor numbers to support local businesses.

The trail extension aligns perfectly with Cornwall's ambitious goal of making 50% of journeys under five miles via active travel by 2030, while also supporting the Government's commitment to creating new National River Walks.

Learning From Our Success

Filming with BBC Countryfile on the Camel Trail early 1990s

As the team at Bridge Bike Hire points out, the current Camel Trail didn't become successful overnight, we’ve been actively promoting the Camel Trail and Wadebridge as a destination for over 40 years. It benefited from years of dedicated promotion which brought TV, News and Journalists from all over as well as celebrities and sportspeople. The arrival of Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant in Padstow elevated interest in the village, followed much later by other high-profile businesses, has helped continue to raise the area's profile internationally.

"It's a brilliant investment from a safety perspective - offering more off-road cycling and walking spaces to both the community and visitors," says Bridge Bike Hire. "This will definitely encourage people to explore the area. The key is ensuring we're all ready to work together as a community to make the most of this incredible opportunity, ensuring the promotion, not just of the new trail but of everything the area has to offer from restaurants and shops to spectacular location."

The Recipe For Success

The extension to Camelford has the potential to be transformational, but success will require:

Community collaboration - bringing together local businesses, residents, and Cornwall Council
Strategic promotion - showcasing all aspects of what makes Camelford special
Coordinated effort - ensuring visitors have great experiences that encourage return visits
Long-term vision - building sustainable tourism that benefits everyone

A Bright Future Ahead

Bodmin Moor - close to Camelford — Bodmin Moor

Camelford has unique selling points that could make it a standout destination: its position as a gateway to Bodmin Moor, proximity to attractions like Rough Tor, charming independent shops, and that strong community spirit that consultation participants repeatedly mentioned as the town's greatest asset.

With proper planning and community buy-in, the Camel Trail extension could transform Camelford from a place people drive through into a destination they actively seek out. The funding for the feasibility study is just the beginning - now comes the exciting work of imagining and creating Camelford's bright new future.

As Bridge Bike Hire enthuses: "We're here to help encourage people to discover this wonderful area. Count us in from the start - this is going to be an exciting journey for everyone involved!"

The wheels are in motion for what could be one of Cornwall's most impactful infrastructure projects in recent years. For Camelford, the trail ahead looks very promising indeed.