Top Tips For Visiting the Camel Trail for the First Time
First time exploring the Camel Trail? You can bring your own bikes, hire them, or even walk the trail. Here are essential tips to make your visit perfect.
Before You Go
• Book bikes in advance - if hiring, avoid disappointment especially in peak season
• Plan your route - most popular is Wadebridge to Padstow (5 miles each way)
• Decide your purpose - just cycling/walking or exploring destinations too?
Choose Your Destination
• Padstow - historic harbour town, lots of shops, very foodie
• Wadebridge - Cornish market town, great shops and cafes
• Check our guides - Padstow Guide and Wadebridge Guide for full details
Parking & Access
• Start in Wadebridge - easier car access and better parking
• Use Piggy Lane car park - closest to Camel Trail start in Wadebridge
• Avoid Padstow parking - small lanes, limited spaces, more challenging
Money-Saving Tips
• Bridge Bike Hire offers - deals available all year round
• Sign up for loyalty scheme - get the best discounts
Food & Refreshments
• Pack essentials - seasonal cafes aren't always open
• High season dining - book lunch/dinner in Padstow in advance (5 miles from Wadebridge)
• Wadebridge options - Beach Box by the river, many pubs and restaurants
Route Options
• Camel Trail is completely flat - no hills, perfect for all abilities
• Wadebridge to Padstow - 5 miles each way (10 miles total)
• Wadebridge to Bodmin - 5 miles each way (10 miles total)
• Wadebridge to Wenfordbridge - 7 miles each way (14 miles total)
• Check the map - see link for full route details and planning
Family & Children Tips
• Completely flat trail - easy for children of all ages
• Picnic benches - plenty of spots to stop and rest along the way
• Exploration opportunities - lots of places for children to discover
• Crabbing in Padstow - popular activity at the harbour
• Free crabbing gear - sometimes available from tourist information center
• Beware of seagulls - protect food when eating in Padstow streets/harbour
Dog-Friendly Tips
• Dogs welcome - but must stay close or on lead
• Dog trailers available - Bridge Bike Hire offers dog trailers for safety
• Keep everyone safe - trailers work like child trailers but for dogs
Timing Your Visit
• Quieter times - evenings and outside school holidays
• Avoid crowds - early morning or late afternoon rides
• Peak season - expect busier trails during holidays
Contact Bridge Bike Hire
The original Camel Trail bike hire (est. 1983)
• Phone: 01208 813050
• Email: info@bridgebikehire.co.uk
• Website: www.bridgebikehire.co.uk
• Direct traffic-free access to Camel Trail
• Family and dog-friendly - everyone welcome!
