Where Should I Start If I Want to Ride the Camel Trail?
Choosing where to start your Camel Trail adventure depends on your fitness level, the age of your riders, and how much time you have. The beauty of the Camel Trail is its flexibility – with multiple access points, you can tailor your ride to suit your group perfectly.
Understanding the Camel Trail Distances
The Camel Trail offers flexible route options:
Wadebridge to Padstow: 5 miles (10 miles return)
Wadebridge to Bodmin: 5 miles (10 miles return)
Wadebridge to Wenfordbridge: 12 miles (24 miles return)
Starting in Wadebridge – The Heart of the Trail
Wadebridge sits at the perfect midpoint of the Camel Trail, giving you access to all three sections. This makes it the most popular and convenient starting location.
Bridge Bike Hire – Direct Trail Access
As the original Camel Trail bike hire established in 1983, Bridge Bike Hire offers the ultimate convenience with direct, traffic-free access to the trail. Whether you're hiring one of our extensive range of bikes – including super comfort models, tandems, kids' bikes, wheelchair bikes, and recumbent Ice trikes – or just need advice on your route, we're here to help make your Camel Trail experience perfect.
Parking for Bridge Bike Hire: Piggy Lane Car Park or Goldsworthy Way Car Park
We promise a warm welcome for everyone – even the family dog!
Bringing Your Own Bikes?
If you're bringing your own bikes and want to start in Wadebridge, use Piggy Lane Car Park or Goldsworthy Way Car Park for easy access to the trail. If you're planning to head towards Bodmin, Jubilee Road Pay and Display is convenient with a short walk to the trail start.
Route Options From Wadebridge
The Classic: Wadebridge to Padstow (Beginner-Friendly)
Distance: 5 miles one way (10 miles return)
Difficulty: Easy – flat, traffic-free, perfect for families
Highlights: Stunning estuary views, birdwatching opportunities, cafés in Padstow
This is the most popular route on the Camel Trail and ideal for families with young children or those new to cycling. The flat, scenic route follows the beautiful Camel Estuary with breathtaking water views throughout. Padstow offers plenty of cafés, restaurants, and attractions for a well-deserved break before your return journey.
Best for: Families, beginners, leisurely rides, spectacular scenery
The Countryside Route: Wadebridge to Bodmin (Intermediate)
Distance: 5 miles one way (10 miles return)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – mostly flat with gentle inclines
Highlights: Wooded sections, countryside views, historic Bodmin town
Heading upriver from Wadebridge towards Bodmin takes you through peaceful woodland and countryside. This route is slightly quieter than the Padstow direction and offers a different character – more sheltered and rural. Bodmin provides various refreshment options, and you can explore the historic market town.
Best for: Those seeking a quieter ride, nature lovers, history enthusiasts
The Challenge: Wadebridge to Wenfordbridge (Advanced)
Distance: 12 miles one way (24 miles return)
Difficulty: Moderate – longer distance, some gentle gradients
Highlights: Deep valley scenery, peaceful trail, seasonal café at Wenfordbridge
This extended route takes you deep into Cornwall's beautiful countryside, following the valley towards Wenfordbridge at the edge of Bodmin Moor. It's a fantastic full-day adventure for confident cyclists and offers the most remote and peaceful sections of the Camel Trail. The seasonal café at Wenfordbridge is perfect for refueling before your return.
Best for: Experienced cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, full-day adventures
Starting From Other Points Along the Trail
Want to start from a different location? You have plenty of options! Starting from Padstow gives you the same beautiful estuary views in reverse, while beginning at Bodmin or further up the trail at Scarletts Well, Shell Woods, or Wenfordbridge can reduce your overall distance or give you a different perspective on the trail.
For full details on all car parks and access points along the Camel Trail, visit our comprehensive Car Parks Along the Camel Trail guide.
Our Recommendation
For the best Camel Trail experience with maximum convenience, start your journey at Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge. With our huge investment in accessibility, extensive bike range, and direct trail access, we make it easy for everyone to enjoy this iconic Cornish cycling route.
Contact Bridge Bike Hire:
Tel: 01208 813050
Email: info@bridgebikehire.co.uk
Ready to explore the Camel Trail? Whether you're planning a gentle family ride to Padstow, a countryside adventure to Bodmin, or a full-day challenge to Wenfordbridge, your Camel Trail journey starts here!
