If you’re exploring Cornwall with kids, you simply can’t miss the Camel Trail. Cycling the Camel Trail, which is set along a disused railway line, is the ideal activity for families, and you’ll see beautiful scenery along the way. Children of all ages will enjoy the Bodmin to Padstow Camel Trail – and parents will appreciate the stunning views of the Camel Estuary. The Camel Bike Trail allows families to see a different side of Cornwall, taking in woodland and moorland as well as towns and hamlets such as Wadebridge and Wenford Bridge.
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Routes and Sections of the Camel Trail – The Countryside of North Cornwall, The Camel Estuary and a Disused Railway Line
The total distance of the Trail is approximately 20 miles; however, the most popular section of the Camel Trail runs between Padstow and Bodmin, which is approximately 11miles long. Find out more about Padstow and what it has to offer here. Kids will love exploring all the family-friendly activities in Padstow, which you can check out here.
If you’re in Cornwall with children, aim for the first section of the Camel Trail due to the easy terrain and the stops that you can make along the way. There’s no better way to discover the beautiful Cornish countryside whilst keeping your family fit and active. There are also routes along the Camel trail from Wadebridge to Padstow (or the other way from Padstow to Wadebridge).
The Camel Trail with kids between Wadebridge and Padstow is a brilliant option – and due to the level ground, it’s also suitable for wheelchair users. You’ll be able to enjoy amazing views of the picturesque Camel Estuary, and children will love trying to spot the different animals and birdlife you can see here.
Planning your route on the Camel Trail with children will always need to involve toilet stops – and there are toilets located next to the Trail at Wendfordbridge and Wadebridge, or you can pop into Padstow town centre.
Camel Trail Bike Hire
If you don’t have bikes, don’t panic. There are many options for Camel Trail bike hire, and if you’re cycling the Camel Trail with kids, they’re also catered for!
Whether you’re cycling the whole Camel Trail or just part of it, you’ll find many places to hire bikes for children, adults and even dogs. It’s highly recommended that you book your cycle hire in advance to avoid any disappointment on the day, especially during the busier summer months.
To make use of the Camel Trail bike hire, you can simply park your car at one of the Camel Trail car parks and head to find your bike hire.
Where to Hire Bikes on the Camel Trail, Cornwall
Camel Trail users can find bike hire stations in Padstow, Bodmin, and Wadebridge. Make sure that your bike is the right height and size for your children before you set off, and always ask for a padlock for the bikes so that you can stop off en route and enjoy a picnic or adventure during your day out.
Camel Trail Bike Hire in Wadebridge
- Camel Trail Cycle Hire – Camel Trail Cycle Hire Tel:01208814104 | at the heart of the Camel Trail Wadebridge Cornwall
- Bridge Bike Hire – Camel Trail Bike Hire Wadebridge provides cycle hire for all abilities (bridgebikehire.co.uk)
- Bike Smart Cycle Hire, Wadebrdge – Bike Smart Cycle Hire Wadebridge (bikesmartcornwall.co.uk)
Camel Trail Bike Hire in Padstow
- Padstow Cycle Hire – Camel Trail Bike Hire | Padstow Cycle Hire | Cornwall
Camel Trail Bile Hire in Bodmin
- Explore By Bike, Bodmin – Camel Trail Bike Hire Bodmin – Bike Servicing Cornwall (explorebybike.co.uk)
Follow the action on the Camel Trail Webcam
Did you know that you can see explore the Camel Trail map and follow cyclists live by viewing the Camel Trail Webcam? Accessible from anywhere in the world, you can transport yourself to this disused railway line in North Cornwall that makes up part of the national cycle network.
Most of the bike hire shops along the Camel Trail have webcams that you can view to get a sense of the Camel Trail action in real-time. If you’re visiting Cornwall with children, why not watch the webcam before you head to the Camel Trail to get them excited about what’s to come? Click here to view the Camel Trail Webcam >>>
Accommodation along the Camel Trail Route
The Camel Trail is long enough to provide an adventure but short enough that you can do the whole Trail or a section of it in one day.
However, some families like to stay close to the Camel Trail so that they can ride it multiple times or simply make the most of all the trail runs and scenery of the Camel Valley.
The Bodmin Jail Hotel offers family rooms with a pull-out sofa bed or travel cots to accommodate younger children. View prices and availability for your dates here >>>
Staying in Wadebridge is a good middle point for exploring the Camel Trail, and the Molesworth Arms Hotel offers a family room option which can accommodate up to 2 children. View prices and availability for your dates here >>>
If you’re after a bit more nature, you could try glamping or camping near Wadebridge, or there are many options for caravan and holiday parks in the area.
Search for accommodation during your visit below:
Food along the Camel Trail Route
Whether you’re a nature lover, experienced cyclist, bird watcher or a busy parent watching your children enjoy the Camel Trail Route, you’ll be keen to keep yourself, and your family fuelled with good food.
Both Padstow and Bodmin have a good selection of food shops and supermarkets where you can pick up supplies. A popular option is to stop to enjoy the beautiful Cornish scenery and eat al fresco with a picnic next to the Camel Trail. Make sure you take plenty of water to keep yourselves hydrated along the way.
For a special treat, why not stop at the Camel Trail Tea Garden? Set in an apple orchard, it’s located halfway between Bodmin and Wadebridge. There’s lots of space for children to stretch their legs (even more) and visit the gift shop.
There’s also the aptly named Snail’s Pace Cafe which is on the edge of Bodmin Moor and also offers bike hire. Kids will love visiting this solar-powered shipping container, and there’s indoor and outdoor seating.
Enjoy the ride
Access to the Camel Trail couldn’t be easier, and whether you’re cycling on your own or visiting Cornwall with kids, it can provide endless fun for all the family. Get inspired by watching the Camel Trail webcam, then experience this special route for real.
Plan Your Trip to Cornwall with Kids
Book Your Train Tickets to Cornwall in Advance. There is a mainline train stop in Bodmin that serves trains from Plymouth, London, Scotland and beyond – View prices here >>>
Find Accommodation for your dates below:
Or find the perfect holiday cottage for your family here >>>
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