Is the Camel Trail free?

Yes - the Camel Trail is free to use at any time, for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. There is no admission charge, though some car parks along the route charge for parking.

Are dogs allowed on the Camel Trail?

Dogs are welcome on the Camel Trail, though the route passes through protected conservation areas (SSSI and SAC), so dogs should be kept under close control, especially near wildlife and grazing livestock.

The Camel Trail

Q: How long is the Camel Trail?

The full trail is around 18 miles, in three sections: Padstow to Wadebridge (5.5 miles), Wadebridge to Bodmin/Boscarne (5.75 miles), and Bodmin to Wenfordbridge (6.25 miles).

Q: Is the Camel Trail suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs?

Much of the trail is surfaced and virtually level, making it suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs, particularly the popular Padstow to Wadebridge section - though surfaces and gradients can vary, so check conditions locally if you have specific access needs.

18 miles of traffic-free cycling and walking through the beautiful Camel Valley

Back to Cornwall Attractions

No single trailhead: the Camel Trail runs between four main access points - Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin (Dunmere) and Wenfordbridge - so there's no one "address" to visit. The location shown on this page is the popular Wadebridge access point, home to Bridge Bike Hire, roughly the midpoint of the route.

The Camel Trail follows the route of a disused railway line along the Camel Valley, and is one of the most popular multi-use trails in the South West - largely traffic-free, surfaced and virtually level along its full 18-mile length, making it equally suited to gentle family cycle rides, longer day rides, walking, and horse-riding on the sections where it's permitted.

The trail divides into three linked sections. The Padstow to Wadebridge stretch (5.5 miles) is the most popular, running alongside the tidal Camel Estuary with views across to Rock and the water at Padstow. Wadebridge to Bodmin (5.75 miles, ending at Boscarne Junction) leaves the estuary behind for wooded river valley scenery, passing Grogley Halt and Nanstallon. Bodmin to Wenfordbridge (6.25 miles) is the quietest and hilliest of the three, climbing up onto the edge of Bodmin Moor through Hellandbridge and Poley's Bridge.

The trail passes through Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) land, particularly along the estuary, so it's a good spot for birdwatching as well as cycling - there's an accessible bird hide near Wadebridge. Because it follows an old railway formation, gradients stay gentle throughout, which is part of what makes the route so popular with families, less experienced cyclists, and wheelchair users, especially on the flatter estuary section.

Correct as of August 2026: the Camel Trail is open at all times and is free to use, with licensed cycle hire available at Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wenfordbridge. Some car parks along the route charge for parking, and toilets are available at Wenfordbridge, Wadebridge and Padstow. Facilities, car park charges and hire operator hours can change - check the official Cornwall Council Camel Trail page before setting off.

Camel Trail Cornwall former railway path through the Camel Valley - Cornwall family cycling attraction

Camel Trail Cornwall traffic-free route near Wadebridge - Cornwall family cycling attraction

Visitor Information

Parking

Car parks at every main access point - Padstow, Old Town Cove, Wadebridge, Dunmere and Scarletts Well (Bodmin), Grogley Halt, Shell Woods and Wenfordbridge.

Facilities

Toilets at Wenfordbridge, Wadebridge and Padstow; refreshment stops at several points along the route; licensed cycle hire at all four main access points.

Disabled Access

Surfaced and virtually level throughout, welcoming to wheelchair users - the Padstow-Wadebridge estuary section is the flattest and most accessible.

Camel Trail Cornwall cyclists on traffic-free path along the Camel Estuary - Cornwall family cycling attraction

Things to Do Nearby

Bodmin & Wenford Railway - a heritage steam railway running from Bodmin General, close to the Bodmin end of the trail.
Bodmin Jail - the former county prison turned visitor attraction, a short ride from Boscarne Junction.
Bridge Bike Hire - cycle and e-bike hire right on the trail at Wadebridge.
Padstow Harbour - the trail's coastal terminus, with its working harbour, seafood restaurants and the passenger ferry across to Rock.
Pencarrow House & Gardens - a historic house and 50 acres of formal and woodland gardens near Washaway, a short drive from the Bodmin section.

Nearby Places to Stay

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes - the trail itself is free to use at any time, for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. There's no admission charge, though some car parks along the route charge for parking.

Around 18 miles in total, across three sections: Padstow to Wadebridge (5.5 miles), Wadebridge to Bodmin/Boscarne (5.75 miles), and Bodmin to Wenfordbridge (6.25 miles).

Much of the trail is surfaced and virtually level, particularly the popular Padstow to Wadebridge section, making it suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs - though surfaces and gradients can vary along the route, so check conditions locally if you have specific access needs.

Licensed cycle hire is available at Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wenfordbridge, including Bridge Bike Hire at the Wadebridge trailhead.

Dogs are welcome, though the trail passes through protected conservation areas (SSSI and SAC), so keep dogs under close control, especially near wildlife and grazing livestock.

Official Website

For the latest facilities, access and safety information, visit the official Cornwall Council Camel Trail page directly.

Visit cornwall.gov.uk

Page last updated: 21 August 2026