Camel Trail from Wadebridge: Bike Hire and Distances

Short answer: Wadebridge is the middle of the Camel Trail: 5.5 miles (8.8km) west to Padstow and 5.75 miles (9.25km) east to Bodmin (Boscarne), then 6.25 more to Wenfordbridge. It's a flat, surfaced, largely traffic-free old railway line. Three bike hire shops sit on Eddystone Road by the trail; Bridge Bike Hire, at the trail start, is open all year with winter discounts.

The Camel Trail is the easiest bike ride in Cornwall, and Wadebridge is the best place to start it: parking, three hire shops and a choice of direction.

How far is it from Wadebridge to Padstow on the Camel Trail?

• Wadebridge to Padstow: 5.5 miles (8.8km), along the estuary. The classic ride.
• Wadebridge to Bodmin (Boscarne): 5.75 miles (9.25km), through woodland beside the river.
• Bodmin to Wenfordbridge: another 6.25 miles (10.1km), quieter and wooded.

Cornwall Council describes it as "largely traffic free, surfaced and virtually level". Padstow and back is about 11 miles: a relaxed half day with a stop for lunch.

Where to hire bikes in Wadebridge

All three shops are on Eddystone Road, PL27 7AL:

• Bridge Bike Hire: running since 1983 and right at the start of the trail, the only one with direct traffic-free access. Open all year, with winter discounts and cheaper evening rides from 3pm. E-bikes, and a wheelchair tandem bike (£30 a day; call ahead).
• Camel Trail Cycle Hire: a short ride from the trail; reviewers mention free parking for customers and a lock bag included.
• Bike Smart: midway along Eddystone Road, with dog trailers.

Google lists all three as open 9am–5pm daily. Prices aren't published consistently, so check the shops' websites.

Can you take a dog on the Camel Trail?

Yes, under control and cleaned up after. It's shared with walkers, so keep dogs close when bikes pass. Dog-friendly Wadebridge.

Which way: Padstow or Bodmin?

Padstow for estuary views, birds, and fish and chips at the end. Bodmin for shade, woodland and a quieter ride; Camel Valley vineyard is close to the trail at Nanstallon (weekdays only). Cycling to Camel Valley.

Tips

• Go early in summer; it gets busy by late morning.
• Ring a bell when passing walkers.
• In winter, the trail is just as good and much quieter, but daylight runs out early.

More: walking the Camel Trail near Bodmin · parking in Wadebridge · the Wadebridge guide.

Times, prices and dates are the businesses' and organisers' to change — check before you travel. Spotted something we've got wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.