If you’re planning a trip to Cornwall with your family and are looking for a fun and active outing, the Camel Trail is an excellent choice. In this post, we’ll focus on cycling the Camel Trail Wadebridge to Padstow with kids, and share some tips and recommendations to make the most of your journey.
In 2022, we cycled The Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Padstow, or vice versa, three times with the kids. In winter, spring and summer, we experienced the famous Camel Trail across three different seasons.
It’s an ideal part of the trail to cycle with kids as there are no roads to cross and a flat concrete path. It’s around 5.5 miles each way, so an 11-mile round trip.
For reference, our kids were 6 and 9 at the start of the year and, then 7 and 10 years old at the end of the year. The distance is about enough for them currently, with a stop for snacks or a picnic along the way!
Below we’ll share some photos and helpful advice if you’re thinking of cycling The Camel Trail Wadebridge to Padstow with your kids too.
Firstly, what is the Camel Trail?
The Camel Trail is a popular recreational path in Cornwall, England that follows the course of the River Camel and the old railway line between Padstow and Wenford Bridge stopping at Wadebridge and Bodmin along the way. The trail is approximately 17.5 miles long and is suitable for walking, cycling, and horse riding.
It passes through some beautiful countryside, including the Camel Estuary, and there are several places to stop and take in the views or have a picnic. The Camel Trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Cornwall and get some exercise at the same time.
Our January photos cycling The Camel Trail with kids (Padstow to Wadebridge)
For our very first attempt at cycling the trail with kids, we went in January 2022 from Padstow to Wadebridge and back. Well, that was the plan. Our daughter was not very keen to cycle this day so we didn’t make it all the way to Wadebridge this time, but we did later in the year as you’ll see further along in this article.
Our March photos cycling The Camel Trail Wadebridge to Padstow
The next time we attempted to cycle this length of the Camel Trail, we went from Wadebridge to Padstow. So at least if the kids didn’t make it, we’d be able to see the part we didn’t get to when we went last time!
This time the kids made it with promises of vegan ice cream, if we could find some, or otherwise some vegan raspberry croissants from The Cornish Bakery in Padstow!
It was another beautiful sunny day. I really enjoyed being able to see the Camel Estuary and Padstow as we cycled towards it this time, instead of away.
Our August photos cycling The Camel Trail with kids (Wadebridge to Padstow)
For our third experience of cycling this part of the Camel Trail with our kids in Cornwall, we decided to do Wadebridge to Padstow again. We already knew there was some vegan ice cream in Padstow and a vegan raspberry croissant which should tempt the kids to the end of the trail again!
Luckily, Bella was much keener this time to cycle the route so didn’t even need any tempting with promises of treats!
It was also lucky we decided to go from Wadebridge as when we got to Padstow, it was HEAVING!
It was the summer holidays and the tourists had arrived en masse… seemingly all to Padstow! There were queues for the car park and no spaces, so we were glad we decided to park in Wadebridge and start there.
That’s definitely a good tip if you are attempting the trail during the summer holidays – either arrive early to ensure a parking spot starting at Padstow, or park at Wadebridge and cycle to Padstow.
Tips for planning your cycling trip with kids along the Camel Trail
Before setting off on your cycling adventure, it’s important to plan out the details of your trip. The starting point for the Camel Trail in Wadebridge or Padstow is easy to reach by car or public transportation, and there are several car parks located near the trailhead.
If you don’t have your own bikes, you can rent them in Wadebridge or Padstow, and helmet rentals are also available.
It’s a good idea to pack some essentials for the ride, such as water, snacks, and sunscreen, and to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
There are lots of cafes and eateries in Padstow, as well as Wadebridge. We love the Beach Box cafe on the Camel Trail when you reach Wadebridge (or if you start there).
Depending on your pace and the age and ability of your kids, you may want to plan for breaks and stops along the way. The length of the Camel Trail Wadebridge to Padstow is approximately 5.5 miles each way, so 11 miles there and back.
To make the most of your trip, you might also want to consider booking accommodation in the area or incorporating other activities into your itinerary. For example, from Padstow to Rock is a foot ferry so you can go over to the beach at Rock and enjoy a short boat ride at the same time! You can even walk from Rock to Brea Beach or further along to Daymer Bay for some amazing beaches and views along the coast path or beach.
Camel Trail address in Wadebridge
Eddystone Road, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 7AL
Camel Trail address in Padstow
S Quay, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8BL
Final word
Cycling the Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Padstow with kids is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Cornwall and get some exercise at the same time. The flat, easy terrain and stunning scenery make for an enjoyable ride, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views or have a picnic along the way. From the historic Padstow Harbour or the town centre and shops in Wadebridge, to the peaceful Camel Estuary, river and stunning views, the Camel Trail and its start and end points for the Camel Trail Wadebridge to Padstow has something to offer every member of the family.
If you’re planning a trip to Cornwall with your kids, we highly recommend adding the Camel Trail to your itinerary. With a little planning and some basic safety precautions, you can have a memorable and enjoyable adventure on the trail.
We hope you found this post helpful and that it inspires you to plan your own cycling trip on the Camel Trail. If you have any additional tips or recommendations to share, we’d love to hear them in the comments!
And if you’re looking for more things to see and do in the area, there are plenty of options to consider, such as visiting the National Trust’s Lanhydrock House and Gardens or exploring the charming town of Padstow. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have a wonderful time in Cornwall!