The Camel trail boasts nearly half a million users every year, the route from Bodmin to Wenford bridge in my experience is a calmer section with a fantastic cafe at the end. Cycling and cake, what more could you want!

Category: Independent trail, no obstacles 

The Camel trail is predominantly flat for it's entire length, making it ideal for families and less experienced cyclists, and also very beneficial for the less mobile and disabled.  As a multi-use trail you can expect to see walkers, joggers, cyclists, and horse-riders. With it's annual visitor count around the half a million mark it's understandably going to be busy! The route from Wadebridge to Padstow has often felt at times the the cyclists equivalent of the motorway. 

Discovering a section of the trail that offers up a calm alternative to that hustle and bustle feels like something I should keep quiet about so it can stay that way. It offers up something very different from the other end of the trail, and is tucked away a bit, so I think it's safe for now!

This route takes you through beech woodland on a flat trail which follows the river camel, offering good views down to the river below. It opens up from tree tunnels with bursts of green fields shown through the hedge lined section of trail. I've glimpsed a few cows grazing, startled some pheasants, been greeted by squirrels running alongside and across the path, and a few dogs out enjoying a walk. When going at a steady pace you can take in the sounds of various birds chatting in the trees, that's about as noisy as it gets!

A long, flat, straight trail is a bit of an invitation for speed, however, the calm vibe of this section is shared by the multi-users who may not expect nor appreciate the need for speed.  The gates (all easy access with the handbike) will encourage you to slow down and take a more relaxed approach, especially when crossing the road at varied intervals.  

What is particularly endearing about this route is it's 'independence' credentials. Unlike the route from Bodmin to Wadebridge there are no gates that obstruct a solo handcycle rider from completing the route and achieving a sense of satisfaction from being independent. This victory tastes extra sweet when accompanied by a slice of cake from the cafe!    

Access to the Camel trail from Bodmin begins at the Scarletts well car park (SXO61 674)

There are two car parks within a short distance of each other, the smaller being the closest and free of charge. 

Proceeding under the bridge leaving the car park behind you, follow the trail until just beyond the pw hut  on your left (solid structure with a bench in, ideal for a rest or to shelter from the rain!) The trail splits in two directions, straight on leads to Wadebridge, take the RIGHT path! The sign at this junction will direct you towards Wenfordbridge and The snail's pace cafe and bike hire. This small section leading to a T-junction is the slightly bumpy bit, it doesn't last long, when you reach a wall straight ahead you need to turn RIGHT. 

From here on towards Wenfordbridge it's very much a case of STRAIGHT ON until you reach Poley's bridge car park (large silver salmon sculpture will let you know you've got there! 

There are various points where you'll have to cross the road and plenty of signage to warn of the need to proceed with caution as you do so. As previously mentioned, it's best to avoid racing along at high speeds. 

Before reaching that salmon sculpture you'll go past the car park on your right for Shell woods (SXO87 722) Sat nav: PL30 4QY

A real bonus of this trail are the points at which it meets the small roads and car parks, offering up access to vehicles to come and assist if required. On days when I can only manage a short ride or the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worst, I know that I can be picked up from places such as Shell woods. 

Cycling on past Shell woods there is a crossroad with an option to go left to Blisland, as this set of directions is focused on Wenfordbridge I'm here to remind you to continue STRAIGHT ON towards Poley's bridge car park with the silver salmon. As you weave around the edge of this car park (passing over the entrance road) and on towards Wenfordbridge (there's a cute bumble bee sticker on the signpost!) you need to remember to CROSS OVER THE ROAD. I can't stress enough DO NOT GO UP THE HILL! The handbike doesn't like to do hill starts and the oncoming cars do not like bikes with three wheels that cant hug the hedges lining the road and let them squeeze past. Avoid such a stressful mistake by remembering THIS TRAIL IS FLAT! 

Once you have safely crossed the road you can enjoy the view to your right of the Wenford china clay dries hiding behind fencing and foliage. This leads you directly to the snail's pace cafe and bike hire. Here you can grab refreshments and a bite to eat and use the restroom before heading back the way you came, or being picked up from the small car park (SXO84 751) 

CODE OF CONDUCT for the Camel trail

Walkers have right of way- The trail has many different users including older people and people with mobility problems who find the level surface suitable for their use. Give way to prams, buggies and wheelchairs.

Cyclists, please keep your speed down- High speed makes it harder to avoid other users and thus causes accidents.  Try to warn people of your approach.  

Please use the trail safely- Cyclists are advised to wear a safety helmet at all times and to carry a puncture repair kit.  Cycling with your dog on or off a lead is very dangerous.

Please respect the privacy of adjoining properties and land owners- There is no public access to any adjoining land, or to the river, except where stated on signed paths.

Please be considerate to all other uses of the trail- Inconsiderate behaviour whilst using the trail can spoil others peoples enjoyment of it.  

I highly recommend the snails pace cafe, they have some gluten free cake options alongside the other fabulous cakes and savoury offerings. Check them out on social media for menu updates. Website http://www.snailspacecafe.co.uk/