Spring is one of the best times to enjoy the Camel Trail. The crowds of summer haven’t arrived yet, the days are getting longer and the trail comes alive with colour and wildlife. Here’s what to look out for over the coming weeks.
Wildflowers along the trail
The verges and woodland edges of the Camel Trail put on a real show in spring. Early in the season you’ll spot snowdrops lining the path, particularly on the quieter sections between Wadebridge and Bodmin. As the weeks go on, the unmistakable scent of wild garlic fills the air along the riverside stretches. By late April and into May, carpets of bluebells appear through the woodland sections, especially around Dunmere and towards Hellandbridge. It’s worth slowing down and taking it all in.
Wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled
The Camel river corridor is home to some fantastic wildlife and spring is a great time to spot it. Kingfishers are regularly seen darting along the river between Wadebridge and Bodmin, their flash of electric blue unmistakable against the water. If you’re patient and keep quiet, you may even be lucky enough to spot an otter. They’re present along the river year round but early mornings and quieter stretches give you the best chance.
Down on the estuary section between Padstow and Wadebridge, the tidal marshland around Pinkson Creek is home to wading birds including curlew, redshank and little egret, all visible throughout spring.
New tarmac surface (Wadebridge towards Bodmin)
If you’ve walked or cycled the section from Wadebridge heading towards Bodmin before, you’ll notice a welcome improvement. A new tarmac surface has been laid on this stretch, making it much smoother and more accessible than the old compacted gravel. It’s now a much easier ride for hybrid bikes and a more comfortable walk underfoot, opening up this quieter inland section to more visitors.
The three sections at a glance
The Camel Trail runs 18 miles from Padstow to Wenfordbridge and each section has its own character.
Padstow to Wadebridge (6 miles) follows the Camel estuary. It’s flat, well surfaced and the most popular stretch. Ideal for families, pushchairs and all types of bike.
Wadebridge to Bodmin (6 miles) heads inland along the river. Quieter, greener and now with the improved tarmac surface. This is where the wildflowers and wildlife really come into their own.
Bodmin to Wenfordbridge (6 miles) is the most remote section. Rougher surface, best suited to mountain bikes, but peaceful and rewarding if you’re up for it.
Practical bits
Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge were the first Cycle Hire business to set up in Wadebridge and are still doing a great job decades later.. Electric bikes are available at most operators and are well worth considering if you’re planning to cover more ground. Book ahead if you’re visiting on a weekend.
If you are bringing your own cycles and need accessories or repairs then Wadebridge Bike Shop will be able to help you. They are an authorised Shimano Service Centre. They also have a great selection of new and used cycles.
Look at this FREE to download Tourist Map showing the best places to park.
To see all of the routes, view our Camel Trail Films HERE
Dogs are welcome on the trail but please keep them on leads near the estuary section where wildlife is nesting.
Want to keepsake?
If you want to take home a memory of the Camel Trail then this Ultra Limited Edition print of Padstow is available to buy online and have delivered direct to you door for less that £20. For more details visit the Only12Studio
Don’t wait for summer
Spring on the Camel Trail is genuinely special. Fewer people, wildflowers at their best and the chance to spot wildlife you’d never see in the busy summer months. Grab your boots or your bike and get out there.
For more information and a free downloadable map of the Camel Trail, click HERE