We hadn't visited the Camel Trail for quite a while so thought we would walk along part of the trail starting at Wadebridge and heading towards Padstow.
The trail follows the path of two former train lines so is nice and flat.
We parked in a side road just before the bridge which leads into Wadebridge town.
We parked in a side road just before the bridge which leads into Wadebridge town.
The photo below shows the view from the old bridge, taking in a newer bridge as well.
The Old Bridge was built over the River Camel in 1468. Other details can be seen on the information sign.
The Camel Trail is used by walkers, cyclists and sometimes horses as well.
There are pleasant views over the countryside and the river - which is tidal.
The last time we walked this section of the trail there were lots of walkers. How things have changed. It now seems to have been taken over by cyclists, some travelling quite fast. There's no denying that it's great for bikes but most of the walkers seem to have disappeared.
The views are very pleasant and ...
... there is a bird watching hide available for all, though the cyclists speed past without a second thought.
The Camel Trail is part of the National Cycle Network.
The tide was on the turn so the river looked a treat.
We had our lunch with us so found somewhere to sit with a view of the green fields and the blue river. Very peaceful.
There are several seats and benches along the trail some with pleasant views. We preferred to sit on rocks by the river.
There are the remains of an old boat on the shoreline.
A farmer working in the fields on the opposite side of the river.
On our return journey the tide was high.
We eventually returned to our starting point by the old bridge. The water isn't quite as blue here - more of a khaki colour.
We had a quick look around Wadebridge town ...
... before crossing The Old Bridge and onward to our car.
The Old Bridge was built over the River Camel in 1468. Other details can be seen on the information sign.
The Camel Trail is used by walkers, cyclists and sometimes horses as well.
There are pleasant views over the countryside and the river - which is tidal.
The last time we walked this section of the trail there were lots of walkers. How things have changed. It now seems to have been taken over by cyclists, some travelling quite fast. There's no denying that it's great for bikes but most of the walkers seem to have disappeared.
The views are very pleasant and ...
... there is a bird watching hide available for all, though the cyclists speed past without a second thought.
The Camel Trail is part of the National Cycle Network.
The tide was on the turn so the river looked a treat.
We had our lunch with us so found somewhere to sit with a view of the green fields and the blue river. Very peaceful.
There are several seats and benches along the trail some with pleasant views. We preferred to sit on rocks by the river.
There are the remains of an old boat on the shoreline.
A farmer working in the fields on the opposite side of the river.
On our return journey the tide was high.
We eventually returned to our starting point by the old bridge. The water isn't quite as blue here - more of a khaki colour.
We had a quick look around Wadebridge town ...
... before crossing The Old Bridge and onward to our car.
If you are a cyclist this section of the Camel Trail is great - nice and flat.
There are several cycle hire shops.
As for walkers, take care. I didn't find it a relaxing walk because of the many bikes.
One of the statistics I read reckons that there is an estimated 400,000+ users of the trail every year. I wonder how many of these are now cyclists?
It's good that these footpaths are being maintained but, as you point out, cycling is becoming more popular and so walkers are at risk. I like the fudge shop and the river.
ReplyDeleteThanks David, we hadn't been on the trail for several years so all of the cyclists were a surprise. We resisted the fudge!
ReplyDeleteI can see why the trail is popular and busy. It’s lovely and the scenery varied. You have represented it well with your photos. We often walked on a shared bike trail, but as bike numbers increased and someone was forever shouting “on your left!” It became a bit stressful, particularly with a dog! There is a beautiful 240 mile trail that crosses our state and runs along the River, very beautiful but busy.
ReplyDeleteThe full length of this trail is about 17 miles but it's easy to do just a section. The cyclists did make us feel uncomfortable, many fly by without any warning. I much prefer the south-west coastal path as it is designed for walkers. It stretches for 630 miles around four counties and never seems to be very busy once away from any popular villages.
DeleteTrust all is well, good wishes.