Camel Trail and Padstow

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Cycling the Camel Trail, and a visit to Padstow

Even if you're not normally a fan of travelling by bike, the Camel Trail makes for a great day out - not least because it's mainly flat!

The Camel Trail is an 18 mile multi-use route available for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. And being mainly flat, it is also mostly suitable for disabled access. The trail runs from Bodmin , via Wadebridge, to glorious Padstow, largely following the route of a fomer railway line. The trail also branches off from Dunmere, near Bodmin, to Wenfordbridge. We haven't tried this part of the trail, but suspect it might be a bit more hilly.

If you've still got time, grab a takeaway tea from one of the many outlets on the quayside - or for something more civilised head up to the Metropole Hotel for tea, cake and comfy sofas to rest your aching limbs.

When you're done, it's just an easy five-mile cycle ride back to Wadebridge (no hills, honest!).

Also here on the quayside you'll find Rick Stein's Fish and Chip Shop. Fab chips, with your choice of fresh fish, either to eat-in or take-away.

For a reasonably easy 10-mile round trip, hire a bike in Wadebridge (there are a number of bike hire places close to the trail here) and follow the trail along the beautiful Camel Estuary to Padstow. The trail from Wadebridge to Padstow has plenty of places to stop for a well-earned break, and a bird hide from where you can observe the estuary's plentiful water-borne wildlife.

The bikes available for hire include a handy pannier for your camera, flask etc - and a sturdy lock and chain so you can safely leave your bike to explore on foot.

When you reach Padstow (less than an hour, even at a very leisurely pace) you'll discover one of the many benefits of arriving there by bike - no problem parking!

For a first stop, we'd suggest Rick Stein's shop on the quayside near the end of the trail. Plenty of culinary things to buy, and even a wet fish counter to pick up something to take home. Actually, we would recommend the fresh anchovies, which are a really tasty treat to munch while you recover from your cycling excertion. The cockles (when in season) and crawfish tails also make a nice snack.

It's probably worth chaining up your bikes somewhere near here and heading into Padstow on foot, as Padstow is a small place and your bikes will just get in the way.

If it's a special occasion, naturally you'll want to have lunch at Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant. Not cheap of course, but a real experience. You will definitely need to book in advance for this. Alternatively, there are plenty of nice pubs and small restaurants in Padstow.

Padstow's increasing popularity has led to an influx of quality shops - clothes, art, books, food and other nice things to take home (but remember everything you buy you'll need to fit into that pannier on your bike for the trip back!). Both White Stuff and Fat Face are well worth a visit, according to the ladies of my household!