Camel Trail and Blisland Loop

This touring cycling route is approximately 12.3 km (7.6 miles) long and typically takes around 55 minutes to complete. However, this duration is for the specific Komoot route. If you plan to explore more of the Blisland area or extend your ride along the full Camel Trail, your total time will be longer due to the varied terrain and potential stops.

The Camel Trail sections are largely traffic-free, surfaced, and relatively flat, making them easy to ride. The surface is often described as 'grally' (tiny gravelly) but smooth, suitable even for road bikes with 28mm tires. However, venturing into the Blisland area introduces more varied and challenging terrain, including inclines, descents, and potentially unpaved sections, requiring more effort.

The Camel Trail itself is excellent for beginners and families due to its flat, traffic-free nature. However, combining it with a 'Blisland Loop' significantly increases the difficulty. Routes around Blisland can be moderate to hard, involving hills and potentially rougher surfaces. Beginners should stick to the main Camel Trail sections, especially between Padstow and Bodmin, before attempting extensions into the Blisland area.

The route offers a mix of natural beauty and historical interest. You'll pass by the Poley's Bridge Salmon Sculptures, cross the De Lank River Bridge and Delford Bridge. The Camel Trail itself features diverse scenery from woodlands and marshlands to estuary views. The Blisland area offers charming moorland village scenery, ancient woods, and an ornate 15th-century church.

Spring and summer are ideal for cycling this route. In spring, you can enjoy wildflowers and bluebells in the woods around Blisland. Summer offers pleasant weather for both the open estuary sections of the Camel Trail and the more exposed moorland areas. Wildlife spotting is also good during these seasons.

For the Camel Trail, parking is available at various access points, including Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin, and Wenfordbridge. As this specific route starts near Wenfordbridge, parking options in that vicinity would be most convenient. Many bike hire locations also offer parking facilities.

The Camel Trail is generally dog-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs on leads. When extending into the Blisland area, be mindful of livestock in fields and ensure your dog is under control, especially in rural and moorland settings. Always follow local signage and regulations regarding dogs.

No, you do not need any special permits or pay entrance fees to cycle the Camel Trail or the public paths around Blisland. It is freely accessible for public use.

Yes, you'll find refreshment options. The Snail's Pace Cafe is a highlight along this specific route. Additionally, the main Camel Trail sections (e.g., in Wadebridge and Bodmin) offer various cafes and pubs. The village of Blisland also has a charming pub.

While the Camel Trail is flat and easy, incorporating the Blisland area significantly increases the challenge. Be prepared for hills and potentially unpaved sections that require good fitness. This combination offers a diverse experience, blending the accessible, scenic Camel Trail with the more rugged, picturesque moorland landscapes around Blisland. Plan your route carefully to match your fitness level.

The Camel Trail passes through a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), making it excellent for wildlife spotting. You might see otters, bats, dormice, kingfishers, and various bird species. The Blisland area, with its woodlands and moorland, also supports diverse birdlife and small mammals.