Some choose to walk with friends and dogs, others choose to run, though the Camel Trail is renowned for its compatibility with the cyclists of the world, with tourists flocking to town in the summer months to reach the charming coastal town of Padstow, or explore historic Bodmin nearby.

The Camel Trail offers ample views of the Cornish countryside via a flat and accessible route, where you’re bound to spot some familiar and not-so-familiar faces of the natural world. There are 18.3 miles of the Camel Trail to cover overall, linking Wadebridge to Bodmin and Padstow, as well as taking in the picturesque Wenford Bridge.

Get on your bike!

Bridge Bike Hire was the very first bike hire established along the Camel Trail, opening in 1983 to give locals and visitors the chance to experience the trail in the best way possible.

It all began with owners Nigel and Bernie, after Nigel was approached by five women asking if they knew anywhere that hired bikes to cycle the Camel Trail. The next day, he picked up five bikes from the tip, painted them blue and the first bike hire on the Camel Trail was born!

Kelly Arries, director of Bridge Bike Hire and Nigel and Bernie’s daughter, said: “Back then, the town was very different. It was very quiet and where we are was a dead end with a huge car park opposite, an abattoir and, later, Savers! As kids, we used to play for hours in the car park, mostly on trikes, tying them together and seeing how fast we could make the last one in the row go without falling off. Back then we used to cycle everywhere; the roads were much quieter, so we were always off on adventures around town, up to the sports centre, flying down Gonvena Hill and all day adventures down the trail. It was great fun.

“Spring is always a special time on the trail and I like to take time to enjoy the peace and quiet and take pictures of the flowers and sunrises. I love the area around the quarry and towards Padstow. I’ll sit high up on the quarry and watch the world go by or duck down onto one of the little coves and have a quiet minute or two. Funnily enough, I walk or run nowadays as the dog struggles to keep up with the bike, but I’m perfectly happy that way.”

With direct access to the Camel Trail, it’s easy to get on your bike and start exploring, and with plenty of options for all the family, Bridge Bike Hire is always the starting point for a fun adventure. www.bridgebikehire.co.uk