Camel Trail

The Camel Trail follows a former railway line along the River Camel through Cornwall's interior, running from Bodmin through Wadebridge towards Padstow. This 12 km section provides flat, well-surfaced walking on the old trackbed, with the river as a constant companion through wooded valley, open farmland and tidal estuary. The gradient is negligible throughout, as you would expect from a railway route, and the surface is firm enough for all weathers. The character of the walk changes as you move downstream: enclosed woodland and river gorge give way to wider estuary views and the salt air of the coast as you approach the sea.

This is one of the most accessible dog friendly walks in Cornwall. The flat, firm surface suits dogs of any age or fitness, from puppies building stamina to older dogs who can no longer manage the county's steep coastal paths. Off-lead potential is high as livestock are largely absent from the trail corridor, and the river provides water access at multiple points for drinking and paddling. The shared-use surface means cyclists also use the trail, so awareness is needed, particularly on busier sections near Wadebridge and Padstow. The riverside scent is rich and varied, shifting from freshwater woodland to tidal mudflat as the estuary opens up. A walk that proves flat ground and gentle terrain can still deliver genuine interest and proper distance.