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The Camel Trail
The image below is to give an approximate idea of where the trail is situated. Further maps will follow giving detailed nature of the trail from old OS maps from the time when the railway was running. This will be a lengthy job so please be patient and come back! Unlike the old rail masters we can't guarantee a time at which we can produce a result. |
Click on the map to step through Padstow to Poleys Bridge.
The above map is an extract from the leaflet produced by the North Cornwall Coast & Countryside Service.
The Camel Trail is a 17 mile mile traffic free route based on an historic railway
track. The Padstow to Wadebridge line was opened in 1899 providing access from Waterloo via Okehampton and Launceston,
but the section from Wadebridge to Poley's Bridge is one of the oldest in the world and was opened in 1834. Initially
it was intended to bring sea sand from the estuary to farms inland. Bodmin through to Wadebridge was connected
to the mainline system and operated until 1967, whilst the line bewtween Bodmin and Poley's Bridge, which was only
used for freight, and closed in 1984.
The trail falls into three basic sections each of which is approximately 6 miles long.
The surface is level and easy going - a gradient designed for steam trains and engineered in the century before last.
The surface generally comprises chippings and coarse sand giving a firm base which
is suitable for almost every level of user. Even during adverse weather large percentages of the trail will remain
in good condition. Maintenance for this free facility involves work which is all year round.
It is important, though, to realise that users of the Trail do so entirely at their own risk. Cornwall County and North District Councils do not accept any responsibility for any accident or injury which may occur as a result of misuse or abuse of the Trail, its structures, facilities or adjoining land.