Nigel (Nige) Wiggett, proprietor of Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge, regularly rides along the Camel Trail and writes about what he sees and hears around him. His personal report, supported by many stunning photographs, provides a colourful window into life and conditions along the Trail.

All sections of the Trail are suffering from a patchwork of puddles from the heavy overnight rain however downstream work is in progress on extensive surface repairs. I must say the trail management is much improved and the extensive and sensitive cutting back of Hedgerows has made an enormous difference.

This is a truly magic time of the year, the Trail is just bursting with life. I sat riverside just under Gaff and Undertown woods earlier this week - if you don't know these upstream woods they are classic Bluebell woods just carpet of blue interspersed with the odd outcrop of wild Garlic. When you add the flash of a Kingfisher, a startled cry of a Pheasant and a kind of loud honking - maybe a Roe Deer - how else would you want to start your day? It certainly wakes up the senses dormant for so many months.

In contrast, today I headed downstream cutting a path through what seemed like hundreds of baby rabbits - dawn chorus in full swing at early light and sun up by 6.30. The Trail is just a blaze of colour, gorse - blackthorn - bluebells - primroses - campion, you name it - beautiful.

Padstow of course will be bursting with activity dreckly in preparation for May Day so I'll be travelling down the river every morning pre-May Day (as opposed to the up river route) - there is a real buzz in the village with the lead in to the big event.

I do hope you are able to share the sights and sounds of the Camel Trail - there really is nowhere like it.

Safe Cycling.

Nigel - Bridge Bike Hire - The Camel Trail
Wadebridge - Tel: 01208 813050

Words and original photographs are the copyright of Nigel Wiggett, Bridge Bike Hire.

© 2003 - 2008