The Camel Trail in North Cornwall is one of the most popular recreational rides in the country.


The 18-mile gentle route takes you from the coast to the western edge of Bodmin Moor.


The trail follows a disused railway line by the River Camel and you can walk, cycle or ride horses along it.


The journey starts in Padstow, a popular fishing port. Padstow is also known for its May Day celebrations when an ’Obby ’Oss roams through the crowded streets in an age-old fertility celebration.


Padstow has sandy beaches and you can catch a ferry across the Camel estuary to the seaside village of Rock. The port is also home to the National Lobster Hatchery.


The section of the Camel Trail from Padstow to Wadebridge runs alongside the sandy estuary and is a


short section of road to rejoin the former railway route as it begins its rise through wooded countryside towards Bodmin. Care must be taken near Bodmin where the route crosses the busy A389.


Bodmin is an historic town which was mentioned in the Domesday Book.


Today, it has a busy shopping centre and many amenities.


Blaze the Camel Trail


picturesque ride taking in creeks and a refurbished three-span iron railway bridge which originally opened in 1899.


With the ebb and flow of the tide, the views on this section of the trail are always changing.


An estuary full of sparkling blue water on your outward journey could be a huge expanse of undulating yellow sand on your return.


Keep an eye out for the bird life around the estuary.


As you approach Wadebridge you will see the spectacular modern road bridge that crosses the valley. Wadebridge takes its name from its medieval bridge which is 320ft long and has numerous arches.


This bridge, said to be one of the finest in Britain, was widened in 1849.


Cyclists on the Camel Trail at Wadebridge have to cross a Pictures courtesy of Mary Neale. With kind permission of NCDC


Take a step back in time Helston Museum Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 10am-4pm


Easter April 2nd - 14th


Wednesday & Saturday 10am-1pm Summer as above


July 23rd - September 1st


FREE ADMISSION FULL DISABLED ACCESS


Tel: 01326 564027 www.cornwall.gov.uk


COUNTRYMAN INN


Piece, Redruth Free House


OPEN 11am - midnight - ALLYEAR


We stock a range of over 20 beers and lagers including 7 REALALES


Real open fire. We offer an extensive menu throughout the day. Food served daily between 11am until 10pm


Traditional values & a warm welcome await you at The Countryman


For reservations: please ring 01209 215960


All the colour and tradition of Flora Day at Helston.


38 Cornish Visitor Guide - spring / summer 2012 THE


Helston offers diversity and tradition


Helston is a unique combination of ancient market town, stepping off point for the Lizard Peninsula and its beautiful beaches and thatched roofed fishing towns, the home of air-sea rescue in West Cornwall, and potentially, using the famous giant satellite dishes at Goonhilly Earth Station, a world wide centre for space exploration. It is also a town of independent shops with a difference.


Helston is perhaps most famous as the home of Flora Day, held every year on May 8 except when this date falls on a Sunday or Monday. This year’s will be held on Tuesday, May 8.


The entire town is transformed, with a large fairground and stalls selling souvenirs, crafts and food.


Locals and visitors are transformed as well, with celebrations last well into the evening.


From Bodmin, the Camel Trail heads for Poley’s Bridge on the edge of Bodmin Moor. The Camel Trail is part of the West Country Way which runs to Bristol.


There are bicycle hire shops in Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin, where you can choose from a selection of mountain bikes, adult tourers, and child’s trailer bikes and tandems.


Crowds line the streets to enjoy the Helston Flora Day procession.


The town also has a monument which in today’s world must stand out, as it honours Helston banker and solicitor Humphry Millet Grylls, whose actions kept open the local tin mine and saved 1200 jobs.


Helston Folk Museum, housed in the old butter market behind the impressive Guildhall, features a cannon from the HMS Anson, wrecked in 1807. This event at Loe Bar, with its loss of life, inspired Henry Trengrouse to invent the Breeches Buoy which is still in use today.


Helston, a town of heritage, is also home to RNAS Culdrose and to Flambards, the West Country's leading family attraction with rides, family fun and entertainment and exhibitions, including The Victorian Village and the Britain in the Blitz.


www.cornish-visitor.co.uk


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