After it was built it was soon apparent that the rail line could have many uses to the community. It began to ship valuable Delabole slate and china clay (also known as ‘white gold’) out from further inland onto international ships moored up in Padstow.
It was even used to transport fresh fish landed in Padstow inland and on towards London and other major cities in its heyday.
The reason why the trail ends deep in the Cornish countryside at Wenford Bridge is because there was also a quarry here too which mined china clay and the other valuable minerals contained in this part of the UK.
So why is the Camel trail so flat and easy to ride?
Well, the railway was built in such a way so that the heavy trains laden with sand would not have to negotiate any steep inclines or sharp turns. And it’s these characteristics which make it such an excellent cycle trail, especially so for the novice or younger rider.
Many families (locals & visitors) take their young children to the trail to allow them to become more confident cyclists in a virtually traffic free environment.
Bike Smart Cycle Hire have an excellent selection of tag-alongs for hire, to allow even the youngest children to enjoy the trail, being transported safely behind their parents.
At one point, there was talk of converting the Camel Trail back into a working railway, but this was flatly rejected by Cornwall Council who manage the trail.
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway also have a long term aim to expand from Boscarne Junction all the way up to Wadebridge.
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