Pedal the Camel

The Harbour Holidays team has made many journey along the Camel estuary. So we’ve put our heads together to bring you the perfect Camel Trail experience – from your choice of vehicle to the best break with a view, the tastiest trackside treats to the most thirst-quenching end of the day pint.

What’s the best part of a cycle along Padstow’s Camel Trail? The stop-you-in-your-tracks views? Definitely. The irresistible trackside temptations? Of course (especially when you’ll burn it all off pedalling home, surely?). That satisfying pint in a characterful pub? Absolutely. What’s more, it’s flat from start to finish (a rarity in Cornwall). So fill up your water bottle, tuck your trouser leg into your sock and lace up your trainers. Ready to experience the Camel Trail our way?

The vehicle

Why settle for two pedals when you can have four? Add a dash of comedy to your Camel Trail trip with a tandem bicycle. Whether you ride with your partner, your child or your best friend, you’re bound to have twice the fun trying to stay in sync with each other’s pedal power. Just beware of back saddle riders slacking in the pedalling department! You can rent your ride from Padstow Cycle Hire  at the beginning of the trail, and the team will be on hand to give you some tandemming tips before you set off.

The treat

OK, you’re doing it. You’re tandemming like (slightly wobbly) pros. The wind’s in your hair, the sun’s glinting off the water and you haven’t even broken a sweat, which might have something to do with being in the back seat… But you sure are peckish. Luckily Treats on Trikes is just up ahead. During the summer season you can take a pit stop along the estuary to pick up a Cornish Callestick ice cream or sorbet, served from the back of a tricycle. Clotted cream and raspberry? Eton Mess? Toasted coconut? Or amaretto? That’s a choice we’ll leave to you.

The view

With the pep in your pedal restored, you’ve made real progress. So it’s about time for another stop. A break with a view. Cross Polbrock Bridge and roll into Bishops Woods. There’s no better place to jump off the bike, stretch your weary limbs out on the grass and watch the treetops sway and clouds drift in the sky.

The pub

After some relaxation, it’s time to hop back on the tandem – maybe switch spaces, it’s only fair. Your next stop is the one you’ve been waiting for. The incentive of any cycle ride worth doing: a pub. The Borough Arms to be precise. With comfy leather chairs, beamed ceilings and an open fire, it’s the perfect respite for weary Camel Trail travellers. Perch on a barstool. Sip on a pint of something Cornish. Tuck into some baked Cornish Camembert, or locally caught fish and chips, or the classic gourmet burger. Indulge. But not too much, you’ve still got a few miles to go!

If you’re planning your Padstow getaway, take a peek at our properties.

And if you end up peddling along the Camel Trail, why not share you snaps with us or Twitter or Facebook?

Happy pedalling!