Our off road section of the Camel trail followed the course of a disused railway track starting at Padstow in the west and ending at Bodmin in the east.

As the weather had been particularly wet prior to our visit, we thought it wiser to find a campsite with hard standings to avoid the chance of getting stuck on wet ground.

Although we would have to drive to the end of the trail, we camped at the superb Trewince Farm Holiday Park in St.Issey, some 4 miles from Padstow.

Padstow has ample parking in the harbour area at the bottom of the hill in Station Road, and this quaint fishing village is a must to explore before starting the trail.

From Padstow the trail runs close to the banks of the Camel estuary as it meanders toward Wadebridge.

There are several places to stop and admire the views as well as a bird hide to observe the estuary's wildlife.

After passing under the A39 road bridge, secure bike racks will be seen next to the track on the outskirts of Wadebridge. (This would make an alternative starting place for the trail as there is an inexpensive car park at the rear of Lidl's supermarket which is dedicated to cyclists)

From here, the track ends and becomes a well marked, on road cycle lane which cuts through the town center and passes the old railway station before continuing to the second section of track.

This section of the trail is mainly flanked by woodland giving occasional glimpses of the River Camel and ends on the outskirts of Bodmin leaving a short on road ride to the town centre where secure bike racks will be found in the main car park.

On the last few yards of the track, we became aware that we were cycling past an absolutely massive stone wall. Somewhat puzzled, we took a few paces back, and over the top of the wall, we could just make out the dark, austere remains of the notorious Bodmin Jail.

Quite an eerie and thought provoking experience.

With the return journey to Padstow, this was a round trip of 22 miles.