キャメル トレイルとパドストウ歴史地区ツアーで自転車に乗ってパドストウを探索しましょう。

キャメル トレイルとパドストウ歴史地区ツアーで自転車に乗ってパドストウを探索しましょう。

This time we’ll be pedalling to Padstow to explore 
its picturesque harbour and bustling atmosphere. A firm favourite with visitors to Cornwall. We’ll feel the gentle Cornish breeze in our faces and witness the sparkling estuary stretching 
before us as the rhythmic whee of bicycle   wheels carries us through a landscape steeped in 
history and natural beauty. The Camel Trail, a true recreational gem in Cornwall’s crown, offers an 
unforgettable adventure for everyone. Join us as we pedal from Wadebridge to Padstow. The perfect 
way to arrive in this foodie famous fishing town. The Camel Trail is a celebrated multi-use 
path winding for approximately 18 miles through some of Cornwall’s incredible 
scenery. We’re going to use it to   explore the route between Wadebridge 
and Padstow this time and next week, from Wadebridge to Bodmin. We were up and out 
early with a 9:00 a.m. start in Wadebridge. So, we’ve arrived at Piggy Lane Car. It’s where 
we’re going to dump the car for the day. It’s   £6.30 to park the car here. We’re going to 
walk across the road and get our bicycles. We pre-ordered them online. It’s quite a busy 
time of year, and one other company was already sold out. So, there are a couple to choose from. 
Yeah, definitely pre-order your bike online for the Camel trail. There are several electric car 
charging points here if that’s important to you.   And then it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk 
to Bridge Bike Hire, our chosen bike centre. This section of the Camel Trail starts right 
beside the Beach Box Cafe, which has the only   toilet facilities on this 5 1/2 mile path that 
leads you to Padstow. Okay, so we’ve picked up our bikes. A mountain bike and I’ve gone for 
an electric one. I’ve never ridden one before,   but I thought I’d give it a go. It cost us £57 for 
the day. The electric bike is a little bit more expensive, but we’re right here at the beginning 
of the middle section, I think, of the camel trail. Starting off at Wadebridge and we’ll 
make our way to Padstow. So, let’s get going! The trail is not just for cyclists. You can walk,   ride a horse, and the route 
follows a disused railway line, which is very flat. So those with mobility 
issues requiring a wheelchair will also be fine. All the bike hire companies offer a range of 
accessories and alternative bikes from tandems to kid and doggy trailers so that all the family 
can join in the fun. From seasoned cyclists to families with young children, the trail attracts 
an impressive 400,000 visitors each year. As we pedal along, the salt marshes 
near Wadebridge offer a chance to   observe native and visiting bird life 
foraging in the mudflats at low tide. The estuary is a natural haven where you can 
regularly spot graceful herons, elegant egrets, and even playful seals basking on the banks or 
swimming in the waters. As you venture further,  keep an eye out for elusive creatures 
like otters, kingfishes, foxes, and deer. The story of the camel trail begins with the 
creation of the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway, one of Britain’s earliest lines. Commissioned in 
1831 by local landowner Sir William Molsworth of Pencarrow. This ambitious project was initially 
built to transport lime rich sand from the Camel estuary to inland farms near Wenford, enriching 
the soil as fertiliser. This early line was isolated from the national network but did carry 
passengers. It would take 60 years before it was connected to the main network, but that’s 
a story for when we ride the Bodman Railway   steam train next time. In 1846, the London and 
Southwestern Railway (LSWR), then a rising power, purchased the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway, 
harbouring ambitions of extending its network   into the county. As Cornwall’s industries 
evolved, so did the railways purpose. By 1862, it became crucial for shipping China clay, which 
grew into a more reliable trade. Over the decades, the railway ownership changed hands again, 
acquired by Southern Railway in 1923 and later by British Railways during nationalisation. A decline 
in traditional freight due to dwindling quarrying and fishing industries and the rise of lorries 
resulted in a substantial decrease in freight traffic. While passenger services continued 
to be popular with holidaymakers and students,   the line’s economic viability for freight faced 
increasing challenges. The notorious “beeching cuts” of the 1960s, a government initiative to 
enhance railway profitability and efficiency, ultimately spelt the end of the passenger 
services. This led to the termination of passenger services between Padstow and Bodmin with the 
final train departing in 1967. Freight services between Bodmin Road and Wadebridge persisted only until 1978. The last service on the line to close was the China Clay Freight Services from 
Wentford Bridge to Bodmin in September 1983. This era marked the end of the railway, and the 
infrastructure became disused. However, this was not the end of the track bed. In a 
visionary move, Cornwall County Council purchased the Padstow to Wadebridge line from British 
Railways in 1980 and began its transformation into a public trail. This decision to repurpose 
the infrastructure rather than abandon it laid the groundwork for a new chapter, with 
the rest of the trail purchased later.   Bridge Bikes were the very first to open a bike 
hire shop on the trail, with many following since. The trail passes through an old slate quarry, a 
charming reminder of the area’s industrial past. The Atlantic Express, an old goods truck,   has been repurposed to provide refreshing 
mid-journey sustenance. It is a delightful blend of history and hospitality, 
offering a unique stop along the path. Just stopped for a moment. Probably about, I 
don’t know, maybe 2 miles in. Beautiful views of the Camel Estuary here, and there’s 
a little shack that’s selling teas and coffees and bits and pieces. Very, very quiet 
today. So lucky because it is a beautiful day, and it does get very busy on the trail. But 
I think maybe we’re just a couple of weeks ahead of the peak season. We’re here mid-May, and 
it’s a Tuesday morning and absolutely delightful. One of the trail’s great advantages 
is its all year round accessibility.   While some Cornish coastal paths can become 
challenging or dangerous in adverse weather, the Camel Trail remains enjoyable throughout the 
seasons. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and the best weather, perfect for vibrant photos. 
Autumn brings fewer crowds and stunning foliage, creating a unique experience. Even 
winter provides a quiet, serene ride, but weather conditions can be more challenging. The section of the track bed we are cycling 
on now, between Wadebridge and Padstow,   was not operational until 1899. 
This final stretch represented significant engineering challenges when 
building the railway to Padstow. Notably,   the construction of the Little Petherick Creek 
bridge ahead of us. A unique curved three-span iron bridge believed to be the only one of 
its kind in the United Kingdom.    Construction of this final leg commenced in December 1896. 
The railway line officially arrived in Padstow on the 23rd of March 1899. The station opened 
to traffic just 4 days later, on March 27th, to much celebration from local dignitaries 
and residents, complete with a brass band. Well, that’s the first part out of 
the way. We’ve done the first 5 miles into Padstow. It’s taken about half an hour in 
total. Not too long at all. Very easy ride and beautiful, beautiful setting. So, we’ll 
go and have a look around Padstow now. So, you can only get so far 
into Padstow on a bicycle,   and then you have to lock them up. There are 
metal racks that you can use. Quiet today, but I can imagine in the summer season it could 
be difficult getting one, but yeah, you get to the point where you can’t go through any further. 
And then have make our way into the town. So you can hire bikes here at Padstow. I think 
at every point at Wadebridge, Bodmin, Padstow, there are places you can hire bikes. So doesn’t 
matter where you want to start riding the camel trail, you can get a bike. But in peak season, 
you definitely want to be booking that in advance. On our right is the South Quay, and just past the 
main harbour car park is an area where the old railway lines would have terminated. Now housing 
a building that is largely dedicated to the businesses owned by the celebrity chef Rick Stein, 
who has made Padstow his main home since 1975. You can get Stein fish and chips for 
£11, a Singapore chilli crab burger for £14. Visit the Stein fishmongers 
for the freshest catch of the day,   or pop into his deli for goodies for 
picnics or other kitchen and table wear. Perched above us is the four-star 
Victorian Harbour Hotel,   which has stunning views over the Estuary Harbour. Padstow’s historical roots stretch back millennia,   establishing it as a site of enduring 
significance. Its origins as a natural harbour may date back as far as 2500 BC, 
serving as a vital link along the Saints Way, connecting Brittany to Ireland. St. Petroc, a 
prominent Cornish saint around 520 AD, is said to have arrived from Ireland and established 
a monastery on the hill overlooking Padstow. Upon reaching the harbour, the town reveals itself 
as a multifaceted destination. A captivating  blend of history, a vibrant culinary 
scene, a thriving artistic community, and a bustling working harbour 
that offers a myriad of activities. On the corner of South Quay is the old 
Revenue and Customs House, now a pub. At one time it buted right up against the harbour 
wall where boats would offload goods into the   white trap door on the roof. The harbour has 
been modified since. Throughout the Middle Ages, the harbour flourished, evolving into 
a bustling trading port. It facilitated   the exchange of essential goods such 
as copper, tin, and lead ores, slate, piltchards, and various agricultural produce. 
By the 19th century, shipbuilding had become a thriving industry with no less than six 
shipyards operating in the town. However, this industry eventually declined by 1900, as wooden 
vessels were gradually replaced with iron ships. Padstow also played a poignant role during 
the height of the Cornish immigration in   the 19th century, serving as a significant 
embarkation point for many seeking new lives in the Americas and Canada. It is estimated 
that between 1831 and 1860, around 42,000 immigrants left Cornwall for North America. 
6,198 left Padstow for Quebec and Montreal. The town’s history also features notable figures 
such as Sir Walter Raleigh, the esteemed explorer favoured by Queen Elizabeth I. He resided in 
the town’s courthouse in the late 16th century, a property still standing at the water’s edge 
today. Raleigh served as the warden of Cornwall, where he was responsible for collecting taxes 
and dues. For those eager to delve deeper into the past than we might be able to in this 
video, a Padstow history walk takes place   every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m. For more 
information, visit padstolive.com. Additionally, the Padstone Museum, a small but engaging 
institution in the old railway station, houses a unique collection of artefacts 
providing insight into the social history   of the port over the last two centuries. Padstow Harbour remains the undeniable focal point of the town.   A place of constant 
activity and charm, truly its life and soul. It continues to operate as a vibrant working 
port with fishing boats regularly departing   and returning with the day’s catches, offering 
a dynamic and authentic atmosphere. It is the perfect spot for simply observing the world 
go by or for engaging in timeless harbourside activities such as crabbing, which provides a more 
sedate alternative to venturing out on the sea. Heading away from the inner harbour, let’s have 
a walk around some of the lanes and back streets. The Drang is a rare and precious gem, being one 
of the few remaining cobbled streets in Padstow. Its preserved surface immediately transports 
visitors to an earlier time in the town’s past. It’s worth mentioning we were still 
in early season on a Tuesday around   10:30 mid-May. As you can see, some shops 
are either closed or yet to open. Opening times really do depend on the season 
and are not always every day. So,   do check before coming if there’s 
a specific place you want to visit. Lanadwell Street offers a fascinating glimpse 
into Padstow’s commercial evolution. Once the blue shop, Buckingham’s Grocers, in 1960, is 
now occupied by Tarquin’s Gin store. This shift from a traditional grocer to a modern artisan 
spirit retailer speaks volumes about Padstow’s broader economic shift towards a more specialised 
tourism orientated economy. First opened in 1803, the London Inn was originally formed from 
three fishermen’s cottages and gets its   name from a boat which sailed the waters around 
Padstow. This pub also offers bed and breakfast. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Padstow 
Gallery, which showcases paintings, ceramics, and jewellery inspired by the 
Cornish coast and countryside. Coming up on our left is the Golden Lion, the 
oldest remaining pub in Padstow. It was first mentioned in 1783 and built as a public house 
with its own malthouse at the rear. It was also used as a venue for auctioning of boats 
and goods. Today, a pub, hotel, and eatery. These almshouses were built in 1875 with a date 
stone above the gate and a plaque on the gable commemorating John Tredwen. They were subsequently 
renamed Tredwen Court. The buildings feature a courtyard with two rows of four one-room 
plan houses on the north and south sides. They still function as age exclusive 
housing, specifically catering to poor   people aged 50-plus who are residents of the 
parish. Padstow has undeniably earned its   reputation as a premier culinary destination. 
A transformation significantly influenced by Rick Stein. Over the past five decades, his 
presence has expanded to include 13 different businesses. This extensive footprint has led 
the town to be famously nicknamed Padstein. Despite the overwhelming presence of Rick’s 
Empire, Padstow’s culinary offering extends   far beyond one name. Paul Ainsworth at number 
six, a Michelin-starred restaurant awarded in 2013 with four AA rosettes, provides a 
refined dining experience on Middle Street. Duke Street is a historically significant 
thoroughfare and features a mix of residential   and former commercial properties that reflect 
Padstow’s development as a port and later a tourist destination. We’ll head uphill 
first, away from the bustling harbour,   as the residential properties look quaint 
and are in the desirable old town area. Many of the houses are traditional cottages,   often with period features like bare beams, 
wooden staircases, and granite walls, blending with contemporary refurbishments 
due to their popularity as holiday lets. If we were to carry on walking 
uphill, the road splits and on   the left heads to the town church and to 
the right to another architectural gem, Prideaux Place, an exquisite Elizabethan Manor 
House built in 1585 by Sir Nicholas Prideaux, majestically overlooking the town. This estate 
spans 60 acres and is open from Easter to October. Sadly, we don’t have time on this trip to 
visit either as we have lots more cycling   to do today on other parts of the Camel Trail, 
which you’ll get to see in next week’s video. Making our way back down Duke Street,   we’ll head for the inner harbour. But this 
just highlights the need to be curious and explore the back streets because they are 
delightful and, as you can see, very quiet. Three delightful shops on Marketplace 
will certainly entice you with coffee,   pastries, and a good old Cornish pasty. Moving into the narrow mill 
square, the Old Ship Hotel is   a delightful looking 18th century 
watering hole with accommodation. Another of Paul Ainsworth’s businesses is Cafe 
Rojano. And interestingly, this first served as Tonkin Bootmakers in 1905. Local craftsmen who 
created hand-sewn boots for Padstow fishermen. We are now walking along North Quay Parade, 
which runs alongside the northern side of   the inner harbour. Buildings along the quay 
would have originally served as warehouses for its important trade and fishing. 
The town itself grew on reclaimed land, and the inner quays were built as early 
as 1538. The entire harbour area has undergone significant development over 
the centuries, including flood defence   schemes in 1988 that extended the inner 
basin pier and raised some quay walls. Abbey House is a particularly notable historic 
building believed to be one of the oldest houses in Padstow. It has an ancient stone archway 
overlooking the inner harbour and was historically associated with traders and perhaps even a tunnel 
leading to Prideaux Place. Its former resident, Annie Simpson, was well known for her 
eccentric behaviour, making it a local   landmark with intriguing stories, which 
I believe the Padstow Museum regales. The shipwright’s is believed to date back to the   18th century and was originally part 
of a shipyard, probably a warehouse, now part of a very popular harbourside pub. 
Note the old railway mileage post outside, salvaged from the closure of the railway. The Jubilee Queen of Padstow is a well-known and much loved vessel that offers boat trips along 
the North Cornish coast. She’s described as a   true lady of the sea and has been cruising for 
over 40 years. We didn’t see her, but the white hut here is where you can see the schedule 
and book a trip or do it online in advance. We’ll head up towards the beach in 
a bit, but first, the ferry slip. Padstow Sealife Safaris offers exciting 
boat trips from the harbour, focused on   wildlife observation and exploring the rugged 
Cornish coastline. They operate a RIB vessel that provides a thrilling and fast-paced 
experience. (Other boat trips available). For something more sedate, take the Padstow to 
Rock Ferry, also known as the Black Tor Ferry,   across the Estuary to the pretty village of 
Rock for a stunning view back to Padstow and a beautiful beach. The ferry operates 
a regular service throughout the day,   running every 20 minutes from 
two locations, depending on the tide. This is the high tide point. 
See the website for more details. From the harbour, you can take a walk up 
and along the southwest coast path to the Harbour Cove Beach. As you ascend to St. Saviour’s 
Point, the views become increasingly spectacular. You get panoramic vistas across the Camel 
estuary towards Rock and Polzeath on the opposite bank and out to the mouth 
of the estuary and the infamous “Doom Bar”.   Infamous for constantly shifting with 
tides and currents, especially after storms. It has historically posed a significant hazard 
to shipping, with over 600 vessels believed to have been wrecked here. The most recent 
incident occurred in 2020. Intriguingly, the UK’s bestselling cask and bottled ale 
Doombar takes its name from this very sandbar. Reaching St. Saviour’s Point. The Celtic cross   holds the names of the Padstow men who 
lost their lives in two world wars. The Southwest Coast Path continues to Harbour Cove 
Beach and beyond, but will be turning back now. As we walk back down into the harbour, let’s have   a very quick look at what’s coming in 
part two of this Camel Trail special. Our next adventure takes us to the heart of 
the Camel Trail, cycling to Bodmin. There, we’ll delve into the town’s rich history by 
visiting some of its historic attractions, culminating in a delightful afternoon tea 
aboard the Bobmin and Wenford Heritage Railway. It’s a truly nostalgic 
journey back into Cornwall’s past. Well, that’s it from Padstow. We’re going to go 
and grab the bikes now and cycle all the way back   through Wadebridge and onto Bodmin. But you can 
see that in next week’s video. So join us again. Do subscribe and continue to watch our adventures 
in Cornwall. Thanks for watching. See you soon.

Get ready to embark on a journey through time and nature as we cycle the iconic Camel Trail all the way to the stunning harbour town of Padstow! If you’re looking for a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and a touch of Cornish magic, this is the video for you.

We’ll start our adventure in Wadebridge, hopping on our bikes to follow the path of the old railway line, now a glorious, traffic-free trail that winds alongside the beautiful Camel Estuary. The views are incredible, with lush green landscapes and shimmering water stretching out before us.

But the real reward awaits us at the end of our ride: the enchanting town of Padstow. This is one of the most popular fishing towns to visit in Cornwall. As we dismount our bikes, we’ll dive straight into a walking tour, exploring the narrow, winding streets and discovering the incredible historic buildings that tell the story of this famous harbour. The history of Padstow is deeply intertwined with its harbour, which has served as a hub for fishing, trade, and ferry services for centuries.

The story of Padstow begins long before it became the foodie haven it is today. Originally founded by a Welsh missionary in the 6th century, the town’s sheltered harbour made it a crucial port, and it thrived on the pilchard fishing trade for centuries. The charming pastel-coloured houses you see today were once the homes of fishermen and merchants, their stories etched into every stone.

So why should you make Padstow your next destination? Beyond its history, Padstow offers an unforgettable experience. The harbour is the heart of the town, bustling with fishing boats and offering a vibrant atmosphere. You can’t visit without sampling the incredible local seafood, made famous by chefs who have set up their kitchens here. Take a ferry across to Rock, or simply sit by the water and soak in the quintessential Cornish charm. Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a history buff, or a foodie, Padstow has something for everyone. It’s a place where you can feel the past under your feet and the sea breeze on your face all at once.

Helpful Links:-
www.bridgebikehire.co.uk
www.harbourhotels.co.uk
https://padstowlive.com ( History walk)
https://www.jubileequeen.net (Boat Trips)
www.padstowsealifesafaris.co.uk (Boat Trips)
www.londoninnpadstow.co.uk

Home

https://rickstein.com
www.paul-ainsworth.co.uk/number6
www.oldshiphotel-padstow.co.uk
https://shipwrightspadstow.co.uk
https://padstow-harbour.co.uk/ferry (Ferry to Rock)

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With thanks to www.google.com and Google Earth for the use of their images.
00:00 Padstow Introduction
00:47 Hiring our Bikes
02:43 Cycling from Wadebridge to Padstow
10:41 Padstow Walking Tour and History
16:37 Explore the Quaint Padstow Back Streets
23:34 Padstow North Quay to Ferry Slip
27:26 Padstow Panoramic Viewpoint
29:46 Next Time….
#padstow #cameltrail #visitcornwall