08/04/25 - The Camel Trail into Padstow, Saints Way Out

Ding Ding

Should you want to go to Padstow (plenty of chippers, no Good Beer Guide Pubs), you'll probably want to avoid the stress and expense of parking in town. 

I parked at Little Petherick - which provides two walking trails (sort of) into town.

 

Path	Description
Camel Trail	The Camel Trail is one of Cornwall’s most popular recreational routes, stretching around 18 miles along a disused railway line between Padstow, Wadebridge, and Bodmin. Walkers should avoid getting angry with cyclists that insist on dinging their little bells at you when approaching from behind. Far more hideous are the new breed of electric cyclists, who are not only lazy but think they have a right to silently creep up on you at 20 MPH before delivering said "ding".
Saints Way	The Saints' Way is a 30-mile walking trail that cuts across the heart of Cornwall, linking the north coast town of Padstow with the south coast harbour of Fowey. Steeped in history, the route follows ancient paths believed to have been used by early Christian pilgrims and traders as they journeyed between Ireland, Wales, and Brittany.

We decided to take the Camel trail first, which required some uninspiring walking until the views eventually opened up over the estuary. St Issey/Trevance especially annoying, where a new estate has been built and the footpaths only vaguely indicated on the ground. 

First views of Padstow

The Camel Trail is picked up at Halwyn. A C15th Pigeon house but more importantly for the C21st Tourist, a free car park. If you are prepared to drive down narrow lanes with grass growing up the middle.

The Second Time this structure has appeared on my blog

Shared access paths are never the easiest, especially when you are sharing with arrogant and entitled pricks. Christ, but cyclists do little to live down their reputation. They seem to get emboldened, the more of them there are. It's a relief to reach the end of the line.

The views were of course, excellent

Its possibly best to avoid the harbour area of Padstow. Take a few steps into the back streets and you will get an outdoor seat at a pub. We tried the Old Ship, where friendly service was countered by a lacklustre Tribute.

Padstow - from the opposite side of the Harbour

Space at the Old Ship

Lunch had to be Fish and Chips. We could have queued with everyone else for the full Rick Stein experience, but Chip Ahoy sounded more up our street. Next to a Padstow Brewery craft beer bar and a couple of available outdoor seats. This proved handy to get over the shock of Fish and Chips twice being £27. 

It's the families I feel sorry for! What do you do if you have hungry kids? Get them to share is the only obvious answer.

The Saints Way took us back to Little Petherick. And what super walking it was - Up and down over agricultural fields. The agriculture? Daffodils! 

Saints Way to the Obelisk

Who knew daffodils were industrially cultivated?

Followed by a around a mile along Little Penderick Creek.

End of the Day Walking

Super route, 14 years after I last completed something similar.

The saving up starts now for the next time.

Walk Details

Distance - 10 Miles

Geocaches - 9

Walk Inspiration - Best Pub Walks in Cornwall, Walk 4