Wadebridge
Wadebridge, one of North Cornwall's main market towns and gateway to the Camel Trail which is 11 miles of traffic free pathway for walking, cycling or horse riding and now the third largest attraction in the whole of Cornwall. This centrally located town has much to offer visitors of all ages and interests all year round.
Rock is only a few miles away and offers a wide range of watersports, including sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and paracending. There are also various riding stables in the area. Four miles away is the Cornwall Karting indoor racing track at Retallack. Not to be missed are the numerous beautiful golden beaches, all along the north coast and three golf courses close by at Trevose, Constantine and Bodmin. Wadebridge is an ideal location for keen walkers. The Camel Trail provides easy walking for young and old, with beautiful countryside all around it and the Trail being flat. For the more adventurous, Bodmin Moor is only 15 miles away and has many places of interest along with some challenging walking areas. Wadebridge is also on the famous Saints Way, a 16 mile cross country path, forged in ancient times by Celtic Saints between Padstow and Fowey. There are also spectacular coastal walks within a few miles of Wadebridge.
Wadebridge is situated within easy reach of Padstow and is a good base to explore North Cornwall. The bridge itself joined two separate communities and was built built in 1468 by Thomas Lovibond with the money he made from the wool trade and has seventeen arches along its 320 foot length. The bridge is also rumoured to have been built on wool, as a way of stopping it sinking. One way or another, it was built on, or from wool and to commemorate it, one of the pubs is called "The Bridge on Wool". During the civil war, the bridge became a strategic point with the Roundheads capturing it.
Wadebridge town also offers some of the best arts and crafts galleries and shops. Seek out some of North Cornwall's artists and craftspeople and see vibrant landscapes, beautiful furniture and pottery.