Day 5 – Padstow

The Camel Trail

It was another early start as we wanted to cycle the Camel Trail and needed to make sure we could park up in Padstow. We arrived about 9.30 and there were plenty of spaces and we headed off on the trail.

This was our 3rd time cycling the route so we knew what to expect and we wanted to cycle to Bodmin and back which is 40km. The first section to Wadebridge follows the estuary so there are beautiful views. Then you need to cycle through the town which I don’t like as there are so many cars. The final stretch is through woodlands and when we arrived at Bodmin we saw the steam train pulling in.

On the way back we stopped at the Camel Trail tea rooms where we had cake and hot chocolates.

Cycling back towards Padstow the sun came out so we were able to take some good pictures.

Padstow

We put the bikes back on the car and wandered into Padstow – which was absolutely packed. We were planning on getting fish and chips from Rick Steins but it was a bit early so we bought some crabbing sets and sat on the harbour so the kids could do some crabbing. We spent ages trying to catch crabs but none wanted to be caught! A group next to us were about to leave and they gave Tom and Izzy all their crabs which we later set free.

We then tried to buy fish and chips but unfortunately the shop was closed due to staff shortages caused by the Covid isolation rules so we just headed home.

Day 6 – Fistral Beach

It was due to be a beautiful day so we had to head back to the beach. We headed to Fistral as it is a stunning sandy beach with lots of facilities. We arrived quite early as we wanted to park right next to the beach and had a wander along the sand and played on the rocks.

We noticed that there were loads of little jelly fish in the water and being washed up on the sand. It was a bit early to get into the sea so we went for a walk along the headland. Tom found a little bay to climb down to and explore and then we carried on towards Little Fistral Beach and Towan Headland.

We watched a group of people coasteering and also a man who was diving from the rocks into the water. We walked back to Fistral beach and decided to buy the kids body boards so that they can make the most of the waves.

After a couple of hours it was time to go but we decided to drive up the coast for a bit and see if we could visit Bedruthan Beach as last time went it was wet and foggy. We arrived and started the walk to the beach but unfortunately we could not go down the steps to the sand as they ere damaged in a storm a few years ago and have not been repaired. It as such a shame as the beach looked beautiful – but maybe because no one was on it!

Day 7 – The Exe Trail

Today we had to leave for home but we wanted to cycle the Exe trail again – and it was almost half way on our route home so a good stopping place to break up the journey. It is a 25km round trip and takes you from Topsham, along the River Exe to the seaside (and back again).

We spent a bit of time on the beach, bought ourselves an ice cream before heading back to the car and then home to Gloucester.