12k Run Bodmin: Scenic Camel Trail to Hellanbridge

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 12.0km out-and-back route from Bodmin to Hellanbridge offers a refreshingly flat and accessible escape into the heart of the Cornish countryside. Departing from Berrycoombe Hill, you'll briefly join the famous Camel Trail before veering onto more secluded riverside paths that hug the banks of the River Camel. With a negligible 34m of ascent, this course is ideal for runners looking to maintain a steady tempo or enjoy a picturesque recovery run. The terrain is predominantly unpaved, providing a softer surface that trail enthusiasts will appreciate while remains firm enough for most road shoes in dry conditions.

Steeped in industrial and natural history, this area serves as a gateway to the rugged beauty of Bodmin Moor. As you head toward Hellanbridge, you are running through a landscape once defined by the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway—one of the oldest rail lines in the world, opened in 1834. Today, the steam whistles have been replaced by the tranquil sounds of the river and native wildlife. Hellanbridge itself is a peaceful hamlet that feels a world away from the bustle, offering a perfect turnaround point where the ancient stone architecture reflects the enduring character of rural Cornwall.