Discover Edmonton: Camel Trail and Cornish History

Edmonton combines impressive landscape experiences with traces of Cornish history. The village is home to the Quarryman Inn, a traditional Cornish Free House in a historic parish with a quarrying tradition. There are also routes for active days, publicly accessible natural areas and buildings whose details date back to the Middle Ages or the early modern period. Those planning a trip with different interests can therefore explore Edmonton at their preferred pace: with activity on the Camel Trail, visits to historic sites, nature observation or a visit to the Royal Cornwall Show.

Out and About on the Camel Trail

The Camel Trail is a distinctive way to experience the landscape actively. The surfaced multi-use trail is 18 miles long, largely traffic-free and almost level. It is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. It runs along the estuary between Padstow and Wadebridge and then follows the river to Bodmin. The parish of St Breock includes a short section of the Camel Trail along its eastern edge.

On the Camel Trail near Wadebridge, at SW997 717, there is an accessible birdwatching viewpoint. This makes it possible to combine an active stretch of the trail with a quieter moment in nature, without committing to a particular length of day. Those who would also like to experience woodland can note Bishops Wood in the parish of St Breock; this woodland is publicly accessible. When choosing a holiday flat or holiday house, it is worth considering the desired focus of the trip: the Camel Trail lends itself more to a plan involving physical activity, while nature and cultural destinations allow for a more varied daily rhythm.

Monolith, Churches and Historic Buildings

The St Breock Downs Monolith stands on the summit of St Breock Downs and offers expansive views. It is considered the largest and heaviest prehistoric monolith in Cornwall. Its creation is probably dated to the Late Neolithic through to the Middle Bronze Age, approximately between 2500 and 1500 BC. The monolith therefore combines a prominent landscape setting with a very long prehistoric history.

St Briocus offers a different historical perspective. Construction began in the 13th century; in 1259, the church was dedicated to Saint Briocus by Bishop Branscombe. The font made of Catacleuse stone dates from approximately the 14th century. St Briocus is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during daylight hours. Visits at other times are possible by arrangement. The Church of St Breock is situated in a picturesque valley setting, where the land rises to the north, south and west.

The historic residential and agricultural buildings also tell stories of different periods. Roskear is a farmhouse dating from the mid-17th century, with additions from the 18th century, and preserves a roof structure from the mid to late 17th century. Tollgate House was built as a toll house in the early 19th century and is now a private house. Its overall polygonal plan has eight chamfered sides. To the west of Carhart Farmhouse stands a listed barn with a horse gin house. The waterwheel there was made by Oatey of Wadebridge and bears the date 1848. Part of the original wooden structure for the machinery apparently survives in the horse gin house, including the original central wooden post.

Royal Cornwall Show and Regional Impressions

The Royal Cornwall Show provides a different focus. The showground features live music and dancing. Visitors can see various animals and birds at close range. Near the lake, there is a demonstration area featuring displays of skills such as fishing, stand-up paddleboarding and the construction of dugout canoes. Regional food and drinks are also showcased; visitors can meet producers and sample various products on offer.

Those wishing to camp at the Royal Cornwall Show should note that camping must be booked in advance. For a holiday flat or holiday house, however, you can tailor your search to your preferred travel interests: the Camel Trail, historic sights, nature observation or a day at an event.

Further Places for Orientation

For further travel planning, you can also compare Ruan High Lanes, Germoe, Saint Eval, Launceston, Stithians, Luckett, North Tamerton and St Pinnock.

For the overarching travel overview: Cornwall.