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Welcome to Wadebridge

'WADEBRIDGE : a market town on the banks of the Camel River' or 'a market town whose bridge is built on wool'; these are the usual introductions to this medium sized town of 7000 people, placed halfway between Bodmin - famed for its jail and being the ancient capital of Cornwall, and Padstow, famous for its ancient harbour and probably the best know restaurateur if not in the world, certainly in Britain.

The Bridge, Wadebridge

Sadly neither description is totally accurate these days. Wadebridge is no longer a market town, the cattle market which had been in the town for hundreds of years closed down during the last outbreak of foot and mouth in 2001. The bridge built on wool is disputed by many. One story is that the foundations of the bridge were built on sacks of sheep's wool whilst the other version describes the bridge being built on the profit from the wool. Whichever version you believe the old bridge is there and the centrepiece of the town. Photographed by most visitors to the town from every angle and vantage point imaginable.

Challenge Bridge

The construction and history of the bridge, which has been of immense importance to the development and expansion of the town, has changed over the centuries to accommodate increasing traffic and European weight laws and restrictions. Having been built originally to provide drovers and shepherds with easier access to the market, it is true that payment for the bridge was achieved from the profit of the wool from the sheep - a rich commodity in 1460AD.

Wadebridge is comprised of several hamlets covering perhaps only a square mile; St Breock, Trevanson, Guineaport, Wade, Whiterock and Egloshayle, the latter being cut off from the others by the rivers until the construction of the bridge by the Reverend Lovibond who also donated the 80' tower to the only parish Church for the town of Wadebridge which is actually in Egloshayle. The Parish of Egloshayle does not actually encompass the village of the same name. Wadebridge Town Council is responsible for the village of Egloshayle, the Parish of Egloshayle has its own Council!

Library

The Town Hall, in the centre of town, houses the Town Council offices. When it was opened in 1888 by Sir Paul Molesworth, it was called Molesworth Hall. Later taken over by the Town Trust, it eventually came into the ownership of the then Parish Council. The façade of the building changed when in 1962 refurbishment and improvement to what had become a quite run down building was completed. The barrel ceiling and balcony in the main hall disappeared as did the wonderful arched window and door at the front.

Regal Cinema

The river, which is now quite silted was an important part of the town's prosperity when many cargo ships moored alongside the wharfs and harbour. It is said that Guineaport is so named as ships' captains were required to pay a 'Guinea' to moor there.

Its former status of being a market town indicates to the observer and visitors to Wadebridge that the surrounding area is one of a farming and agricultural nature. The Town's abattoir closed even before the Foot and Mouth Crisis, at the time of the BSE crisis, severely affecting rural business in the whole area. Livestock is now moved to other towns whose abattoirs have survived. Cornwall's climate however, is enhanced in Wadebridge which enjoys something of a mini microclimate and helps attract thousands of visitors to the town who have changed to a great extent, the economic perspective. The Town is now known as a cycling Mecca for tourists rather than a market town.

John Betjeman Centre

The Camel Trail

Tourism is a large contributor to the economic growth of Wadebridge and is due in quite a large part to the Camel Trail, a cycle way almost 20 miles long that stretches from the moor at Bodmin into Padstow along a disused railway line, forming part of the national cycle network.

The trail hugs the banks of the estuary between Padstow and Wadebridge along a line once used by the London and South West Railway and then turns inlands passing through wonderful countryside including the Camel Valley before joining another historic disused line ending at the foot of Bodmin Moor near Blisland, a pretty moorland village.

Cyclists completing the whole length will have passed much of the County's industrial heritage in one way or another from Fishing to Agriculture, China Clay workings to former quarries and of course one of the first railway lines in the world! The Bodmin and Wadebridge Line was the first steam hauled railway in Cornwall and the first line in the West of Britain to carry passengers. It was officially opened on Tuesday 30 September 1834 and was really intended to carry cargo - sand, mud and coal, out of the town and granite, tin and copper in. The second part of the route, Wadebridge to Padstow, was opened in 1899. The line was finally closed in 1966 in common with many others due to the 'Beeching Axe'. The buildings however, lived to see another day. Where the Library now stands, wagons were once being loaded and unloaded, the supermarket stands on the sidings and at the Betjamin Community Centre, the old booking office and waiting rooms can still be seen.

In 2006 a new walk to work route was established at the Bodmin end of the route.

The Camel Trail is managed through a Partnership sharing responsibility of the maintenance and upkeep involving Cornwall Council (with the Town and Parish Councils through whose areas the trail passes). The Partnership also includes a Commissioner from Padstow Harbour Commissioners and representatives from English Nature, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission. Rangers are employed to patrol and manage the trail and cycle hire is available in each of the three large towns along its length.

Accessibility

Wadebridge has been noted in the past for being the town between Bodmin with its Gaol and Pastow famed for its historic harbour and more recently renowned Chef. Not much to be said about it particularly following the demise of the railway but since the arrival of the Camel Trail, many thousands of visitors travel to Wadebridge for its own delights.

To arrive at Wadebridge, the traveller may have left the A30 at the Kennards House junction travelling through Camelford and down the beautiful Allen Valley which glows blue with the bluebells in Spring and soft green in the summer; a welcome shaded sanctuary from the sun. In the Autumn leaves of every colour scatter under the driver's wheels and winter is softer here than many other parts.

That same driver might also leave the A30 at Bodmin, following a well signed route through the town, over the Camel Trail where once a railway level crossing dissected the road near the 'Borough Arms' where a hearty meal can be found near journey's end. Over the widened river bridge, up past Dunmere Wood and on to Wadebridge.

From the West

Recreation, Sport and Leisure

See 'Latest News' for information regarding Allotments and Wadebridge Allotment & Garden Society (WAAGS) link at right hand side of page.

For those so inclined, sport features quite heavily in the town with a fine football club near the School, rugby club near Egloshayle Church, bowling tennis and cricket in Egloshayle Playing Fields, swimming at the leisure centre, several martial arts classes and many other activities to suit all ages and abilities.

There are also several excellent golf courses within a few miles of the town, of both Championship standard and the less formal.

Annual Events in Wadebridge

March : Wadebridge Festival of Music & Speech. This annual event though only small is held in high esteem by other town and cities nationally. The aim of the organisation is to encourage participation and confidence in the arts from an early age. This events grows each year and its extensive programme covers some 150 classes with entries from North Cornwall and beyond.

August Bank Holiday : Folk Festival. A three day celebration of music, dance and entertainment. There are workshops, dances and concerts. Events are held in the streets, pubs and village halls throughout the town. Fun and entertainment for all ages.

Carnival :  The Carnival is usually held on the 3rd Saturday in July.  All competitors to assemble in the lower Jubilee Co-Op Car Park, No Earlier than 5pm, Judging at 6.15pm. Carnival Procession starts at 7pm.