A Ride With Nige Late February 2005
A snap of snow!
I was lucky enough to go down to Padstow last week just after a rare Snowfall - there was even snow on Cant Hill and by way of a change I had my camera with me so it was all duly recorded. One of my fondest memories of the Trail was disturbing a Buzzard who flapped his wings on takeoff leaving a perfect imprint in the snow - predictably I did not have my camera with me on that occasion.
It is rare to see snow settled on this stretch of The Camel Trail because of the proximity of the sea. The first view is of Cant Hill on the right with Padstow in the background. Both taken from the Quarry.

I was mystified by the line-up of small birds at each picnic table that was until I realized some good Samaritans had been leaving breadcrumbs on a regular basis - our feathered friends are not silly.

 
When I looked up two Egrets landed just down from me - camera time again. With snow on the shoreline down to Old Town Cove and the sun now on my back the stroll towards Padstow was delightful.

The Trail is full of colour at present. The early Primroses, wild Daffodils and the bright yellow of the Gorse all look splendid against frost laden verges. Between Tregunna and the Quarry the snow was about an inch deep and the views down river were spectacular.

Time for a coffee and a read of the paper. The morning was rounded off with a wander round the fishing boats still laid up in Padstow car park and a bacon butty at the Cafe - what could be better!

Did you know? The iron bridge opened on Thursday 23rd March 1899, piles were driven down 53 feet, there are 3 spans of 133 feet, height of the bridge was 16 feet above high tide and 30 feet above the mud.

Trail Knowledge. In Cold Weather.

The Wadebridge to Padstow section of the trail is not only the busiest section of the trail in the school holidays, but, the most exposed because it widens out into the estuary. If the wind is fresh or strong it affects your cycling. Going downstream towards Padstow against a northerly wind makes the journey down harder work than the wind assisted return. If, as in late February/early March 2005, this can be a very cold wind, be prepared. It can feel bitter, especially for young children who might not be in a position to complain. Alternative on those days is to go upstream where you are more sheltered.

Always wrap up warm, especially any children.
Extra layers can be removed and stowed away as exercise warms your body. Replace later when you rest or take in the views.
Apply the same disciplines that would be required in other dry land sports where you are exposed to the elements.
A Ride With Nige Pages
January March
Go To Destination Cornwall Web Site For Local Information Go To Bridge Bike Hire Web Site For Updating Webcam