The Bodmin and Wadebridge line opened in 1834.  It was a route of 22 miles which followed the river Camel from Wadebridge to Wenfordbridge therefore it ran on a constant upward gradient from Wadebridge.  The line had two branches, one to Ruthernbridge and one to Bodmin.  This was early in the period of the construction of the railways and initially these lines did not connect with any other.

The line was principally built to carry minerals but passenger services ran between Wadebridge and Bodmin. The distances from Wadebridge were marked by milestones, those on the Dunmere to Wenfordbridge section surviving for the entire life of the line.

The line was notable for the Beattie 2-4-0 well tank engines which worked from 1893 until the end of steam when class 08 shunters took over.

During the life of the line, there were stations at the following locations :
- Wadebridge
- Rifle Range Halt
- Grogley
- Nanstallon
- Boscarne Junction (which connected with the GWR).

The 1934 Working Time Table shows the line as being operated as a mineral line controlled from Wadebridge. There were sidings at the following locations :
- Nanstallon which closed on 2 May 1960
- Boscarne Junction
- Dunmere Wharf which closed on 14 May 1969.
- Penharcard Sidings which closed before 1925.
- Helland Wharf which closed on 2 May 1960.
- Tresarrett Quarry Co. Sidings, the final section of which was closed in July 1970.
- Parkyn Sidings (Stump Oak) which had been removed by 1953.
- English China Clay Sidings (Wenford Sidings) which remained in-situ until the line was closed.
- Wenfordbridge Terminus (formerly Wenfordbridge Goods) which closed on 13 February 1967.

Beyond Wenfordbridge Goods the line connected to the privately operate incline to De Lank quarries which was latterly owned by T W Ward.  Agreement to operate that section of line was terminated on 31 October 1966.