6 glorious hikes in the Tamar Valley (Devon and Cornwall)
As I strolled along the wide banks of the River Tamar, I was walking along the southwest’s most
important ‘frontier’. On one side, you’re in Devon, and on the other, the black and white flag of
St Piran, Cornwall’s patron saint, flies proudly.
The River Tamar is the ancient boundary that has long divided Anglo-Saxon Devon from Celtic
Kernow. It’s a river steeped in both natural and human history, and one of the best ways to
explore it is by hiking the glorious (if steep!) trails winding their way through the Tamar Valley.
Located to the north of Plymouth, the valley is home to long-distance hiking routes, including the
Tamara Coast to Coast Way and the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail. There are shorter, circular
walks suitable for all ages and abilities, too, including the ‘Tamar Trails’.
Easily accessible on foot or with the help of the equally glorious Tamar Valley Train Line (which
stretches from Plymouth, north to Gunnislake), here’s our guide to the best hikes in the Tamar
Valley.
Where is the Tamar Valley?
The Tamar Valley straddles the boundary between Devon and Cornwall. In the south, it starts
on the shores of Plymouth Sound, then rises northwards towards the River Tamar’s source on
Woolley Moor.
Of course, the valley’s defining feature is the River Tamar itself, which flows for 60 miles south,
carving Devon and Cornwall’s landscapes apart on its journey to Plymouth Sound. Much of this
cross-border region is protected as part of the Tamar Valley National Landscape, a sweeping
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that’s perfect for hiking.
Whenever I take to the Tamar Valley’s trails, I’m always struck not just by the natural beauty –
the green hilltops, misty downs and the river’s often muddy meanders – but by the history too.
As you walk along the river, you’ll encounter abandoned mine shafts (protected as part of the
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape), the ruins of
Roman camps (check out Calstock if you’re into ancient history), and old battlefields like
Hingston Down, where Anglo-Saxon invaders fought Cornish kings.
The best hikes in the Tamar Valley
From short loops to long-distance treks, here are the top hikes in the Tamar Valley:
The Tamar Valley Discovery Trail (31 miles)
One of my favourite hikes in the South West is the multi-day, 31-mile-long Tamar Valley
Discovery Trail.
You’ll need at least 3 full days to hike the route in its entirety, but like I did, you
can also break it down into multiple day hikes, as the trail conveniently passes several stations
on the Tamar Valley Line.
This waymarked trail starts in Plymouth, from where you’ll follow the River Tamar north to the
historic market town of Launceston. Once you’ve left Plymouth’s urban sprawl, you’ll follow
footpaths north to the Bere Peninsula which sits in the Lower Tamar Valley.
The first section takes you on a rather roundabout route through often boggy fields where the
River Tavy meets the Tamar. Be aware that the river crossing at Lopwell is tidal, so consult the
tide times before setting off.
On day 2, you’ll follow the River Tamar north to meet the mighty Calstock Viaduct. You’ll need
to cross the river here on the revamped Calstock Ferry (now solar powered). If the ferry isn’t in
action, however, you’ll need to hop on the train from Bere Alston to Calstock, so plan ahead.
From Calstock, you’ll continue north through the Tamar Valley, past Gunnislake, then across
farmland to end outside the medieval walls of Launceston Castle. It’s a beautiful (mostly)
riverside walk, but be sure to check tide, train and ferry times before setting off from Plymouth.
The Tamar Trails (15 miles)
The Tamar Trails is a much shorter network of hiking paths stretching for some 15 miles through
former mining landscapes on the Devon side of the valley.
The Tamar Trails were largely created to complement the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, allowing you to explore much of this history on foot.
Rather conveniently, these short trails start from the dedicated Tamar Trails Centre, located
halfway between Gunnislake and Gulworthy. There’s car parking, toilets, a cafe and an activities
centre where you can pick up trail maps. The Tamar Trails Centre also organises kayak and
canoe trips along the river, if you’re not into hiking, and various adventure sports and activities,
including archery and ‘Tree Surfing’ (whatever that might be).
I love how the Tamar Trails largely follow 19th-century tramways and tracks, which once served
the Devon Great Consols mine, the largest copper mine in Europe during its Victorian heyday.
You’ll encounter the remains of chimneys, engine houses and other derelict mining infrastructure as you tackle the paths. The Tamar Trails are perfect for families with children, with short walks easily accessible from the visitor centre.
Bere Alston Circular (5 miles)
The Bere Peninsula is a beautifully secluded stretch of land on the Devon side of the Lower
Tamar Valley. I rate this little walk highly, purely because it’s so easily accessible using the
scenic Tamar Valley Line, which connects to GWR’s mainline in Plymouth.
Hop on the train, then sit back and enjoy the views as you trundle north to Bere Alston. From
here, you’ll walk downhill towards the River Tamar, where you’ll hike under the mammoth
archways of Calstock Viaduct, which rise 120 metres above the waterway.
You don’t cross the River Tamar on this circular. You’ll stay in Devon as you continue along the
riverbank, then back uphill through forest and fields to Bere Alston. When you’re back at the
station, head back to Plymouth or continue north on the train to Calstock or Gunnislake.
Calstock to Cotehele (1.5 miles)
Now we’re on the Cornish side of the Tamar Valley. From Calstock (which sits on the Tamar
Valley Line), you can stroll along the River Tamar to the National Trust’s Cotehele House, a
Tudor manor built for the Edgcumbe family.
This short walk is approximately 1.5 miles each way on flat footpaths. You’ll pass Calstock’s
riverside quays, where Tamar Barges once departed laden with timber and copper to Plymouth.
You’ll even see the Shamrock, a Victorian sailing barge now moored on the river.
Once you’ve explored Cotehele House, head back to Calstock on the same path. If you’re
feeling active, you can combine this walk with a jaunt over the border, where you can complete
the 5-mile Bere Alston Circular.
Alternatively, carry on north and follow the river towards Gunnislake, or head inland (up a rather
large hill) to visit the remains of Calstock Roman Fort. If you’re not up for more walking, I’d
recommend enjoying a pint and a pasty at the Tamar Inn in Calstock.
Kit Hill
For soaring views of the Tamar Valley, head to Kit Hill Country Park. Located a few miles north
of Callington (where Ginster’s Cornish Pasties are produced), Kit Hill rises to a lofty height of
334 metres.
This is the highest point in the Tamar Valley, and after a short but steep climb from the car
parks below, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping vista of both Cornwall and Devon. On a clear
day, you might even see all the way south to Plymouth Sound. There are several routes to the
top of Kit Hill, while circular trails looping around the Country Park will take you to the remnants
of a 19th-century mine.
Tamara Coast to Coast Way (87 miles)
The Tamara Coast to Coast Way only officially opened in 2023, but already, it’s one of my top
long-distance hiking routes in Devon and Cornwall. I walked the entire route (over approximately
one week) in summer 2024, and was amazed by how few other hikers I found on the trail.
Compared to the South West Coast Path, this one’s thoroughly underrated and still largely
unknown; so get in quick, before that changes!
The Tamara Coast to Coast Way stretches for 87 miles from Cremyll, on Cornwall’s southern
coast, north to Morwenstow, overlooking the Bristol Channel. The trail follows the entire
Cornish-Devon border, sticking to the River Tamar where it can, before veering north once you
pass the river’s source at Woolley Moor.
Some of the best sections are in the Tamar Valley, where you can traverse the Bere Peninsula,
Calstock and Gunnislake. For the Tamar Valley sections, the route follows the same paths as
the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail, but it’s a great way to extend this either to the north or south.
In the south, you can explore Cremyll and the Rame Peninsula.
To the north, you’ll pass through Launceston, the Tamar Lakes, Wolley Moore, and into the gorgeous Marsland Valley before emerging onto Cornwall’s blustery northern shores. You can purchase the official Tamara Coast to Coast Way guidebook HERE.
How to visit the Tamar Valley
Walking is a fantastic way to explore the Tamar Valley, but given the isolated nature of the
hiking trails, you’ll need to prepare your trip in advance. Make sure you’re aware of tide times,
and check the latest ferry and train timetables before you set off.
The Tamar Valley Line is an excellent way to access many of the walks we’ve listed, but as
scenic as this train ride is, it’s also very infrequent. With a little patience, however, it provides
access to Bere Alston, Calstock and Gunnislake, making linear walks possible without needing
a car.
If you’re driving, the A38 and A30 will link you to the wider region, with parking available at trailheads such as the Tamar Trails Centre near Gulworthy or Kit Hill Country Park above Callington.
