Tamar Valley

A perfect location for exploring Devon and Cornwall

The valley flanking the River Tamar has scenery unlike any other in Cornwall or Devon and it is no wonder that it has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The river forms an ancient boundary between the two counties and boasts a unique landscape of woodland valleys, streams, and estuaries. But undulating countryside in the south and north become gorge like and dramatic in the middle, with lush woodland giving way to the heart of brooding moorland.

Beautiful Unspoilt Landscape

The southern estuaries are fringed by mudflats, saltmarsh and woodlands, dotted with small quays and settlements and traversed by graceful viaducts. As the river winds into the heart of the countryside oak woodlands clothe steep valley sides from the water edge to the hillside ridge.

At the heart of the country, a granite ridge forms a distinctive part of the landscape, with Kit Hill as its highest point at more that 1,000 feet above sea level. From here you can quite literally see for miles. The valley sides here are steep, gorge-like and wooded, mainly with conifer plantations. This area has a moorland character with gorse and heather punctuated by chimneys standing testament to the area's mining history.

The upper Tamar area in the north, near the Atlantic Coast, is a gently rolling landscape - rounded hills and small valleys. Woodland, small hamlets and isolated farms give the area a rare unspoilt character.

For the more active, the walks are plentiful but one of the finest ways to appreciate this unspoiled gem is from the river itself, paddling along discovering the wildlife while gliding silently through one of the most beautiful places in England. See Canoe Tamar for details.

A Perfect Situation

Being on the Devon and Cornwall border, where the distance from north to south coast is only 30 miles, The Tamar Valley provides a great position for exploring both locally and further afield.

The southern Devon and Cornwall coasts – from Salcombe, Kingsbridge and the estuaries of the South Hams in the East to Looe, Fowey and the seaside towns around St Austell in the West – are in easy reach. And going north the Atlantic Coastal towns of Newquay, Padstow and Tintagel are all in easy day trip range. And if the coast doesn’t call then the dramatic scenery of Bodmin and Dartmoor are on hand to inspire. For gardeners, The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan are still within reach for a day trip.

But if being in the car is not your idea of a holiday then there is plenty close by to ensure your holiday flies by.

Tavistock is a bustling market town with great cattle and pannier markets. The town of Callington is internationally famous for its Mural trail painted by professional artists, local contributors and students. The trail depicts many aspects of life in Callington both past and present.

Calstock has wonderful riverside cottages and dramatic views of the viaduct looming above. Cawsand and Kingsand, villages just south of Plymouth at the estuary’s mouth, have charming quays and maintain their flavour of smuggler’s haunts.

The train from Gunnislake down to Plymouth has what must be one of the most stunning settings in the country.

For those interested in history, the area is rich:

• Launceston Castle – a Norman castle with spectacular views.
• Mount Edgcumbe House and gardens overlooking Plymouth Sound and beyond.
• Antony House and Gardens – a grand house with fine landscaped gardens.
• Morwellham Quay - a few miles south of Tavistock, is an evocative museum and visitors centre based on the historic ports and mining history of the Tamar Valley.
• Cotehele House – a medieval House in extensive grounds.

And, of course, Plymouth itself, steeped in naval history provides a fantastic day out with the opportunity to soak in the sights and sounds of Sir Francis Drake whilst taking advantage of the attractions, shopping, restaurants, bars and theatre in the South West’s thriving centre. There are the famous heritage sites, such as Plymouth Hoe and the Mayflower Steps. The Royal Citadel, built in the 17th century to defend the coastline against the Dutch, is still in use by the military today. Plymouth truly is a city that offers year round appeal.

Plenty to see and do
For details on further exciting days out please read: www.tamarvalleytourism.co.uk and www.tamarvalley.org.uk