Top 5 Walks That Prove Tamar Valley Is A Walker’s Paradise

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite walks from the Tamar Valley, based around Calstock. Trying a few of these walks would be a great way for an active family or group of friends to spend a weekend. These walks give opportunities for groups of varying abilities to enjoy the Tamar Valley area around Calstock.

To make your trip even more perfect, pick the right accommodation, too. Groups of six or eight would find themselves right at home at either Mariner’s House or Galleon House, two luxury self-catering cottages in Calstock. Self-catering is ideal for walkers who might be out all day, and come home hungry early or late. Both properties are stocked with a fantastic kitchen, a wood-burning stove to relax next to in the evenings, and very comfortable beds! If you’re bringing a furry friend with you on your trip, don’t worry – they are both dog friendly.

Try these top five walks in and around Calstock to make the most of the local area:

1. The Tamar Trail

We aren’t suggesting you tackle all 35 miles of this monster walk in one go, but sections of it, such a Bere Peninsula Link, which goes through Calstock, would make a lovely day walk.

You can walk the 4.5 miles as a direct route, or walk – or walk part of – the longer 8.5-mile route which follows the river Tamar. The Tamar Valley website provides a helpful PDF of the whole route, which goes from Plymouth to Launceston or Lifton. See the Discovery Trail Guide here.

2. Hingston Down

Starting from Gunnislake railway station, which is a short railway ride away, this moderate, uphill walk offers great views over the valley and towards Plymouth Sound.

You can also see some of Cornwall’s mining history: the walk passes an old mine shaft, and the Hingston Down mine engine house. The walk is 3.7 miles, and click here to see a PDF guide created by the Calstock Footpath Society.

3. Cotehele Estate

The National Trust’s Cotehele Estate provides a wonderful backdrop for this easy afternoon walk. Cotehele is a private home with planted gardens open all year round, and plenty of grounds to explore. It also has a lovely little café for an afternoon cream tea. The walk is level, and 3 miles. This is walk is available through another brilliant guide by the Calstock Footpath Society.

4. Tamar Valley West Walk

The most strenuous walk on this list – unless you do the whole Tamar trail! – is this wide-ranging 7-mile walk from the Calstock Footpath Society. It has 3 ascents, which add to its difficulty, but there are several places to stop for refreshments and a rest. The walk starts in Calstock and has beautiful photo opportunities along the river and from the high points like Danescombe Farm. You can access the PDF guide by the Calstock Footpath Society here.

5. Calstock to Cotehele Circuit

 This walk again passes through Cotehele, but it is the beautiful river Tamar which is the star of the show here. You also past the docks, Okeltor mine, and Calstock Church. It’s great for dogs, as there are no stiles, and dogs can be let off the lead in some areas, as long as you’re careful around wildlife. This walk is available through the iWalk Cornwall app, which apparently makes it very difficult to get lost. Ideal! Click here to download the iWalk Cornwall app and see the walk.