Marks almost the entire eastern border of Cornwall
Web: www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk
Web: www.visittamarvalley.co.uk
Web: www.visitcornwall.com/regions/tamar-valley
The Tamar Valley is an area rich in beauty and history, possessing some of the finest scenery. The Estuary is an important haven for wildlife. The valley of the River Tamar, and its tributaries, the Tavy and Lynher, is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's great walking and cycling country, and visitors can explore the area by train on the scenic Tamar Valley Railway Line which goes as far as Gunnislake and even has a Rail Ale Trail, by boat on the Tamar Passenger Ferry or pleasure cruises. The area is full of interesting villages and bustling country towns: the valley is marked by four ancient towns: Launceston in the North - with its Norman castle; Tavistock to the East - gateway to Dartmoor with daily pannier market for food and crafts; Callington in the West - with its unusual mural trail, Kit Hill with amazing views and walks, and Saltash - best known for Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge, now partnered by the impressive road bridge. Nearby is the amazing Cornish Maize Maze. Then Torpoint facing across to Plymouth with its vehicle chain ferry and nearby Antony House. There are many other fine houses to visit, including medieval Cotehele House with its quay, and Mount Edgcumbe House on the Rame peninsula. Then there is Pentillie House further up the river. Calstock with its massive viaduct and many riverside pubs is a popular place to visit. Many of the villages also have their own guides and walking trails.
The distinctiveness of the Valley has been shaped by both time and people. Mining thrived here from medieval times, exploiting silver and tin reserves - but it was copper in the 1800's which made the greatest impact. In today's tranquillity, it is hard to imagine that at the height of the mining boom there were over 100 mines along the river. Atmospheric chimneys and ruins throughout the valley serve as a reminder of this industrial past. Morwellham on the Devon side grew as an inland port to serve the mines, and today has been brought back to life as a living history museum, offering you a taste of Victorian life.
The river has been the official border between the counties of Devon and Cornwall since Saxon times starting up near Bude in the north of the county and passing through Tamar Lake. It was a vital trade link for the mining industry, and for the farming industry. Produce from the fertile valley slopes was transported to Plymouth and beyond, and returning barges brought lime and dock dung back to the many quays dotted along its length, for use on the farms.
You will also find many attractions and activities such as the Tamar Valley Donkey Park near Gunnislake; railway history in the Tamar Belle Heritage Centre at Bere Alston, and Launceston Steam Railway along with horse riding and cycling in many places.
On the 11th July 2023 a new walking route that links the south coast of Cornwall with the north is now open to walkers. Called the Tamara Coast to Coast Way, this 87 mile waymarked route follows the Tamar River from Plymouth, all the way to Morwenstow on the border between Cornwall and Devon, north of Bude.
Botusfleming
North of Saltash. Famous for its fruit orchards in the sheltered valleys running down towards the River Tamar. There is a small and lively village inn, The Rising Sun. Small church dedicated to St. Mary.
Calstock
Situated just inside Cornwall on the banks of the River Tamar, the inland port of Calstock grew up as a result of the mining activities in the surrounding area. Notable for views of Tamar Valley, railway viaduct, which dominates the town, and skeletal remains of tin and copper mines. Cotehele House and Quay (National Trust), former home of the Edgcumbe family, lies around bend in river.
Cargreen
On the bank of the River Tamar, north of Saltash. Cargreen has a yacht club and once had a thriving industry ferrying flowers across the river to Devon. The excellent Crooked Spaniards Inn is close by the river bank here.
Cawsand
With neighbouring Kingsand, this tiny village on The Rame Peninsula once operated one of the largest smuggling fleets in West Country. Now anchorage for yachts at mouth of the Tamar River. Wide bay beneath wooded heights of Penlee. Fine walks around Rame Head, with Mount Edgcumbe Country Park nearby.
Chilsworthy
North of Gunnislake. Local pub is The White Hart Inn.
Cremyll
Small village on the The Rame Peninsula at the mouth of the River Tamar with passenger ferry to Plymouth started in 1204. The main gates to Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and House are located here. The end of the Coastal Footpath in south Cornwall. Local pub is The Edgcumbe Arms.
Gunnislake
Seven-arched road bridge across the River Tamar, built in 1520, was main route into Cornwall, and now carries the A390. Precipitous hills. Scene of Civil War skirmish. Skeletal remains of tin and copper mines abound. Scenic railway link to Plymouth along Tamar Valley line. Nearby you can visit the Tamar Valley Donkey Park./
Harrowbarrow
East of Callington. The church of All Saints was built in 1871. Local pub is The Cross House Inn.
Hatt
North of Saltash on the A388. Local pub is The Cardinals Hatt.
Landulph
On the bank of the River Tamar, between Cargreen and Saltash. Once a busy port where pilgrims sailed to Spain, it was decimated by the Black Death. The church of St. Leonard is on the one of the lanes leading to Kingsmill Lake.
Latchley
On the bank of the River Tamar, north of Gunnislake.
Luckett
On the bank of the River Tamar, north of Gunnislake.
Metherell
South of Gunnislake. Local pub is the Carpenters Arms.
St. Anns Chapel
East of Callington on the A390. Local pub is The Rifle Volunteer.
St. Dominick
Four miles east of Callington. Cotehele House and the River Tamar nearby. The church of St. Dominica has a 13th century tower. Local pub is The Who d HaveThought It Inn.
St. Mellion
Between Callington and Saltash on the A388. Location of the famous St. Mellion Golf Club. Annual cherry feast held to raise church funds. The church of St. Melanus has a 15th century tower. Pentillie Castle is nearby. Local pub is The Coryton Arms.
Saltash
East Cornwall town on the main route into the county, the A38. Near-perpendicular streets with buildings of interest: 17th century Guildhall, Mary Newman's cottage (home of Mrs. Francis Drake). Elliott's Grocery Store A 'time-warp' grocery shop which remains as it was when the last customer was served in 1973. Tamar river cruises. Brunel's iron railway bridge opened 1859, suspension road bridge in 1961. Nearby Trematon Castle (closed to public) associated with Prince Edward (The Black Prince). Now boasts a 65 foot high Celtic Cross to mark the County boundary.
Torpoint
Situated on The Rame Peninsula on the banks of the River Tamar. The listed house and gardens of Mount Edgcumbe and Antony House and Woodland Gardens (NT) are nearby. Car and passenger ferry to Plymouth which pulls itself across on chains. Site of HMS 'Raleigh', a Royal Navy training establishment. The A374 road continues west from the town to the A38 at Trerulefoot.
Cotehele Gallery (NT)
Calstock.
Cotehele House (NT)
Owned by the Edgcumbe family, near Calstock.
Cotehele Mill (NT)
Calstock.
Cotehele Quay (NT)
Calstock.
Halton Quay
On the bank of the River Tamar, just east of St. Mellion.
Hingston Down
On the eastern edge of Kit Hill. The Battle of Hingston Down took place in 838, between a combined force of Cornish and Vikings on the one side, and West Saxons led by Ecgberht, King of Wessex on the other. The result was a West Saxon victory.
Kit Hill Country Park
Rising to 1,093 feet from the Tamar at Gunnislake, and towering over Callington, Kit Hill is the highest, most westerly point of Hingston Down and offers some of the finest views in Cornwall. Kit Hill Country Park was given to the people of Cornwall in 1985 to mark the birth of Prince William, by his father, Prince Charles the Duke of Cornwall.
The Tamar Valley Donkey Park
Visit the happy Donkeys at Gunnislake.
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
Country park incorporating majestic stretch of Heritage coastline from Plymouth to Whitsand Bay. House, gardens, park. Nearby Queen Anne mansion of Antony House (NT).
Penlee Point
Just east of Rame Hesd, overlooking the Tamar Estuary. Location of Queen Adelaide's Grotto, built in 1827 to commemorate the visit of King William IV and Queen Adelaide to Mount Edgcumbe.
Pentillie Castle and Estate
Large estate on the banks of the Tamar River. Home of the Coryton Family, near Saltash.
River Tamar Launceston Callington Gunnislake Calstock Saltash
Torpoint Tamara Way