Sign up here for FREE periodic updates from the Tamar Valley National Landscape, packed with the latest news, events, volunteering opportunities, and project updates. Simply add your name and email address below and your seasonal ebulletin will be emailed to you.
Experience the Tamara Coast to Coast Way
Frequently asked questionsAn extraordinary 87 mile journey of discovery along the border of Devon and Cornwall.
Embark on an extraordinary 87 mile journey of discovery as you traverse the majestic Tamar Valley, tracing its course from the vibrant city of Plymouth to the very source of the River Tamar. This awe-inspiring seven day walking route promises a truly immersive experience, unveiling the Valley’s diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and unspoiled natural beauty.
Visit the walk on the Ordnance Survey map here
Begin your adventure in Plymouth, where the river meets the sea, and let the captivating path guide you along the Tamar’s winding course.
The route will lead you through a tapestry of ever-changing scenery, from bustling urban landscapes to peaceful rural vistas. As you meander upstream, the cityscape gradually gives way to serene countryside, allowing you to leave behind the hustle and bustle and embrace the tranquillity of nature.
Immerse yourself in the Valley’s history and heritage as you encounter remnants of the region’s mining past, charming villages, and ancient landmarks.
Discover the remnants of industrial grandeur as you pass by the iconic Brunel-designed Royal Albert Bridge, an engineering marvel that spans the Tamar, connecting Devon and Cornwall. Marvel at centuries-old churches, quaint cottages, and traditional inns that invite you to pause, catch your breath, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
The beauty of this walking route lies not only in its scenic splendour but also in the variety of landscapes you’ll encounter.
Follow the River Tamar’s gentle flow, framed by lush green meadows and graceful trees, and witness the transformation from a wide estuary to a babbling stream. Ascend gentle slopes and climb vantage points that offer panoramic views of the Valley, rewarding your efforts with breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.
As you venture closer to the source of the River Tamar, you’ll be enveloped in a sense of peaceful seclusion.
The surroundings become increasingly untamed, with ancient woodlands, heather-covered moors, and rugged hillsides captivating your senses. Finally, at the culmination of your journey, you’ll reach the source of the River Tamar, just a few miles from the Atlantic.
This walking route along the Tamar Valley from Plymouth to its source is a true testament to the wonders of exploration.
It invites you to embrace the harmonious interplay between nature and history, immerse yourself in captivating landscapes, and forge a connection with the ever-flowing River Tamar. So, lace up your boots, embark on this extraordinary adventure, and let the Tamar Valley unveil its secrets, one step at a time.
And there is one more very special attraction.
The South West Coast Path follows the entire Cornish coast between Marsland Mouth, the little cove that marks the Devon/Cornwall border on the north coast, and the Tamar Estuary on the south coast. By linking these two points, the Tamara Coast to Coast Way provides the opportunity to walk the complete circuit of Cornwall – Kylgh Kernow.
Planning your Trip
Guidebook
You can buy the official guidebook with detailed descriptions and directions for the route.
The guidebook also describes the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail, link routes and alternative routes.
Buy the guide here
Map
In addition to the maps in the guidebook, we recommend you download the free Ordnance Survey OS Maps app from the Apple or Google app stores onto your phone or tablet. The OS Map app is free, but if you want to view the 1:25,000 mapping, rather than the basic free mapping, and to save the map so it works when you are offline, there are a couple of options.
The simplest way is to subscribe to the premium version. This gives you access to view and download up-to-date maps of the whole country. Alternatively, if you love paper maps, 1:25,000 OS Explorer maps now come with a scratch-off code, allowing you to download the map onto your phone or tablet to use while offline and keep indefinitely.
Facebook Group
Visit Tamar Valley have set up an active Facebook group to discuss and share experiences of the Tamara Coast to Coast way.
Find out moreTamara Coast to Coast route
Entire Route (Cremyll to Morwenstowe)
Alternative GPX Download
Stage 1:
Cremyll to Tamar Bridge
(12.5 miles)
Stage 2:
Tamar Bridge to Bere Ferrers
(9.8 miles)
Stage 3a:
Bere Ferrers to Bere Alston station
(7.5 miles)
Stage 3b:
Calstock station to Gunnislake
(4.3 miles)
Stage 4:
Gunnislake to Lifton
(13.5 miles)
Stage 5:
Lifton to Bridgerule
(17 miles)
Stage 6:
Bridgerule to Upper Tamar Lakes
(13.7 miles)
Stage 7:
Upper Tamar Lakes to Morwenstow
(11.6 miles)
Cornish / Kylgh Kernow alternative routes
Stage 2: Tamar Bridge to St Mellion
(12.1 miles)
Stage 3a: St Mellion to Calstock
(6.1 miles)
Stage 4: Gunnislake to Launceston
(15.9 miles)
Stage 7: West Wooley to Marsland
(2.9 miles)
Link routes
Bere Alston link
(0.75 mile)
Kit Hill link
(8.2 miles)
Greystone link
(2.6 miles)
Launceston link
(2.6 miles)
Bude link
(3 miles)
Kilkhampton and Coast link
(5.5 miles)
Accommodation
You can find a range of places to stay on the Visit Tamar Valley website.
As the southern section is well-served by the Tamar Valley Line you can stay in one place and catch the train each day to the start or finish of your walk.
North of Lifton, accommodation is more limited. In the guidebook we provide details of link routes to nearby settlements along with suggestions on how to use buses to return to the day’s starting point, or options for circular walks.
Public Transport
The start and finish of the route, and many of the villages and towns along the way, can be reached using public transport. Details of railway stations bus stops are given at the start of each stage. Please note, as timetables and services regularly change, please check online.
The Tamara Coast to Coast way has been delivered through our Tamara Landscape Partnership, with funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
ebulletins
The Tamar Valley National Landscape team (hosted by Cornwall Cornwall) is committed to gathering and processing personal data with full regard for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Please view our Privacy Statement for further information here. A copy of MailChimp’s Privacy Policy can also be viewed here.