The Tamar Valley T
he Tamar Valley is rich in history, and possessing some of the finest scenery in the West Country with an estuary that is an important haven for wildlife, such as the avocet and little egret. The
valley of the river Tamar, and its tributaries the Tavy and Lynher are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is great walking country. There are rivers for swimming, trips & fishing, but if none of this appeals there are exciting excursions by steam locomotive. The valley has several towns Callington in the west, and Saltash near Plymouth. The Tamar river has been the official border between the counties of Devon and Cornwall since Saxon times.
There are many attractions and activities in the area, including the Donkey Park, a great place for family fun. Farmer’s Markets are held in all of the towns & villages throughout the area. Eating out venues in the Tamar Valley are varied, there are Michelin star or more affordable restaurants, pubs that serve delicious grub, cafés & tea rooms.
Callington is worth a visit to view the Celtic lantern cross in the churchyard and the ancient tombs of the Ayssheton and Willoughby families. Nearby is the Old Clink, originally a parish vestry room and two small rooms where the constable would detain petty criminals awaiting the visiting magistrate. Opposite the church a lane leads to the Pannier Market. Fore Street is the main shopping area, and Well Street is where the town’s original water supply flowed from the pipe well. The water still flows, although the town has long been supplied by the local water authority. The Carnival, held in July is worth a visit.
Half a mile from the town centre is the tiny oratory well at Dupath, here a spring rises under a chapel built by monks in the 15th century, said to be the spot to visit for a cure for whooping cough.
At
Newbridge the A390 crosses the River Lynher and woodland walks follow the river, and then a climb to Cadsonbury, an Iron Age enclosure, offering fine views over the Cornish farmlands.
Dominating the skyline for miles around is the old mining stack on top of Kit Hill, which is now a countryside park containing the highest lake in Cornwall. It is worth a walk to the top for the spectacular views over Bodmin Moor. There are picnic sites, footpaths, bridle paths, and ancient
9 • Kit Hill Callington Cadsonbury •
• Newbridge D •upath
Who’d Have Thought It Inn
• Landrake
• Bake Fisheries St Germans
Saltash PLYMOUTH Torpoint
Tavistock
Donkey Park•
Gunnislake
Tamar Inn
Calstock • Cotehele
Bere Alston
mine workings in the area.
South east is Cotehele (NT), home of the Edgecumbes on the banks of the River Tamar.
Close the
by is
a bridge near which a wicked warder was killed by his master. A bloodstain marks
spot. There is a nearby wishing well at Laneast and another close to the village of St Clether.
Saltash is linked to the Devon Expressway leading to the M5 motorway, and is the link into Cornwall via the Tamar road bridge. It is also home to the famous Isombard Brunnel rail crossing into the Duchy. The close proximity of Plymouth provides air and sea links. The town has a local heritage trail and its position on the border of Devon and Cornwall offers a first class base to explore both counties with a wide choice of transport and accommodation options. The Jubilee Green Pontoon is an all-tides floating pontoon offering
moorings for up to five visiting craft of 30’ or less, with short stays (up to 12 hours) being free. The Tamar is ideal for sailing and on some tides it is possible to sail further up the beautiful river valley, as far as Cotehele and the beautiful village of Calstock.
River Tamar
River Lynher
River Tavy
River Plym
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