Walks Guides (Free to download) 

We have compiled a series of walks around the  Tamar Valley. Most are moderate and will give you some wonderful views of the area.         

These walks were compiled in 2012/13.  Some changes may have occurred since so if you do find anything please report to the Secretary

Why not make a day of it and complete a walk in the morning and use the local facilities and then continue  with a stroll in the afternoon.

The walks encourage the use of Public Transport so a lot of them start and finish at the railway station, where car parking is also available

Walk Guide 1 - Up the Down and Back   Moderate.  3.7 miles

The walk starts and finishes at Gunnislake Train Station.  The route takes the back lanes up gentle slopes to Hingston Down, offering fantastic views over the Tamar Valley towards Plymouth Sound.  Continues down to St Ann's Chapel and then through Todsworthy and Albaston and back to the train station.          (updated April 2021)

Walk Guide 2 - Todsworthy & West Danescombe Easy/Moderate. 4.5m

This fairly easy circular walk has some steep climbs and slippery patches. It takes you from Harrowbarrow to Norris Green, Todsworthy, Danescombe and back to the start.   (updated May 2021)    

Walk Guide 3 - Tamar Trail & over the top  Moderate/Challenging. 7m

A circular walk taking you down to the River Tamar, along it, and then a steady climb through Chilsworthy, Cox Park Plantation and onto Hingston Down, with wonderful views over Cornwall, Dartmoor and Plymouth Sound.  This walk offers the chance to visit 3 old mines and other historic places. Allow minimum 3.5 hours for the walk, plus time to explore the mines.  (updated Oct 2019)

Walk Guide 4 - Cotehele Estate  Easy  3 miles

This walk is perfect for a gentle stretch of the legs for an hour or so to enjoy the Cotehele Estate (National Trust). Starting and ending at Cotehele Quay, refreshments and public toilets are usually available here. Note: car park charge unless member of NT.   (updated Mar 2022)

Walk Guide 5 - Gunnislake Circle  Moderate  4 miles

A circular walk from Gunnislake Train Station through country lanes, riverside footpaths and woods.  A beautiful walk with a lot of ups and downs!  Allow at least 3 hours.     (updated Apr 2023)

Walk Guide 6 - Cotehele Quay to Metherell Circular Moderate/Challenging  4 miles

A moderate to challenging walk starting at Cotehele Quay.  Footpaths and quiet roads lead to Newhouses, Norris Green, Lower Metherell and Clampits, before returning through Cotehele Woods.  Can combine with visiting the National Trust Cotehele Mill or House, pre-booking necessary. Refreshments and toilets at the Quay and by main house. (revised Feb 2019)

Walk Guide 7 - Okeltor Mine and Calstock Riverside

Easy to Moderate  2 miles

Walking along the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail next to the River Tamar seeing the delights of the newly created wetland nature reserve and fine views of the Devon bank. A circle around Okeltor Mine nature reserve with its historic past, before returning to Calstock with more views of the wetland. Level footpaths that can be muddy, quiet roads. 1 flight of steep steps at Okeltor.    (updated Oct 2019)

Walk Guide 8 - Cotehele & Beyond  Moderate/Easy 6 miles

A popular walk beginning at Calstock Train Station and taking in Danescombe, Norris Green, Metherell and Cotehele Quay. A moderately easy 6 miles, with two steep sections, along quiet lanes, woodland and field paths.  Refreshments usually available at Cotehele Quay and The Carpenters Arms in Metherell. (updated Aug 2019)

Walk Guide 9 - Tamar Valley West  Strenuous  7 miles

Starting in Calstock this wide-ranging walk takes you to Okeltor Mine via the new wetland nature reserve, Calstock Church, Danescombe and Cotehele Quay (options to visit Cotehele House and Mill, pre-booking necessary).  Mostly on footpaths and quiet roads, the walk has three ascents and several places where refreshments can be taken. (updated Oct 2019)

Walk Guide 10 - Around Calstock  Moderate 3.5 miles

Starting in Calstock this 2 hour walks is along the Tamar and up to Calstock church then back down to Okeltor and along the river Tamar by the Calstock Wet Lands.  Keeping mostly to footpaths and quiet roads, the walk has two ascents and several places where refreshments can be taken. (new Jan 2023)

Your comments would be most appreciated

We are in the process of re-walking these guides and will make amendments to the online versions as needed. The information in the guides is correct as far as possible, but we are not responsible for changes made on the ground. However, do tell us if you come across a problem with the description of one of these walks.