Tamar Valley Discovery Trail

Summary

The Tamar Valley Discovery Trail is a long-distance walking route along the valley of the River Tamar, which marks much of the historic border between the West Country counties of Devon and Cornwall. The trail links with the West Devon Way and Two Castles Trail to form a circuit of approximately 90 miles, dubbed the ‘West Devon Triangle’.

From the beginning of the Discovery Trail north of Plymouth at Tamerton Foliot, the path heads north to Horsham and Blaxton to reach the River Tavy at Creekside. The Tavy is crossed from east to west at Lopwell House and, after a loop south skirting Whittacliffe Wood, the trail resumes a northerly course once more to Bere Alston. After Bere Alston, the River Tamar is met for the first time at Calstock. (Note: A ferry was historically required to cross the river here, but in recent years the service has been unreliable. Please check before attempting the walk; if the ferry is not operating, the only way to cross the river at this point is by train between Bere Alston and Calstock.)

From the Calstock side of the River Tamar, the route continues north by trails, lanes, and roads to Gunnislake, then west to Bitthams and Chilsworthy before turning north again to Latchley, and west once more to Luckett. Each directional change is governed by the natural sweep of the River Tamar. Continuing north once more to Horsebridge—where the river is reliably crossed by a road bridge—the trail continues via Sydenham Damerel, Milton Abbot, and Lawhitton to finish in Launceston.