Overview
The Tamara Coast to Coast Way, a new 87-mile walking route that stretches between the South and North coast in the South-West is now open, thanks to the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The 7-day walking trail broadly follows the River Tamar, the historic boundary between Devon and Cornwall from sea to source, before continuing on to the North coast.
It begins at Cremyll, overlooking Plymouth Sound and finishes at Marsland Mouth near Morwenstow.
Linking the two coasts has also created a new circular walking route around the border of Cornwall, Kylgh Kernow, Cornish for Circuit of Cornwall.
Highlights of the Tamara Coast to Coast Way include unspoilt river-valley landscapes in the Tamar Valley National Landscape and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site.
Many short walks have also been developed along the route to enable more people to benefit physically and mentally from time spent in the great outdoors.
A map of the walking route, courtesy of Tamar Valley National Landscape
What was done
In consultation with local walkers, the potential routes were surveyed between August and November 2019 to identify a ‘recommended route’ that extended the existing Tamar Valley Discovery Trail using existing public rights of way, permissive paths, and safe roads between the north and south coasts.
Potential routes were evaluated against the following criteria:
- Runs relatively close to the River Tamar and county boundary.
- Passes through attractive scenery and visits places of historic or cultural interest.
- Passes villages and rural businesses where walkers can find accommodation and refreshments.
- Avoids hazardous road sections or crossings.
We also put out the proposals to public consultation and contacted the local parish councils, landowners along new sections of the route and through the Local Access Forums, user groups in Plymouth, Devon & Cornwall.
Courtesy of Tamar Valley National Landscape
Outcomes
The Tamar Valley is a protected and unspoilt landscape, and we want to keep it that way.
The new route will help more people to explore this special place and to value it.
We are encouraging visitors to use green transport where possible and have developed the walk and a host of other walks with the train in mind.
More visitors will also in turn support local businesses and the local economy.
We hope that the appeal of being able to follow the river Tamar from sea to source and the other new opportunities to explore the Tamar Valley on foot will attract a few hundred more staying visitors each year, particularly in the quieter ‘off-seasons’.
This should help to keep the balance between encouraging more visitors, supporting local enterprises, and maintaining the beauty and tranquillity of the valley.
“The creation of this stunningly beautiful new long-distance walking route will inspire people to get out there and experience this wonderful part of the country. People can now not only enjoy a largely overlooked natural landscape, but the walkers will also benefit local enterprises along the way, such as local B&Bs. Just get your walking boots on and go!”
Will Darwall, Manager of the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme
Courtesy of Tamar Valley National Landscape
“Walking the Tamara Coast to Coast Way over 7 days is challenging and requires a certain level of fitness. However, the route is well thought out and easy to follow particularly if you have the route on the OS App. The guidebook is thorough. The highlight for me included crossing Lopwell Dam on day 2 and the last leg on day 7 where you pass the source of the Tamar stone and walk through Marsland Reserve.”
Gary Lewis, one of the first people to complete the 7-day route.