This trail connects Plymouth’s outskirts with Launceston, Cornwall’s ancient capital, offering a journey through some of the most pristine countryside in the area. Once bustling with industrial and agricultural activity, this tranquil landscape now tells tales of its rich history, including moments of bloody conflict.
Navigating the trail is straightforward. Simply follow the apple-marked wayposts that guide you through quiet lanes, charming villages, lush woodlands, steep valleys, and verdant pastures. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic quays, weathered mine workings, and old lime kilns—remnants of the area’s unique industrial heritage.
For nature enthusiasts, the tidal waters of the river estuaries along the trail are designated as Special Areas of Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as herons, gulls, egrets, cormorants, and Canada geese, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a red kite soaring above the meadows. Start your adventure at Tamerton Foliot to enjoy bird-watching along the Tavy River, a wildlife-rich estuary that connects to the Tamar. At about 3.5 miles (5.7 km) into the trail, you’ll reach Lopwell Dam, which connects the Bere Peninsula to West Devon—just remember to check tide times, as crossing isn’t possible two hours before and after high tide.
Lopwell Dam at high tide
If tackling the entire trail in one go seems daunting, you can easily break it into manageable sections. The Tamar Valley National Landscape offers a handy guide to help plan your journey. The terrain is generally easy, with occasional steep hills, so sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
You can also combine your walk with a ride on the Tamar Valley Line train service, which connects with the trail at several points, allowing you to create circular routes. However, be sure to check train schedules, as services can be infrequent.
There are plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments at the villages along the trail. In Calstock, for example, nestled beneath a stunning viaduct, you can enjoy a meal at the Tamar Inn or indulge in a sweet treat at Valentis Ice Cream.
If you’re staying in Tavistock, consider taking the bus to Bere Alston, where you can pick up a 4.5-mile or 8.5-mile section of the Bere Peninsula Link—both delightful walks (see page 6 of the guide). From Bere Alston, you can catch the Tamar Valley Line train north to Calstock and rejoin the Mid Tamar Valley section of the trail, heading toward Milton Abbot (page 8 of the guide). As you leave Calstock, the path takes you past the historic Okel Tor Mine. Pause here, close your eyes, and you might just imagine the sounds of the past—shouting miners, clanging metal, and the rumble of rocks being hauled to the surface. Continue through quiet lanes, down to the river path, and on to New Bridge at Gunnislake.
Visit Tamar Valley’s very own goofy girl Slinki
New Bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument built in 1520 and the site of a fierce civil battle between Parliamentarians and Royalists. Today, it’s a peaceful spot, but the history remains vivid—you might even picture soldiers tumbling from the high parapet into the river below.
Gunnislake, perched on a steep drop to the River Tamar, is an ideal spot for a break and marks the last station on the Tamar Valley Line.
Did you know the Tamar River belongs to Cornwall? That’s right—if you’re on the water, you’re still in Cornwall until you reach dry land on the Devon side!
A view of Bere Ferrers on the Bere Peninsula in the early morning light. Picture credit Mike Wright
Continuing north from Gunnislake, you’ll pass through the hamlets of Chilsworthy, Latchley, Luckett, and Horsebridge. The landscape gradually shifts from steep wooded valleys to gentler rolling fields as you approach Milton Abbot, Lifton, and beyond. The mid-Tamar Valley (pages 13, 14, and 15 of the guide) offers a picturesque landscape of arable and pastureland, with challenging yet rewarding terrain. Don’t miss the hazy views of Bodmin Moor’s rolling hills in the distance.
For those who love the idea of stepping directly onto the trail in the morning, consider staying at Carzantic Chapel Barn near Launceston, the ancient capital of the Earldom of Cornwall. Located just north of Lawhitton (see page 12 of the guide), the trail passes right by the front door. This area offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering options, and luxury yurts.
Launceston Castle
With miles of breathtaking countryside, quiet lanes, footpaths, and dog-friendly spots, the Discovery Trail is a magnet for visitors and their four-legged friends. You’ll find many businesses along the way that welcome pets too.
Download the Discovery Trail leaflet from this page to help you navigate the route. The trail is well-waymarked, and spotting the distinctive apple signs carved into weathered wooden posts is a fun challenge—perfect for kids, with an ice cream reward for the winner.
Take a closer look at the route map, and you’ll see that the Discovery Trail is also part of the popular and much longer Tamara Coast to Coast Way.
