The best walks and hikes in Tamar Valley Aonb

Yes, the Tamar Valley has many options suitable for families. The Tamar Trails Centre offers a 25km network of mostly gentle, compacted stone tracks perfect for mixed-ability groups. For a specific route, the Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve loop from Forder is a great choice. It's a relatively short and easy walk through a nature reserve with plenty of wildlife to spot.

Dogs are widely welcomed on trails throughout the Tamar Valley AONB. However, you will be walking through areas with livestock and sensitive wildlife habitats, so it's essential to keep your dog under close control, and on a lead where required by signage. Always be prepared to clean up after your pet.

The Tamar Valley is a key part of several major long-distance paths. The 87-mile Tamara Coast to Coast Way follows the river's course, while the 31-mile Tamar Valley Discovery Trail offers a shorter, multi-day adventure through the heart of the AONB. For the ultimate challenge, the Kylgh Kernow trail circuits the entirety of Cornwall, incorporating the local long-distance routes.

Absolutely. The Tamar Valley Line railway is excellent for accessing trails. A series of 'Railway Rambles' are designed to start and finish at stations along the line, such as Calstock, Bere Alston, and Gunnislake. This makes it easy to plan a linear walk or a circular route without needing a car.

For panoramic views, Kit Hill Country Park is the highest point in the area and offers stunning vistas across the valley into Cornwall and Devon. Many trails also provide dramatic viewpoints, such as the Morwell Rocks walks which overlook the river cliffs, and routes that feature the impressive Calstock Viaduct as a scenic landmark.

The Tamar Trails Centre is a hub for outdoor activities with a 25km network of dedicated trails. You'll find multi-use trails suitable for walking and cycling, like the Devon Great Consols Mineral Railway Trail. There are also footpath-only routes, such as the Chimney Rock Walk, which explores woodland with some steeper sections. The centre itself is a popular spot with a cafe and other facilities.

There are over 100 marked hiking trails to explore in the Tamar Valley AONB. The network offers a fantastic variety, from short, easy strolls along the river to more challenging moderate hikes through woodland and over rolling hills.

The region is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage, with many routes passing through the UNESCO World Heritage mining landscape. The well-maintained riverside paths and peaceful ancient woodlands are also frequently mentioned as highlights.

Yes, parking is available at many key locations. The Tamar Trails Centre has a large car park, as does Kit Hill Country Park. Many villages that serve as trailheads, like Calstock and Tavistock, have public car parks. For smaller, more rural trailheads, parking may be limited to on-street or small lay-bys, so arriving early is recommended.

The terrain is varied but generally accessible. The majority of the trails in the Tamar Valley are rated as easy or moderate. You'll find gentle riverside paths and woodland tracks, as well as routes with some steady climbs and steeper sections, particularly those offering high viewpoints. There are very few technically difficult hikes, making it a great destination for most walkers.

The Tamar Valley is perfect for circular walks. A great moderate option is the River Walkham and River Tavy loop. This route showcases the beautiful scenery where the two rivers meet and takes you through classic Tamar Valley woodland and riverside landscapes.

The diverse habitats of the Tamar Valley support a rich variety of wildlife. In the woodlands, you might spot roe deer. Along the river and estuary, birdwatchers can look for species like avocets, spoonbills, and kingfishers. The area is also a haven for wildflowers, especially in the spring and summer.