Located within the Tamar Valley National Landscape and Cornwall & West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, the Tamar Trails and onsite Visitor Centre make for one of the best days out in the South West.
The new Visitor Centre in the heart of the Tamar Valley is a nucleus for all kinds of brilliant outdoor activities. Located in Devon just across from the Cornwall border, it calls to all generations with its eclectic array of activities and facilities, including 25km of walking trails, an onsite cafe, shop, heritage centre, bike hire and adventure experiences.
About the Tamar Trails
The Tamar Trails are a brilliant family-friendly attraction for anyone who loves the outdoors. Suitable for all ages, the trails cover a network of woodland pathways that can be explored on foot or bike for free. With over 25km of trails to cover, every visit will reward you with something new to enjoy as the seasons change and the views through the woods and over the breath-taking Tamar Valley change from rainbow to green to auburn to white from spring to winter. To get off on the right foot, maps of the walking trails are available to pick up from the Visitor Centre.
Biking the Tamar Trails
As all of the Tamar Trail’s 25 kilometres are dedicated off-road routeways, it’s somewhere that particularly appeals to cyclists and mountain bikers. Catering for everyone, there are several, year-round trails to choose from which for the most part consist of level, compacted stone tracks with few steep sections to allow for gentle cruising. For beginners and families with youngsters, the Mineral Railway Trail extends for 2km north of the Tamar Trails Centre or 3km south and weaves through tranquil woodland. For something more challenging, the Wheal Maria Trail follows the valley’s contours and undulations for an invigorating ride. If you don’t have your own bike, then you can hire one from the centre.
Tamar Adventure Activities
As well as walking and cycling the Tamar Trails, you can also take part in a number of adventure activities for a new way to experience the valley. One of the most popular pursuits, guided canoeing trips can be organised through the Tamar Trails Centre. Most of the trips start and finish at Cotehele Quay and lead you along the River Tamar, crossing the boundaries between Devon and Cornwall. Archery is also a firm favourite with all generations, while the most adrenaline-filled experience comes in the form of Tree Surfers. A chance for all the family to shed inhibitions and have pure unadulterated fun together, this tree-top adventure activity includes rope bridges, ziplines, walkways and Tarzan swings.
Tamar Trails Café
After a walk, cycle or zipline in the fresh air, there’s nothing better than rewarding yourself with a drink and a bite to eat. Happily, the Beech Café at the Tamar Trails provides the perfect landing place after such exuberance. Set in a gorgeous location overlooking the Tamar Valley, the café delivers jaw-dropping views to accompany its light lunches, afternoon teas and range of cakes. Opening times sometimes vary with the season, so make sure you check before you go. There’s also a shop onsite too, which offers a broad range of gifts for two and four-legged visitors and friends, perfect for a little souvenir or gift.
Tamar Trails Centre, Woodlands, Gulworthy, Nr Tavistock PL19 8JE | 01822 833 409 | www.tamartrails.co.uk
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