The Tamara Coast to Coast Way

Opened in July 2023, the Tamara Coast to Coast Way (also known as ‘Tamara Way’) is an 87-mile walking route, stretching from the south coast to the north coast of Cornwall. The trail can be combined with the South West Coast Path to form a challenging circular walk around the entire boundary of Cornwall, known as the Circuit of Cornwall ‘Kylgh Kernow’.

Split into seven stages, ranging from 10 to 17 miles each, the Tamara Way’s appeal lies in its varied scenery and lesser-known charm. A true hidden gem, it is a must for those seeking serenity amidst nature and to avoid the crowds found on the Cornish coast.

As you depart from the urban surroundings of Plymouth, the terrain transforms into a wilder, more untouched landscape. Expect an exciting blend of historic villages, World Heritage Mining Sites and the Dunsdon National Nature Reserve, set amidst a backdrop of rolling grasslands, sweeping vistas, tranquil canals and quiet country lanes.

Part of the Tamara Way’s unique appeal is tracing the River Tamar from its expansive cityside banks, all the way to its quiet source on Woolley Moor. However, the journey also winds through three National Landscapes – formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and passes numerous historic monuments and cultural landmarks.

The trail begins at Mount Edgcumbe, tracing the estuary to Millbrook before weaving through Plymouth’s historic city streets. From here, head north from the Tamar Bridge, passing St Budeaux Church where the famed navigator Sir Francis Drake was married.

Estuary views are the primary feature of day three, as you pass wetlands and marvel at the impressive arches of Calstock viaduct. The route then takes you into the ancient woodlands of the Tamar Valley, where relics of the Gunnislake Clitters mine – a former copper, tin, and arsenic site – still stand.

Meander through working farmland and the charming villages of Milton Abbot and Lifton before following the peaceful banks of the Bude Canal. Next, delight in the natural beauty of Dunsdon National Nature Reserve, home to a rich variety of wildlife, insects, and bird species. Near the end of your journey, look for the stone marking the Tamar’s source before concluding at Morwenstow. Here you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Marsland Mouth and the vast Atlantic Ocean.