Devon's Western Frontier - Walk

Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Start/End point: Bere Alston

For most of its length, Devon's western frontier with Cornwall is marked by the River Tamar. The valley of the Tamar is highly attractive, a fact recognised by the designation of the southern end of the valley as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This designation is given only to areas deemed to be of landscape importance on a national basis.

One of Devon's long-distance walking routes, the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail, follows the valley between Plymouth and Launceston. This walk follows a length of that Trail and then doubles back to form a circuit.

The walk is based on the village of Bere Alston, in the heart of the designated area. Bere Alston has a long history as a mining town and mining is one of the recurring themes on this walk together with the Tamar's other important historical legacy, market gardening.

Theme: Country,
Special Interest: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Nature, Wildlife,
Area: Tamar Valley.

Relevant maps/guides: Landranger 201 Plymouth and Launceston; Explorer 108 Lower Tamar Valley.
Facilities along route: Bere Alston [pub, refreshments, toilets, shops].
There is one long but fairly gentle climb; 5 stiles. Why not arrive at Bere Alston on the very scenic Tamar Valley line, which runs north from Plymouth up the valley to Gunnislake just over the border in Cornwall. It is an ideal introduction to the valley and the perfect way of reaching the start point.