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Getting around the Tamar Valley

Calstock Viaduct

There are many ways to explore the Tamar Valley and also many public transport links.

Tamar Valley Passenger Ferry
The seasonal Tamar Passenger Ferry links the attractive riverside village of Calstock with the National Trust's historic Cotehele Quay.  For those walking the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail, the ferry provides a link across the river between Devon and Cornwall, from Ferry Farm (approximately 30 minutes walk from Bere Alston Station) to Calstock.   The Tamar Passenger Ferry offers a memorable opportunity to experience the Tamar Valley at a more relaxed pace. In the past, the river provided the main means of transport in the area - the crossing between Calstock and the Ferry Farm is believed to date back to Saxon times. As in the past, today's ferry operates according to nature and the tides, and does not follow a precise timetable.  Timetables are available from the Tamar Valley Centre, Cotehele Quay and other outlets.  The ferry timetable, along with the Tamar Valley Line timetables, will be printed in the Spring edition of our bi-annual newsletter, The Valley.
Please note that the Tamar Valley Ferry is seasonal - usually running between April and September.
Visit: http://www.calstockferry.co.uk/
Timetable (PDF): Front cover  |  Back cover
Tamar Valley Line
One of the scenic highlights in the Tamar Valley, this train line offers visitors the chance to see the heart of the AONB from the comfort of their seats.  The line is also a well-used commuter route for stdents and workers to and from Plymouth.
Visit the website: http://www.carfreedaysout.com/ttable.html
Timetables (PDF) available from their website.

Pilot Bus Scheme
Last summer, there was another great way to explore the Tamar Valley with a new pilot bus service connecting Callington, Gunnislake train station and Morwellham's historic port and village.  Thanks to a partnership between Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, Tamar Valley AONB and Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, the service will provide a great public transport link to one of the valley's best visitor attractions at Morwellham Quay.  We are hoping to run the bus service again this year.  Watch this space.

Find out more

By Bus

National Express coaches operate a frequent service to Plymouth from all over the UK and bus services throughout the Tamar Valley are good. For timetables, maps and route information for bus services throughout Devon and Cornwall click on the link below.

National Express coaches. Tel: 08705 808080

By Train

Travelling by train to the Tamar Valley allows you to see some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the south west. Mainline services between Paddington and Penzance all stop at Plymouth where you can catch the branch line train to Bere Alston, Bere Ferrers, Calstock and Gunnislake. This branch line route takes you under Brunel’s famous Royal Albert Bridge, along the Tamar estuary and over the stunning Tavy and Calstock viaducts.

For more information about this, and other branch lines go to http://www.carfreedaysout.com Tel: 01752 233094.

For information about fares and timetables contact National Rail Enquiries.

Tel: 08457 48 49 50 or click on the link to visit the website.

By Ferry

Brittany Ferries operates a regular service to Plymouth from Roscoff and Santander.

Brittany Ferries. Tel: 08705 360360.

There is also a ferry service on the river Tamar, running between Calstock and Cotehele and crossing to the Devon bank near Bere Alston. The ferry service started operating in 1999 and is linked with the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail, and has proved to be very popular. To find out more please visit the Tamar Valley Tourism Association website at the link below.