The Tamara Coast to Coast Way, a new 87-mile walking route that stretches between the south and north coast in the South-West is now open, thanks to the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The walking route, which is planned as a seven-day hike, broadly follows the River Tamar, the historic boundary between Devon and Cornwall from sea to source, before continuing on to the North coast. It begins at Cremyll, overlooking Plymouth Sound, and finishes at Marsland Mouth near Morwenstow. Linking the two coasts has also created a new 387-mile circular walking route around the border of Cornwall, Kylgh Kernow, which is Cornish for Circuit of Cornwall.
Highlights of the Tamara Coast to Coast Way include unspoilt river-valley landscapes in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site. Many short walks have also been developed along the route to enable more people to benefit physically and mentally from time spent in the great outdoors.
Will Darwall, manager of the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme, said: “The creation of this stunningly beautiful new long-distance walking route will inspire people to get out there and experience this wonderful part of the country. People can now not only enjoy a largely overlooked natural landscape, but the walkers will also benefit local enterprises along the way, such as local B&Bs. Just get your walking boots on and go!”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s wonderful to see the opening of the Tamara Coast to Coast Way, providing walkers from the area and visitors from further afield with a fantastic new way of discovering the Tamar Valley and immersing themselves in its inspiring natural heritage. We’re thrilled that thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we have been able to support the creation of this brilliant new walking route and are sure that many players will use it to explore and discover the beautiful natural heritage surrounding it.”
Martin Howlett, Chair of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, added: “My fellow farmers and landowners welcome the official opening up of the entire length of the River Tamar Valley from ‘source to sea’ as one designated route, whilst offering a golden opportunity to both local walkers and visitors alike to explore, enjoy and truly appreciate the best of the Westcountry, its farming and natural environment, working in harmony within this special & unique landscape.”
Lorna Sherriff, National Trail Officer for the South West Coast Path Association, noted: “It’s great to have this new coast to coast route which has enabled the Kylgh Kernow to be formed, linking in with the South West Coast Path to make a circular route around the whole of Cornwall. The coast to coast route provides people with the opportunity to explore and walk through more of the stunning South West landscape to connect with nature and the heritage found in the Tamar valley.”
For information about the Tamara Coast to Coast Way and how to purchase one of the new Guidebooks as well as details on the Circuit of Cornwall and the series of shorter walks in the Tamar Valley visit: www.tamarvalley.org.uk/walking
The Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme aims to create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities by working with farmers, landowners and communities to manage and enhance landscapes, improve access, provide training opportunities and improve people’s health and wellbeing through new events and activities. With match-funding from partners, £3.2 million will be invested across the Tamar Valley until 2025.
