About the Tamara Cost to Coast walking path

A new 87-mile walking trail has opened in Cornwall, linking the north and south coasts of the county. The Tamara Coast to Coast Way follows the River Tamar, taking in a variety of landscapes, from wooded valleys to rolling farmland to heather-covered moors.

The route was created with the aim of encouraging people to explore the inland areas of Cornwall, which are often overlooked by tourists. It also links up with the South West Coast Path, creating a circular walk around the whole county.

The route is divided into seven stages, ranging from 4 to 17 miles in length. Walkers can choose to complete the entire route in one go, or they can break it up into smaller sections.

The northern end of the path is in Bude, making 2 Canalside a excellent base for walking the path.

The Tamara Coast to Coast Way is a great way to experience the diversity of Cornwall’s landscape. It is also a challenge for experienced walkers, and a rewarding experience for those who are looking for a new way to explore the county.

Here are some additional details about the trail:

• It was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and was created by the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme.
• It takes in two existing paths: the Discovery Trail in the south and the Bude Canal Trail in the north.
• It has a new permissive path on the Pentillie estate near St Mellion.
• The route is suitable for both walkers and runners.

For more information about the path visit the dedicated site: Tamara Coast to Coast Way – Tamar Valley AONB.

History of the Path

The idea for the Tamara Coast to Coast Way was first conceived in 2014, when the Tamar Valley AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) was awarded £1.3 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a new walking route in the area. The scheme aimed to create a route that would showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Tamar Valley, while also providing a boost to the local economy.

The first step was to design the route. This was done by a team of experts, including landscape architects, ecologists, and historians. They worked to create a route that would be both challenging and rewarding, and that would offer walkers a variety of landscapes and experiences.

The route was designed to follow the River Tamar from its source near Bude in Cornwall to its mouth at Plymouth Sound. This would allow walkers to experience the full diversity of the Tamar Valley, from the rugged moorlands of the north to the lush farmland of the south.

The route also passes through a number of important historical sites, including the medieval town of Tavistock, the Iron Age hillfort of Hembury Castle, and the Tamar Bridge.

Creation of the Tamara Coast to Coast path was not without challenges, some of the hurdles the team building the path had to overcome were:

• The route passes through a variety of different landscapes, from the rugged moorlands of the north to the lush farmland of the south. This meant that the team had to design a route that would be suitable for all types of walkers.
• The route also passes through a number of important historical sites. The team had to work with archaeologists and historians to ensure that the route did not damage any important artifacts or features.
• The route is located in a remote area. This meant that the team had to build bridges and stiles to cross rivers and streams, and they had to clear paths through dense vegetation.

Accommodation

2 Canalside is the perfect place to stay for those walking the Tamara Coast to Coast path, being located at the north end. As well as being well located for the Tamara path, Canalside is moments from Summerleaze beach and the South West Coast Path. The centre of Bude town is a few minutes walk and various pubs, and cafes are a stones throw away.

For availability and booking of with real time confirmation click here.

Whilst you’re in Bude, take a look at our guide for things to do in the local area including places to visit, eat and drink.