Tamar Valley Line history

Tamar trails | local fares and timetables | local information

The Tamar Valley has been served by trains since the East Cornwall Mineral Railway from Kelly Bray to the quays at Calstock opened in 1872. In 1907 the stunning Calstock Viaduct was completed. The railway across the Viaduct was opened in 1908 and allowed lucrative links to London via the mainline at Bere Alston for market gardeners living in the valley. The railway is inextricably linked to the mining heritage of the area, and is now designated a World Heritage Site for Cornwall and West Devon Mining landscape. For more information contact the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on 01579 351681.

Plymouth not only boasts a rich naval heritage, the city also has a natural harbour and a wide range of attractions. Sir Francis Drake is reputed to have continued playing bowls on Plymouth Hoe while the enemy fleet was spotted offshore. The Naval Dockyard, at Devonport, has a long tradition of building and servicing the naval fleet that stretches back to 1588.

Leaving Plymouth the line crosses the River Tavy to the Bere Peninsula. At Bere Ferrers you can find The Tamar Belle Visitor Centre, with displays on many local topics. Bere Alston is a bustling village, best accessed by the branch line train, with long mining and market gardening histories. Alight at Calstock and you can enjoy the riverside walk to the National Trust property at Cotehele. The line ends at Gunnislake where a downhill walk takes you into the village and you can see William, ”the sculpture of a 19th century miner.

For a free line guide with more information on the line and timetables call 01752 233094. The AONB has a comprehensive programme of events and guided walks.
See www.tamarvalley.org.uk for more details.

 

Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership | School of Geography | University of Plymouth | Plymouth PL4 8AA
Tel/Fax: 01752 233094
Email: railpart@plymouth.ac.uk