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Calstock Viaduct
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Calstock Church
As the days are getting shorter, this is a varied walk of just 3 miles around the historic village of Calstock with John Noblet of Tavistock Ramblers.
Starting on the old quay, once a hive of industrial activity, the walk follows the River Tamar upstream alongside the nature reserve of the Wetlands Project, a haven for birds. After passing the remains of Okel Tor Mine the route climbs up to Calstock church and the site of a Roman fort before returning to the village with great views of the iconic viaduct. Much of the route is waymarked as the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail or the Tamara Coast to Coast Walk.
Park in the free car park on Calstock Quay by the village hall SX437685 PL18 9QA
1. Leave the car park by walking alongside the metal fence beside the river and away from the viaduct. After the playing field, go through a gate onto the flood defence embankment. This new embankment has replaced the old flood defences and enabled the creation of a tidal wetland area by breaching the old flood embankment. Cross the wooden bridge over the tidal gap and continue ahead with several clues to the area’s industrial past, including a small quay across the river at Tuckenhay, a couple of engine house chimneys, and then a rather fine three-pot lime kiln.
2. Go through a gate at the end of the embankment and carry on up the hill signed as a public bridleway. Pass a turning to Okel Tor Mine (although worth a short diversion to walk around the ruins of what was one of Calstock’s most successful copper mines). There are glimpses of the river through the branches of the trees.
3. Go sharp left at the top and walk up the lane as far as the railway level crossing. Turn right, crossing the tracks, and continue uphill. The gradient levels out after Harewood Nursery, with views across the valley to Morwellham and Gunnislake.
At the top of the hill is the church, and although a rather plain building it is worth a visit, as is the churchyard. There are a number of memorials to men who lost their lives in the local mines and a surprising number who died on naval ships. There are also two memorials to men who were lost on RMS Titanic (two of them were brothers, seeking a new life in the USA). The new churchyard across the road was the site of a Roman fort and although there is nothing above ground to see there is a detailed information board.
4. To continue the walk, turn left opposite the lych gate and go steadily down what is appropriately named Church Hill.
5. Turn first right into Church Lane, a street of fairly modern houses. At the end, as the road starts to go downhill again, turn left opposite a bungalow called Bridge View down a flight of concrete steps to Calstock station.
6. Cross the tracks, walk along the station platform and up the steps at the end. Continue on the footpath alongside a high stone wall.
7. At the end, turn right into Church Street and down the hill. Turn right to walk through the village and back to the waterfront and car park.
Tavistock Ramblers walk on most Saturdays and Sundays and some Wednesdays. There is a mix of short walks and longer all day hikes to suit all. Go to tavistockramblers.org.uk to see the latest programme of walks on offer. You are welcome to join us.
If you just want something shorter to start with, try a Ramblers Wellbeing Walk to get active. There will be one near you.
You will also find a series of self-guided walks on the website to download or print. Two books of Tavistock District walks and several leaflets of walks in the area are available in the Tavistock Information Centre.