Kickstart 2025 with 5 great walks from the Railway

As we step into 2025, there’s no better way to embrace the new year than by exploring the great outdoors. With dozens of walks from the railway to choose from on our website (all with free directions PDFs to download or print) we thought we’d pull together five of our favourites from across Devon and Cornwall…

1. Penryn to Falmouth (via Flushing)

3 miles

Hop on the train from Truro to Penryn for a riverside walk to the village of Flushing, then the ferry across to Falmouth.

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2. Calstock to Cotehele National Trust

1.2 miles each way

Take the train from Plymouth to Calstock on the Tamar Valley Line, then enjoy a scenic walk alongside the river and up through the woods to Cotehele National Trust.

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3. Looe to Polperro

5.5 miles

Take the scenic Looe Valley Line from Liskeard to Looe (currently Mon-Sat – Sunday trains re-start 6th April), then walk the South West Coast Path to Polperro. Return to Looe on the 73 or 10 bus from Polperro.

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4. Okehampton to Belstone

7 miles circular

A varied Dartmoor walk from Okehampton station through the wooded East Okement Valley to the village of Belstone (complete with the award-winning Tors Inn) and back across the moor.

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5. Barnstaple – Tarka Trail

8.5 miles (to Home Farm Marsh and back)

Walk the Tarka Trail from Barnstaple station, enjoying the views of the Taw estuary. Head as far as Home Farm Marsh (note: no dogs or bikes allowed) to enjoy the views and try your luck at their bird hides.

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Train times & tickets

Look up train times and buy tickets on the GWR website and mobile app. If you live locally, a Devon & Cornwall Railcard (just £12 a year) is a great way to save a third for you and a friend on local journeys. And you can bring up to four kids along for just £1 each!

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More great walks

Head over to our Walks homepage for even more walks from stations across Devon and Cornwall: