3 Tamar Valley walks by train (with a pub stop)

The Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth makes it easy to escape the city and explore scenic countryside by train. Each of the trio of walks also includes a well-placed pub stop along the way. Cheers to that!

Top tip – These pubs are all part of our Tamar Valley Line Rail Ale Trail! Collect 10 stamps at these and other pubs along the line to win a T-shirt.

For food, call in advance to book.

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1. Danescombe Valley to Calstock

Train journey: Plymouth to Gunnislake (45 min journey)
Walk distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Pub stop: Queens Head, Albaston

Hop off the train at Gunnislake and head straight to The Queens Head, a welcoming village pub serving fresh food and an ideal stop before setting off towards Calstock. From here, the route leads you through the Danescombe Valley’s lush woodlands, with plenty of reminders of the area’s industrial and archaeological heritage.

Once you arrive in Calstock, there are plenty more options for food and drink, including The Tamar Inn, The Boot (Sunday lunch only), Lishe Café, or Valenti’s Ice Cream.

Queens Head opening times

• Friday–Sunday: 12:00–11:30pm
• Monday–Wednesday: 12:00–2:30pm & 4:30–11:00pm

Food service times

• Thursday–Saturday: 12:00–2:00pm & 5:00–9:00pm
• Sunday: 12:00–2:30pm & 6:00–8:00pm

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2. Bere Ferrers Circular

Train journey: Plymouth to Bere Ferrers (20 min journey)
Walk distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Pub stop: Olde Plough Inn, Bere Ferrers

Starting from Bere Ferrers station, this great circular walk will take you along the Tamar River and through open countryside. The route includes a mix of woodland and riverside paths. When you arrive back in the village of Bere Ferrers, towards the end of your walk, you can pay a visit to the charming Olde Plough Inn (also pictured at the top of this blog) for a home-made bite to eat and a cosy drink by the fire.

Pub opening times

• Wednesday–Saturday: 12:00–3:00pm & 5:30–9:30pm
• Sunday: 12:00–9:30pm

Food service times

• Wednesday–Saturday: 12:00–2:00pm & 6:00–8:00pm
• Sunday: 12:00–2:00pm & 6:00–8:00pm

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3. Calstock station to Okel Tor Mine

Train journey: Plymouth to Calstock (30 min journey)
Walk distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Pub stop: Tamar Inn, Calstock

This walk starts at Calstock station and follows the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail upstream past intertidal marshes (great for spotting wildlife) to the remains of Okel Tor Mine. The Tamar Inn is conveniently located when you loop back to the village. Situated on the riverbanks, this great pub offers a welcome spot to rest and enjoy a meal or drink before wandering back to the station to catch the train home.

Pub opening times

• Wednesday–Saturday: 12:00–3:00pm & 5:30–10:00pm
• Sunday: 12:00–9:00pm
• Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Food service times

• Wednesday–Saturday: 12:00–2:30pm & from 5:30pm
• Sunday roasts: from 12:00pm (until they sell out)

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For information on lots of other pubs easily accessible by train, visit the Rail Ale Trail section of our website. Or, for more great days out by train, see Walks from the Railway.

Train times and tickets

Look up train times and buy rail tickets on the GWR website or app.

Save a third off the adult fare for you and a friend (with kids travelling for just £2) with a Devon & Cornwall Railcard – just £13 a year for local residents. Now available to buy online.