Walking & Cycling
From the doorstep
Follow miles of meandering footpaths through open fields and beautiful woodland or borrow a bike and head out to explore the quiet country lanes. As well as being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Tamar Valley is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest with an abundance of wildlife throughout the year. In the winter months avocets, whimbrels and other rare waders can often be seen on the mud flats opposite the cottage. We can recommend plenty of wonderful walks to you, or you can find OS maps in the cottage to help you plan your own.
On the first Saturday of the month, you can enjoy the wonderful farmland nature trail at neighbouring South Hooe Cottage. The trail is approximately 2.4km long, taking in beautiful views of the river, and lots of opportunities for birdwatching too. Please note, dogs are not permitted on the route due to wading birds.
The Discovery Trail footpath extends 35 miles from Plymouth, at the mouth of the river, to Launceston, the ancient capital of Cornwall. Providing a fantastic opportunity to explore the area's hidden corners, many of which are inaccessible by car, you can join the Trail in just a short walk from the cottage.
The Tamar Trails are a network of paths that wind through the Valley’s woodland following old mineral tramways and railways. A 15 minute drive from the Count House, there is a nominal parking fee but otherwise the trails are free to use whether on foot or by bike. They also run a range of activities including tree surfing and have a heritage centre onsite.
Less than half an hour’s drive from the Count House is Dartmoor, with 360 square miles of beautiful upland wilderness and far reaching views. Take a leisurely walk up Cox Tor just outside of Tavistock to watch the sunset over Cornwall or pack a map and compass and spend a day walking up iconic granite tors, down into hidden valleys and stumbling across Bronze Age hut circles.
In the north west of Dartmoor running from Okehampton to Lydford is the Granite Way, an 11 mile long trail for cycling or walking. Forming part of the National Cycle Network route 27, it's mostly free from traffic and offers beautiful views across Dartmoor with opportunities to stop and explore Meldon Reservoir and Lydford Gorge.
The South West Coast Path is within easy reach of the Count House and provides a wonderful introduction to Devon and Cornwall's strong connection with the sea, a relationship that defines this corner of the country. A 30 minute train ride from Bere Alston will take you to Plymouth where you can take the Cremyll Ferry across to Mount Edgcumbe and begin your walk, heading to the Rame Peninsula and Whitsand Bay. Or drive an hour north to Tintagel and explore the rugged coastline, castle ruins and the legend of King Arthur.