The expert's view
Joe Lawrence, Area Warden
For me, the sense of history and the tranquillity are the best things about
this route. The top path back along Lady Walk gives you the opportunity to
look down into the valley through broadleaved woodlands and is one of my
favourite parts. I have seen views of the Tamar Valley and upriver to the
railway viaduct of Calstock in all weathers and they are always inspiring.
My top tip for the first-time walker is to take your time and bring a good dose of imagination with you. There is so much history hidden among the leafy growth and quietness that you need that to bring it alive.
Start: Cotehele Quay
Grid ref: SX424681
Map: OS Landranger 201
Download
an OS map of this walk
© Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey. All rights reserved. OS
licence no. AL 100018591
Getting there
Train: From Calstock station walk 1½ miles to Cotehele Quay. Please note: you will cover part of the walk route getting to and from the station
Bus: Service 190, Tavistock, Gunnislake Station or Callington to Cotehele Quay, Sundays only. Visit www.traveline.org.uk or call 0871 2002233
Ferry: Ferry service from Calstock to Cotehele Quay, summer only and tide dependent. Visit www.calstockferry.co.uk or call 01822 833331
Road: From Tavistock: A390, Gunnislake and Callington, then at St Ann’s Chapel follow brown Cotehele signs. From Plymouth/Saltash: A388, Callington road, then at roundabout after St Mellion follow brown Cotehele signs
Local facilities
- Edgcumbe Arms tea rooms (Cotehele Quay)
- Barn restaurant, gallery and shop (in house grounds)
- WCs at the quay and near main reception at the house
Distance, terrain and accessibility
A 3-mile (4.8km) circular walk through woodland with some muddy tracks, uneven surfaces and steep gradients.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Danescombe Valley sawmill
This was opened in 1878, mostly to provide timber for the Cotehele estate and
the local mines. It was powered by water and was considered the most
complete water-powered mill in the west of England.
The Chapel in the Wood
High above the banks of the Tamar, this commemorates the escape of Richard
Edgcumbe from the troops of Richard III. The story is explained on a board,
inside the chapel above the door (in old English).
The Danescombe Valley Paper Mill
The Danescombe Valley paper mill was the first in the Calstock area. It was
working by 1788, making coarse brown paper, paste and millboard. It supplied
the area with paper to help protect soft fruits when packaged. It ceased
working in 1857, when a larger mill was built.
ROUTE AND DIRECTIONS
1. From the quay car park walk up the short slope leading to a wide track at the edge of the woods. Bear right and pass the Chapel in the Wood and continue following the track to reach the Calstock lookout.
2. Follow the track up hill (hand rail on right) to another path. Bear right along the level sign posted path to Calstock.
3. The path descends into the Danescombe Valley. At the bottom of the hill turn left onto the valley track. Directly on your left you’ll see the remains of Danescombe Sawmill. Continue up the valley with the stream tumbling down on your right where you will soon pass a group of houses, two of which are National Trust holiday cottages (Danescombe and Engine cottages). Walk over the wooden bridge, crossing the stream, still following the track up the valley, now with the stream on your left (take a look at the old mine entrance on your right).
4. As you continue up the track you will see a tall chimney next to a large four storey building; the Engine House. The track narrows to a path continuing up the valley, eventually meeting a lane.
5. For a detour to see the remains of the old paper mill, bear left along the lane, cross over to a footpath passing between Danescombe Farm on the left and an old barn on the right.
6. Retrace your steps to the lane and go directly across to a track that enters a field via a field gate. Continue up this rough field track to another gate that enters the wood, becoming a footpath known as Lady Walk. Continue along this path, where you will once again see the chimney stack and cottages below. Continue along this undulating track for approximately ½ mile (1km), ignoring paths to both left and right. Just before another field gate, take the small path forking to the left and follow this rough, steep path down to a level track.
7. Turn right along the track (ignore left-hand fork) and follow the chestnut fencing on your left. As the path starts to climb and bears to the left, turn right and walk a short distance to a white field gate.
8. Closing the gate behind you, bear left up a grassy slope and follow the garden wall to the Mother Orchard on your right. Take a peek inside and explore the cider press, sculptures and fruit trees planted in 2007 (sorry, dogs are not allowed in the orchard).
9. Returning to the orchard gate, turn right and follow the track up to the garden compost area. Bear left onto a track and follow it down, meeting a tarmac drive. Continue down, bearing right, then left, then right again following the road down to Cotehele Quay. Near the bottom you will find a gap in the laurel hedge on your left. Walk down the steps and steep path to return to the car park.
- Find more exclusive National Trust walks at www.telegraph.co.uk/walks