Getting to the Tamar Valley by Road
The Tamar Valley is accessible by several road routes. The most direct approach is via the M5 to Exeter, which branches into the A38 and A30, skirting Dartmoor to the south and north, respectively. The A38 leads to Plymouth and crosses the Tamar Bridge into Saltash, while the A30 heads toward Launceston at the upper reaches of the valley. Connecting these points, the A388 runs north to south on the Cornish side of the river, linking Saltash and Launceston.
For a more leisurely journey, you can cross Dartmoor, offering a scenic introduction to the region and a deeper sense of place. This route passes through Tavistock, where the A386 becomes the main north-south road on the Devon side, extending southward toward Plymouth. From these primary roads, a network of smaller, winding lanes branches off, leading into the heart of the valley and its charming villages and hamlets.
