Getting to the Tamar Valley by Road

There are a number of routes into the Tamar Valley by car.

The most direct route is to take the M5 to Exeter, which then flows into both the A38 and A30, skirting south and north of Dartmoor respectively. The A38 will take you to Plymouth, an old naval city, where the River Tamar joins the sea and then across the Tamar Bridge to Saltash. The A30 will take you to Launceston, the ancient capital of Cornwall at the northern end of the Valley. The A388 joins Saltash to Launceston and is the main north-south road on the Cornish side of the river.

As an alternative to the direct route you might like to drive across Dartmoor, a vast upland expanse of some 360 square miles, which gives a much more sedate introduction to the area, and a true sense of place. Taking this route will lead you to Tavistock, one of four old Stannary towns on the moor’s perimeter, a short distance from Gunnislake and the central area of the valley. From Tavistock, the A386 is the main north-south road on the Devon side, and can take you south to Plymouth.

Many small roads lead off from the three gateways listed above. These small, winding lanes lead into the heart of the valley, and will take you through tiny villages and hamlets, many with market garden stalls by the roadside selling produce straight from the owner’s garden.

National Express coaches operate a frequent service to Plymouth and stop at smaller towns in the area several times a week.

Bus services throughout the Tamar Valley are very good. For timetables, maps and route information for bus services throughout Devon and Cornwall visit www.traveline.org.uk.