Cotehele Circular Walk
Explore the highlights of Cotehele and discover some of the amazing places that our Rangers love to work and watch out for wildlife. Starting at the quay, follow the stream along the Morden valley to the secluded Cotehele Mill, then wander through the trees up to the house and back to the quay.
Whilst exploring, follow the green arrows along the route to help you on your way.
Map
Start:
The Edgcumbe Tea-room at Cotehele Quay
1
Start your walk at the Edgcumbe tearoom. Follow the green arrows and signpost for Cotehele Mill past the Discovery Centre and continue along the road until you reach the stone bridge.
2
Follow the trail into the woodland with the stream on your left until you reach a junction on the footpath.
The stone bridge was built over the Morden stream in 1820, linking the Cotehele estate to Bohetherick. This is a favourite place for our rangers to spot wetland birds hiding in the tall reed beds.
3
There are two junctions here to visit either Cotehele Mill (number 4) or the Morden Weir (number 5) if you wish. To continue the circular walk, bear right and follow the footpath up the hill.
4
To visit Cotehele Mill, follow the first path on the left taking you down hill towards a small wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the path past the meadow to reach the mill.
The meadow at the mill is beautiful in the summer months where you will see Southern Marsh Orchids flowering among the grasses. Ranger Ben loves working here with dragonflies hovering above the stream and butterflies resting among the wildflowers.
5
To visit the weir, bear left at the second junction and follow the path.
Morden Weir
The Morden Weir is a lovely spot to take a break and listen to the following water. There is a fish pass for migrating salmon and trout, so look out for them. The weir is where water is directed down a historic leat to the wooden waterwheel at the working flour mill.
6
Go through the white gate, where you will see Elbow Cottage in front of you and a fork in the road on your right. Follow the higher road on the left which is signposted to Cotehele.
Elbow Cottage
Elbow Cottage, built in 1865 is formerly the gamekeepers cottage. This is now a holiday cottage, where you can stay and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
7
Pass both entrances to the main car park on your left and continue to follow the road along.
8
Beyond this point, the path is unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams, so a short cut back to Cotehele Quay and the starting point can be taken by turning right and following the road down the steep hill. To continue following the route, turn left and follow the road towards Cotehele House, gardens, restaurant and shop.
9
When facing reception bear right through the courtyard and go through the brown gate behind the toilet block. Follow the path until you reach a junction.
10
Once you have reached the junction, take the sharp right path downhill to reach Calstock lookout. Please note, the path here is steep and uneven underfoot.
The Calstock lookout provides a stunning vista high above the Tamar Valley, taking in the winding river and Calstock Viaduct. Take a moment here to pause and look out at the ever changing scenery.
11
After the lookout, follow the path downhill until you reach the Chapel-In-The-Wood.
Chapel-In-The-Wood
The Chapel-In-The-Wood is tucked away above in trees above the river. Look out for a fantastic array of fungi growing at the base of the trees in the autumn or head inside the Chapel to learn about the escape of Richard Edgcumbe.
12
Continue along the path, keeping the fields on your left and woods on you right until you return to Cotehele Quay car park.
Creating an intertidal habitat at Cotehele Quay
The field below this path is soon to be a wonderful intertidal habitat, where the rangers are looking forward to increased visits by waders and other wildlife returning to this part of the valley.
End:
Cotehele Quay car park