Cornwall

Cotehele and Bohetherick Woodland Walk

A large grey mill building with woodland behind it and a meadow of white cow parsley in front of it — Cotehele Mill | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

This circular walk from Cotehele Quay takes you through Cotehele and Bohetherick Woods, exploring semi-natural ancient woodland and taking in the sensory experience of the river and trees. The route takes you past some of the finest old trees on the estate. Follow the pink arrows to help you on your way.

Near to

Cotehele

Start point

The car park at Cotehele Quay, grid reference: SX 42411 68159.

Address
Cotehele Quay car park, Cotehele, St Dominick, Cornwall PL12 6TA.
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Take the Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth to Calstock station. From there it's a lovely 1.5-mile walk, signposted from the station, along the River Tamar and up a steep hill through the woods. Follow the signs. Bring a torch for late afternoons in the winter months.
On foot
Cotehele is a 1½-mile walk from Calstock along the River Tamar and up a steep hill through the woods. Follow the signs. Bring a torch for late afternoons in the winter months.
By bus
The closest bus stop is in the village of Calstock. Take the Transport for Cornwall bus service number 79/79A service from Callington/Tavistock and stop at the bus stop on Calstock Quay. Once at Calstock, follow the directions by foot.
Further information about bus services
By ferry
Plymouth Boat Trips host cruises a few times a month along the River Tamar on route to Calstock and offers passengers the opportunity to stop off at Cotehele Quay.
Further information about ferry services
Cycling
NCN27, 9 miles. Hilly route from Tavistock to Cotehele.
By road
From Plymouth/Callington, follow the A388 towards St Mellion. At the Vernigo Roundabout (for the St Mellion resort) take the exit towards St Dominick. Follow the brown signs through the villages of St Dominick and Bohetherick where you will then arrive at Cotehele Bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the road to arrive at the lower car park at Cotehele Quay or drive up through a white gate for the upper car park near the house and garden.
From Tavistock, follow the A390 through the village of Gunnislake. Continue on the main road pass the Co-op petrol station on your left-hand side. Turn left after you see the brown sign at St Ann's Chapel and then continue to follow the brown signs. We recommend entering Cotehele via the A390 if you are in a large vehicle.
Dogs
Dogs on leads are allowed on the estate. They're also welcome within the Barn Restaurant and The Edgcumbe at Cotehele Quay.
Car park
All car parks at Cotehele are pay and display. It's free for members (please remember to bring your membership card). Otherwise, charges are: £1 for up 1 hour, £3 for up to 3 hours, £5 for over 3 hours. PayByPhone is also available. No overnight parking or camping.
Toilet
Toilets available at Cotehele Quay
Café
The Edgcumbe at Cotehele Quay serves tea, coffee, hot chocolate, pasties and tasty treats throughout the day.
Play area
Near car park.
Designated parking
There is accessible car park near the house.
Accessible toilet
There are two accessible toilets located on the Cotehele estate. One in the farmyard by the main visitor toilets and the other on the quay. There is no Changing Place facility available at Cotehele. The nearest Changing Places facility is available at Tesco, Tavistock Road, Callington PL17 7RD, during store opening hours.
Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
The car park at Cotehele Quay, grid reference: SX 42411 68159.
Stage 1
Start your walk at the car park on Cotehele Quay. Follow the pink arrow to the path above the car park which leads into the woods. Almost immediately, you will see a path on your left which heads straight up the hill.
Stage 2
When you reach the road, cross and continue on the footpath directly opposite.
The River Tamar | © Rich Burrow
Stage 3
At the end of this footpath, you will descend several steps to reach a road. Cross the road and follow the path ahead for a short distance until you reach a turning. Take the right-hand turn and follow the trail through the woodland.
Stage 4
At the end of this path you will reach a T-junction. Take the right-hand turn and before you reach the gateway, take the left turn and follow the pink arrows along this track until you reach Morden weir.
Stage 5
With the weir in front of you, follow the track on the right, walk up the hill and out to a gateway which leads to the hamlet of Newhouses.
The weir and footbridge at Cotehele | © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Stage 6
At Newhouses, turn left and follow the road down the hill. Take care and watch out for cars here. When you reach the T-junction at the bottom of the hill, turn left and walk past Morden Farm.
Stage 7
Just past the farm, the road forks. Take the right-hand fork up the hill and immediately pass through the gateway on the left-hand side to enter the woodland.
Stage 8
Follow the pink arrows through the woodland. You will walk above the weir on your left, and then you will see Cotehele Mill below you.
Stage 9
At this point, if you wish to visit Cotehele Mill, follow the track down the hill to the road. To continue the route, bear right and follow the pink arrows.
Stage 10
Follow the path until you reach a junction with a magnificent oak tree beside a gateway. The track through the gate leads to the hamlet of Bohetherick, but to continue the route, turn left and follow the pink arrows down the hill until you reach the road.
Stage 11
Cross over the road, taking care to watch out for cars on the corner and continue following the path downhill to Bohetherick Quay and lime kilns.
Stage 12
Walk around the kilns on the left to return to the road and continue walking downhill until you reach the stone bridge. Turn right and use the bridge to cross the stream. Follow the road right and it will lead you back to Cotehele Quay.
End point
The car park at Cotehele Quay.
Trail map
Cotehele to Bohetherick Woodland Walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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View of the quay and river with boat moored up at Cotehele, Cornwall

Trail

Cotehele circular walk

Explore the National Trust's Cotehele Estate on a circular walk and discover hidden places along the route that are a haven for wildlife in Cornwall.

St Dominick, near Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA

01579351346

cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk

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