Tracks and Stories

The Tamar Valley Line offers a memorable journey from the bustle of Plymouth into the peaceful beauty of the Tamar Valley National Landscape. Soon after departure, the train follows the River Tamar, crossing bridges and curving through wooded slopes as it enters Area A10 of the World Heritage Site – the Tamar Valley Mining District with Tavistock.

One of the journey’s great highlights is the spectacular crossing of the Calstock Viaduct. This iconic structure rises dramatically above the river and provides unforgettable views of the valley below.

Continue to the end of the line to fully experience the mining landscape as the train steadily climbs to Gunnislake Station. Stay on the train and hop off at Calstock to explore a characterful riverside village once busy with river trade serving nearby mines.

From Calstock, the walk to Cotehele is especially rewarding. This historic house, garden and estate reveal rich connections to the mining story and offer plenty to discover. Round off your day by enjoying the relaxed charm and welcoming atmosphere of this picturesque riverside community.

Calstock is a charming riverside village with an iconic viaduct and strong connections with mining heritage. Spend a peaceful afternoon by the river or explore the Tamar Valley on a couple of short, scenic walks. Relax on Calstock Quay and watch the world go by.

You can also walk along the River Tamar and discover DanescombeValley– steeped in mining heritage, or explore Okel Tor on the banks of the River Tamar.

Calstock has welcoming pubs offer the perfect chance to unwind. Whether you’re after a cosy corner, a hearty meal, or a chance to chat with locals, these spots provide an authentic taste of village life.

It’s always worth checking the programme at Calstock Arts, a beautiful and much loved venue set in the heart of the village. Housed in the Old Chapel and featuring a fully licensed bar in the gallery, it hosts everything from live music to talks and film screenings.

Spend your evening soaking up the atmosphere of Calstock where you can enjoy a drink in the Tamar Inn and Boot Inn.

Also, check out Calstock Arts – a community arts centre located in a beautifully converted chapel on the banks of the River Tamar with a wide range of programmed events.

Area A5 of the World Heritage Site was once the Capital of Cornish Mining, this was the centre of the Cornish mining industry, and home to many of its most important mines and innovators. World-changing inventions were created right here.

Mining built and shaped the mining communities within an Area that includes rugged open countryside, the former mining port at Portreath, and bustling towns with the remains of mining history ever-present.

There is much to discover in this landscape from a network of mining trails and heritage attractions to the townscapes of Camborne and Redruth that are shaped by their mining past and retain those strong connections today.

Head back to Plymouth on the Tamar Valley Line and then head west to Redruth on the Cornwall Main Line. You are now entering a very different mining landscape from that of the Tamar Valley.

Stroll around Redruth and soak up the heritage and discover its mining connections, there are a number of town trails to explore – Discover Redruth.

Don’t miss a visit to Kresen Kernow, home of the Archive and Cornish Studies Library with its excellent café (check online for the latest opening times and exhibition programme).

Hire a bike or pop on your walking boots and spend a day exploring the Mining Trails – a network of 60km-plus of mainly traffic free multi activity trails.- a unique opportunity to access our internationally important mining heritage.

There are plenty of opportunities to explore the mining story in and around Camborne and Redruth and in the surrounding landscape, just a short bus ride away.

Catch the bus to East Pool Mine and discover this hidden gem with its impressive Cornish beam engines and industrial heritage at the heart of the World Heritage Site.

Head to Portreath – once a busy port on the North Cornwall Coast shipping copper ore from nearby mines across to South Wales for smelting.

Take the train to Camborne and discover the history of the town- Heritage Trail – Camborne Town

Hop on a bus at Camborne station and head to King Edward Mine and the Croust Café (please note – no Sunday bus service to from Camborne to Troon)

Stay in Redruth and soak up the atmosphere at the newly restored Buttermarket in the heart of town. If the coast calls, take a short bus ride to Portreath for an easy, relaxing evening by the sea.

Visit the recently restored Redruth Buttermarket — a vibrant food hall where bold flavours meet around a buzzing historic courtyard at the heart of Redruth. Check the website for the latest opening hours.

Hop on the bus and spend the evening on the coast at Portreath, with its range of pubs and restaurants, to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the sunset over the sea.