Gunnislake, Cornwall – Tamar Valley Village Guide & Local History
Gunnislake in Cornwall
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GUNNISLAKE – TAMAR VALLEY VILLAGE
Until the Tamar road bridge at Saltash opened in 1961, Gunnislake New Bridge, built in the early 16th century, was the lowest bridging point on the Tamar and one of the main routes into Cornwall.
The village, sprawling up the steep valley side, owes its growth to the dramatic explosion of mining in the mid-19th century, when the Tamar Valley became one of the richest copper-mining areas in Europe. There is still much to see for anyone interested in industrial history and its remains, and the valley is now part of the Tamar Valley National Landscape.
Gunnislake is the terminus of the scenic Tamar Valley Line, which runs via Calstock – crossing the great viaduct – and Bere Alston to Plymouth.
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THE TAMAR TRAILS
Just across the river on the Devon side, the Tamar Trails are over 25 km of well-maintained, multi-use woodland trails through the former mining landscape of the Tamar Valley, for walking, trail running, cycling and horse riding. The Tamar Trails Centre is signposted from the A390 near Tavistock, and activities such as tree surfing, high ropes and archery have been offered by operators on site – check what is running before you go.
Visit Tamar Valley – Tamar Trails
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VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking & EV Charging
Limited parking in the village, which is on the busy A390 and built on a steep hillside. The Tamar Trails Centre has its own car park.
Electric vehicle charging: no public charge point in the village – the nearest are:
- Cotehele (National Trust car park) – 8 × 22kW Type 2 (RAW Charging), PL12 6TA
- New Road car park, Callington – 50kW rapid charger (PoGo Charge), PL17 7BE
- Bedford car park, Canal Road, Tavistock – fast chargers (ScottishPower), PL19 8HH
Bus & Train
Gunnislake station is the end of the Tamar Valley Line to Plymouth via Calstock and Bere Alston. Buses run to Callington, Tavistock and Plymouth.
Facilities & Supermarkets
Village shops, pubs and services; Tavistock, just over the border, and Callington have a wider range, including the supermarkets:
- Morrisons – 128–130 Plymouth Road, Tavistock PL19 9DS
- Tesco – Plymouth Road Retail Park, Tavistock PL19 9QN
- Tesco – Tavistock Road, Callington PL17 7RD
- B&M – New Road, Callington PL17 7BE
Cafés & Restaurants
Village pubs serve food, with a wider choice of cafés and restaurants in Tavistock.
Health
The nearest Minor Injury Unit is at Tavistock Hospital, about 3 miles away. Call NHS 111 for urgent advice and 999 in an emergency. The nearest major A&E is Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
Disabled Access
The village is very steep. Some Tamar Trails routes are surfaced and fairly level – check route details before you go.
Vets
There is no vet in the village; the nearest practices are in Tavistock and Callington. Use the RCVS directory to find the nearest practice and out-of-hours care.
National Trust & English Heritage
The National Trust’s Cotehele is a few miles downriver. English Heritage cares for Dupath Well near Callington and Launceston Castle, about 12 miles north.
Attractions
The Tamar Trails, Kit Hill Country Park and Cotehele are all close by, with Morwellham Quay just across the river in Devon and Trethorne Leisure Park and Hidden Valley near Launceston.
STAY & EXPLORE NEAR GUNNISLAKE
Tamar Valley Villages
- Calstock – approx. 3 miles
- Callington – approx. 4 miles
- Saltash – approx. 12 miles
Nearby Attractions
Walks & Trails
The Tamar Trails network, riverside walks along the Tamar, and Kit Hill Country Park near Callington.
Mining Heritage
Engine houses, chimneys and old workings across the valley are part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.
Back to the South East Cornwall area guide – all Caradon towns & villages
Cornwall Online | South East Cornwall Towns and Villages | Looe | Talland Bay | Polperro | Polruan | Fowey | Lostwithiel | Mevagissey | Whitsand Bay & The Rame Peninsula | Kingsand | Cawsand | Mount Edgcumbe Country Park | Torpoint | St Germans | Saltash | Liskeard | Siblyback Lake - Water Park | Minions - Hurlers - Bodmin Moor | St Neot | St Cleer | Callington | Gunnislake | Calstock | Cardinham Woods - Walking & Cycle Trails | Launceston |