Gunnislake, Cornwall – Tamar Valley Village Guide & Local History

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.

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