Four Places For Outdoor Walks In Tavistock and the Tamar Valley

Nothing beats a leisurely walk surrounded by nature in the great outdoors for an enjoyable and inexpensive day out. There are plenty of great places in Tamar Valley to take elderly loved ones to stretch their legs and soak in the ambience, but if you’re pressed for ideas these suggestions should help get you moving.

Drakes Trail, Tavistock

Running for 21 miles, all the way from Tavistock to Plymouth is a historical and scenic network of cycling and walking trails which take you through woods and river valleys and open moorland, depending on at which place you join. Drakes Trail is mainly offroad, so there are limited accessible toilets options. However, it’s a beautiful pace to walk with generally even paths, with gentle gradients. Iconic features include Gem Bridge, which crosses high over the River Walkham, and Grenofen Tunnel. The impressive views from the top of Gem Bridge really are spectacular.

Drakes Trail also takes you through Plymbridge Woods, which we have previously highlighted as a great place for feeding ducks! This is a particularly beautiful section, where you have the option either to follow the river or remain on the railway trackbed which is a really flat surface.

Checkout the Drakes Trail website here or find the trail on Google Maps here.

Cox Tor, Dartmoor

If you live near Tavistock or Mary Tavy, Cox Tor is the most obvious place for a moorland walk. Easily accessible from a big car park opposite the stunning tor, Cox Tor is the perfect location for either a flat or very hilly walk! From Cox Tor, you can see views all the way down to Tavistock, across towards Princetown and over to Brentor in a beautiful panorama. But you can still see all of these views from the bottom, by walking all the way around the base, which is an equally fun and relaxing walk.

Find Cox Tor on Google Maps here.

Meldon Reservoir, Okehampton

Meldon is a stunning reservoir 900 feet above sea level. The popular walking route the Granite Way crosses the Meldon Viaduct, so you will be sure to see cyclists, walkers and runners all out in the fresh air here. Ideal if you’re bringing along anyone who loves to be surrounded by nature, the reservoir has on site parking so it’s really easy to access. Beautiful blue water surrounded by rolling Dartmoor hills and tors, you’ll probably also see a Dartmoor pony or two!

Find Meldon Reservoir on Goggle Maps here.