The best walks and hikes around Sydenham Damerel

There are over 160 hiking trails to explore around Sydenham Damerel. The routes range from easy riverside strolls to more challenging moorland treks, with about half of them rated as easy.

Yes, many trails in the Tamar Valley are dog-friendly. The open spaces and woodland paths are great for walking with dogs. However, always be mindful of livestock in fields and keep your dog on a lead where required. The nearby Bellever Forest is also a fantastic, highly-rated spot for walks with dogs.

Absolutely. The region has numerous easy circular walks. For a straightforward and scenic option, consider the Kit Hill loop — Tamar Valley. It's a relatively short walk of 2.7 miles (4.3 km) that offers fantastic panoramic views without a strenuous climb, making it great for a family outing.

Many popular trailheads have dedicated parking. For instance, Kit Hill Country Park has its own car park. For other routes, you may find parking in nearby villages like Gunnislake or Calstock. The Tamar Trails Centre is another excellent starting point with ample parking and direct access to several routes.

Yes, you can often find a pub or cafe near the start or end of a trail. The Tamar Trails Centre has a well-regarded cafe, making it a convenient spot to relax after a hike. Many villages in the Tamar Valley also have traditional pubs that are popular with walkers.

The area is rich with woodland trails. A great example is the Blanchdown Wood – Paul James May Memorial Bench loop from Gunnislake, which takes you through beautiful woodland terrain near the River Tamar. In spring, some local woods are known for their stunning bluebell displays.

Yes, the landscape is part of the Cornish and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site. The Quarry Pond – Engine House Chimney loop from Downgate is an excellent choice, taking you past historic engine houses and other remnants of the area's industrial past.

Dartmoor National Park offers a more rugged and wild hiking experience compared to the Tamar Valley's rolling hills. Expect vast open moorlands, dramatic granite tors, and potentially challenging navigation. It's a top-rated destination for those seeking a sense of wilderness and expansive views.

For a spectacular waterfall, a visit to Lydford Gorge is a must. It's the deepest river gorge in the South West and features the impressive Whitelady Waterfall. While not directly in Sydenham Damerel, it's a short drive away and offers some of the most dramatic waterside walking in the region.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the variety of the landscape, from the peaceful riverside paths along the Tamar and Tavy to the stunning panoramic views from viewpoints like Kit Hill. The well-preserved mining heritage and quiet woodland trails are also popular highlights.

Yes, some trails are accessible via public transport. The Tamar Valley Line railway runs between Plymouth and Gunnislake, with stations at Calstock and Gunnislake providing access to several riverside and woodland walks. From there, you can connect to the local footpath network.

The Tamar Valley Discovery Trail is a long-distance route that explores the heart of the AONB. It guides you through a varied landscape of sunken lanes, riverside paths, and fields with beautiful rural views. You can walk shorter sections of it, many of which are accessible from around Sydenham Damerel.