Old map of Bere Parish: Old map of Bere Parish
Bere Peninsular Circular Walk
This route takes in both settlements of Bere Alston and Bere Ferres, as well as both the Tamar and the Tavy rivers.
Start / End Point: Pilgrim Drive car park, sign posted from Bedford Street in Bere Alston. Or pick up the route directions from Weir Quay if starting from the Boatyard.
Route Length: 9 miles
Facilities: There are pubs and a public WC in both Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers but the nearest cycle hire is Tavistock.
This route has some very steep hills and is quite difficult in places.
At Bere Alston turn left from Pilgrim Drive, then left again at the bottom of the hill. Make your way out of the village, passing the church on your left and continue over the a railway bridge to Hole's Hole and Hewton.
Pass through the former market gardening centre of Hewton. Take extreme care as you go down the hill to Hole's Hole on the Tamar River.
Hole's Hole used to be a stop for the paddle steamer to Devonport and Plymouth. It was here that a factory made baskets to carry the area's market garden produce. The factory has now been converted into a delightful B&B. Close to the quay are the lime kilns. Hole's Hole is a good place to spot birdlife on the river and mud flats. Continue along the road to Weir Quay.
Weir Quay saw the smelting of local silver-lead and the smelting plant was just up the hill on the left. Continue along the side of the River Tamar.
Shortly after the lime kiln on the left is the site of the old South Tamar Silver Mine. Follow the road inland up past Clamoak and then down a steep-sided wooded valley - take great care.
Bere Ferrers Station: Bere Ferrers StationFrom Tuckenham Bridge continue up Lip Hill, which was the site of a medieval slate quarry. Continue past New Park Farm on your right and into Bere Ferrers over the railway bridge. To visit Bere Ferrers station turn right. From the station continue into the village, turning right opposite Bere Ferrers Social Club.
The ancient church of St Andrew is well worth a visit. The river at Bere Ferrers is the Tavy; if you feel in need of break the waterfront here is a good place to stop and take refreshment and admire the view and wildlife. Or you can stop at the Olde Plough Inn. From Bere Ferrers continue along the road to Gnatham, taking care on the narrow lanes.
The mild climate at Gnatham encourages the development of market gardening and farming. Follow the road up the steep hill towards Collytown. From the road at Collytown you can look back across the valley to the left to see Brunel's histric bridge across the Tamar.
Contine along the road, straight over the crossroads until you arrive back at Bere Alston. Return to Pilgrim Drive car park following the cycle route signs.
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