The Tamar Valley Line, which runs through Devon and Cornwall from Plymouth to Gunnislake, has been newly named as the most scenic railway line in the whole of the UK
The most scenic trainline in the country trundles over a dramatic viaduct through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Analysing price and TripAdvisor reviews, Hoppa has compiled a rundown of the UK train lines with the most picturesque views.
Chris Harrington, managing director at Hoppa, said: “The UK is home to some incredible scenery, and one of the best ways to experience it is by train. From the coastlines of Cornwall to the countryside of County Down, rail travel offers a relaxing and memorable way to take it all in.”
At the top of the pile is the Tamar Valley Line, which will knock you back just £8.30 for a ride, sports an impressive 4.8/5 Tripadvisor rating, and has won a 9.05 ‘scenic score’ from Hoppa.
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The Tamar Valley is tucked between the rolling hills of Devon and Cornwall and runs a course through the landscape carved over millions of years by the River Tamar, along with its two major tributaries, the Tavy and the Lynher.
The waterways weave a ribbon through a landscape of lush valleys, wooded hillsides, and dramatic viewpoints, with the area officially designated a national park in recognition of its exceptional environmental value, diverse wildlife habitats, and rural charm.
It isn’t just bucolic countryside, however. Much of the region forms part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Striking remnants of engine houses, quarries, and mining railways are etched into the hillsides.
Much of this landscape can be viewed through the train windows of the Tamar Valley Line, which follows the river down most of the way from Plymouth, Devon to Gunnislake in Cornwall.
Inarguably the highlight of the route is when the train slowly creeps over the Calstock viaduct, a 40m high piece of engineering that provides a dramatic view of the river below. Look closely out of the window and see the National Trust house Cotehele nestled in the woods.
Calstock itself is well worth a visit. Hop off here and you can spend the afternoon wandering in the shadow of the viaduct, through the woods of Cotehele National Trust, and then settling in one of the village pubs.
Bere Ferrers is another lovely village set against the scenic backdrop of the River Tavy and sits within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village pub, The Plough Inn, is family run and its menu is freshly cooked using local ingredients.
If you have a little more time to spare, you can hop on and off the trainline multiple times to partake in the Tamar Valley rail ale trail, which was launched in 2004 to encourage rail travellers to visit pubs near the line. Seven are in Plymouth city centre and one in the suburb of Devonport. There are single pubs to visit at Bere Ferrers, Bere Alston and Calstock and four in Gunnislake. If you manage to collect all 10 stamps, you can claim a special Tamar Valley Line Rail Trail souvenir.