Wheelchair walks in Cornwall
The hidden corners of National Trust sites
Cotehele Lower Tamar Valley.
Cotehele is a medieval house and gardens nestled in woodland above the banks of the River Tamar.

Cotehele House

Accommodation in the Callington Area Accommodation in the Gunnislake Area Accommodation in the Tamar Valley Area

Calstock Viaduct

All information given in good faith and for use as guidance only.

Cotehele Pond

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The Shamrock - Cotehele

Todsworthy Farm Holidays Two delightful self-catering cottages in a new barn conversion (2005), each sleeping up to 6. Located in the beautiful Tamar Valley. Absolutely ideal for exploring both Cornwall & Devon. Wheelchair access a priority with wheel in shower facilities and hoists available.

A simple walk takes along a pretty tributary valley to a weir calling at the mill and back. Roughly 1 mile.

A more demanding walk starts off in the same direction but meanders up through the woods to Cotehele House, around the perimeter of the gardens and back down to the quay. Roughly 2 miles. (I wouldn't advise this in wet conditions)

There is a fascinating museum on the quay which has wheelchair access. "The museum has a slight step up into it but I made it without too much difficulty (5/6) The museum itself has easy access inside (3), all areas are accessible even for the most disabled".

Directions for the walks

From the quay follow the signs to Cotehele Mill. This takes you along a quiet road for a short stretch and then on a broad path through woodland besides the banks of a tidal stream. After about ¼ mile you see signs for the mill which is on the opposite banks of the stream, access over a wooden bridge where there is a grass area ideal for a picnic, ball games or a paddle.

If you decided to visit the mill go back to the main path, turn left and continue up hill slightly and then on the flat, taking the left hand track along the banks of the stream. ¼ mile later you reach the wier. A cascade of water, delightful in all seasons.

You could simply return the way you came and drive or ride up the ¼ mile to the top car park to visit the house.
OR

For the more adventurous retrace your wheels and look out for a footpath to your left sign posted Cotehele House. This takes you up through the woods, bearing right up to white gate and on to a lane.

The path from the mill up to the house is rocky in parts with three wooden retaining slats to cross. The second retaining slat, about 100 yards from the gate was difficult, it fouled the wheelchair. Getting over the last slat just before the gate was very difficult but okay with a fit companion.

Go through the white gate. Here the road branches. If you take the right turn it leads you down to the quay. Take the left branch which leads to Cotehele House, through daffodils in the spring and views over the meandering Tamar.

As we were walking with a dog and dogs are not allowed into the house and gardens we found an interesting route around the back of the house, grassy in places.

On arrival at the big white entrance gate to Cotehele turn left, past cottages on your right. Go through a farmyard type area and bear right following the walled perimeter of the gardens. Go right around and down through an old wooden gate, continue past the front of the house, with views over the valley garden on your left. Go through another 5 bar wooden gate and you are back to the entrance of the house.

From the house follow signs back down the road to the quay, where you can tuck into a cream tea in the Edgecombe Arms.

Opening times of Cotehele House & Gardens

Cotehele house opening times 22 March - 22nd Nov 11am - last admission 4.30pm

Garden daily 1030am to dusk.
Mill a unique complex of buildings comprises of a water powered water mill, collection workman's tools. Stone ground flour on sale. Last admission 5pm 22 March - 22nd Nov.

Museum - Disabled access, 30p entrance National Maritime Museum

Tamar passenger ferry - Ferry from the quay to Calstock and return. Prices £3.00 adults, child £2.00 24th May - 24th Sept.
Call 01822 833331 Calstock Ferry and Motor launch company for more information.