Cotehele Quay, Danescombe Valley and Metherell Circular Walk

One of the consequences of getting older is that commonsense kicks in and a little more caution is exercised than in earlier years. And so it was that we postponed our 'high' level walk on Brown Willy and Roughtor because of the freezing weather conditions and opted for a more sensible route in the Tamar Valley instead. We'll get back to the rock hopping when there's no prospect of slipping on ice and snow. Or maybe we won't wait that long.

It's a walk that we've done many times, sometimes the entire route, sometimes just part of it. It comes in at just under 5 miles and is a nice mix of riverside walking, footpaths, quiet lanes and woodlands. In spring, it will be ablaze with daffodils and then bluebells.

Looking through the trees towards the Calstock Viaduct, with its arches highlighted in the morning sun.

The Viaduct from the 'lookout'. An iconic view from an iconic spot.

The footpath up through the Danescombe Valley. Walking up here is to walk to the accompaniment of the sound of the stream on the left. The ground under the trees is quite barren now but, come the spring, it will be transformed with daffodils.

The ruins of the Danescombe Valley paper mill. It was working as early as 1788 and supplied the area with paper and board mill as packaging for soft fruits. It closed in 1857.

Sunlight on the top branches of a Hazel tree.

A roadside notice outside of Morden Mill. Peace and kindness from me back to the occupants. Power to the people!

Leaves, leaves and more leaves. Totally obscuring the path.

Looking across to Cotehele Quay, basking in the sunshine. With a trio of Canada Geese swimming in formation from the left.

The lime kilns at Bohetherick just across from Cotehele Quay. They are thought to date from the late 18th century. It's a triple kiln with a central rectangular kiln and smaller kiln to each side. They are built into the bank for top loading and on the bank of the Tamar for direct water access.

Is it just me or does hanging up a string of lights and calling it a Winter Wonderland Woodland Walk really conjure up the festive spirit?

And for those who like a little running water, here's the Morden Stream just up from Cotehele Mill. Nothing dramatic, just a gentle tinkle.