There’s a lot of excitement around the return of the Calstock Passenger Ferry on a trial basis this year. We had hoped to have it up and running this Spring, but we’ve had to move things back a little as we navigate the various permissions required. We are now working towards opening the ferry this Summer.

Since our last update, we have recruited a Skipper / Project Manager who will run the ferry for the next two seasons. Two visits have been made to learn about our ferry’s sistership on the River Yealm, how she operates and has been equipped to meet safety requirements. Meanwhile, there have been site visits from pontoon suppliers, for proposals to replace the landing pontoon at Ferry Farm, with a new pontoon which can be safely used for longer periods each day, around the tides. Applications are being prepared for a marine licence for the new pontoon, and for planning consent.

On the Calstock side, a charging point at the river’s edge will be needed, for the boat’s electric engine, and the options for this are being investigated. A provisional programme for the ferry is also being prepared, and this will be published online when it is up and running, with a system for booking in advance.

Julian Brown, the new Calstock Ferry Skipper and Project Manager says:

“As you can see, work is progressing well to get the ferry ready to begin operating this summer. I’m also working on the ferry timetable and also looking into running special events like wildlife watching cruises, and these will evolve during the two-year trial. If you have any ideas or requests – do let me know!”

The Calstock Ferry will operate on a trial basis between Ferry Farm on the Devon side of the Tamar and Calstock on the Cornish side. This will enable people to walk the Tamara Coast to Coast Way without needing to take the train from Bere Alston to Calstock. We also plan to operate routes to Cotehele and potentially to Ward Quay opposite Cotehele, ultimately allowing a wonderful short circular walk, along both banks of the Tamar. Once things are in place, Julian will be searching for volunteers looking to have fun helping to skipper and crew the new ferry. Watch this space (and the Tamar Valley National Landscape social media channels) for further updates and for the official opening date!

Funding for this project has come from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as the Tamar Valley National Landscape, which secured additional ‘Access for All: Removing Barriers in Protected Landscapes’ grant funding from DEFRA.