In 2024, the Tamara Scheme will reinstate the Calstock Ferry on a trial basis to see if it is financially viable in the long term. The Calstock Ferry will operate 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.

What’s happening now and next?
We have hired a Skipper / Project Manager who will run the ferry for the two trial seasons. The ferry has been bought and is being fitted out to adhere to maritime requirements and we are working towards the facilities and infrastructure needed to run the ferry.  This includes a pontoon at Ferry Farm and an electric charging point on the Calstock side. A provisional programme for the ferry is also being prepared, and this will be published online when the ferry is up and running, with a system for booking in advance.

How is this being funded?
Funding for the 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.

When will it open?
We are working towards opening the ferry this Summer. This will be announced via the media, our website and the Tamar Valley National Landscape social media channels.