The Enchanted Wilderness

The Enchanted Wilderness sits on the banks of the River Tamar so wild swimming is an option for those who like to take a dip. There’s a slipway/jetty on site too so you can launch kayaks, canoes or paddleboards. And if you don’t have your own, kayaks can be hired and delivered by a company in Plymouth (ask Jonathan for details). A footpath that forms part of the Tamara Coast-to-Coast Way passes along the riverbank, right through the farm. Head out on it to walk as far as you wish. To the north, you reach the crossing to Calstock (by foot ferry) and to the south you can walk to Bere Ferrers from where you could take a train back to Bere Alston station, which is just a mile from the campsite. Seasoned walkers could even go as far as Plymouth (14 miles by car) and join Plymouth Boat Trips or Calstock Cruises to return and see the countryside from the water. The Tamar Valley Line is the mainline train route here - but is very scenic with a famous viaduct over the river at Calstock. You can use it to head north and cross the viaduct to Calstock (seven minutes) or further to Gunnislake in Cornwall or to travel south into Plymouth. On the opposite side of the river is the National Trust’s Coethele, a Tudor house with its own jetty on the river. It’s 11 miles by road but you can paddle across in a kayak or canoe – or combine a walk with the Calstock foot ferry. The market town of Tavistock is seven miles away, the edge of Dartmoor National Park, and all its outdoor adventures, just beyond.

You can buy fresh free range eggs from Jonathan on site. For other basics head up the road into Bere Alston. The village has a Co-op, a small convenience store and a butcher among its shops. There’s also a pub, The Edgecumbe Hotel, but it only serves drinks. The closest recommended place for a meal out is The Old Plough in Bere Ferrers (four miles). Calstock (10 miles by road; far less if you use the passenger ferry or train to cross the river) is a pretty village with a couple of options for eating out: The Tamar Inn and The Boot Inn among them. There are also some good options in Tavistock (seven miles), around the market square including The Cornish Arms which comes recommended by your host. You’ll find plenty of shops in Tavistock too including the nearest supermarkets to site. There’s also an indoor Pannier Market from Tuesdays to Saturdays and a farmer’s market on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.