It’s always good to discover something new in a place you thought you knew well!
And so it was. We set off from the car park at Calstock along the familiar track by the Tamar to follow the stream up the Danescoome Valley. Taking a left fork we toiled up, up, up through the woods. Some of us still suffering from the after effects of various bugs but glad to be out in the mild air and drizzle. Popping out into an open field there it was to the left of us.
Prospect Tower. Built in 1787 to mark the visit to Cotehele by King George III. It’s an amazing construction, triangular with concave walls reaching 60ft. The windows have been blocked off but the beautiful oak studded door was open and revealed a stout spiral staircase. Views from the top of the surrounding countryside were magnificent even through the rain.
Back to the footpath, across the road to the hamlet of Newton to find a permissive path through Comfort Wood down to the fast flowing Morden stream and the weir which was damaged by storms in 2020 meaning no water is diverted to the leat to run the water wheel at the Mill so no Cotehele Flour at present. After an eventful coffee stop we continued on to the Quay and back along the track to Calstock.
A very pleasant gentle walk after Christmas excesses.
The Tamar Inn welcomed us with a warm fire and spectacular shovel shaped chips.
Stella