Getting onto the River Tamar from Cotehele Quay

Canadian canoes on Pont Pill in the Fowey estuary, Cornwall. — Canoe on the river | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Not only is Cotehele Quay a starting point to explore the many miles of footpaths around the Cotehele estate, the quay also provides an opportunity to get out onto the river for further adventures. Here you’ll find information on launch points, guidance for safe paddling and other opportunities to head out onto the water.

The River Tamar is tidal

Before you head out onto the River Tamar you should check the tide times for Cotehele Quay.

Water sports at Cotehele Quay

Canoe, kayak and paddleboard owners can launch from the slipways on Cotehele Quay. For small vessels, such as canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, we ask for a donation of £2 per vessel for use of the slipway. This can be paid by coins at the car park machine, or by card in The Edgcumbe or at the information point at the quay when open.

Be sure to park at the quay car park, use the pay and display machine, and carry your equipment on foot from there. If the quay is busy and there’s nowhere to park in the quay car park, please turn around and try again at a quieter time.

Don't forget to check the tide times for Cotehele Quay beforehand.

Booking in larger boats

If you have a larger boat, please book in advance to use the slipway. Email cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01579 351346. For larger boats on a trailer the cost if £10 per vessel and cars and trailers must be parked in the overflow car park in the main car park.

Any boats and trailers that arrive without pre-booking will be turned away.

Misty morning light in November at the quay at Cotehele, Cornwall — Misty morning light at the quay at Cotehele, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Tamsin Holmes

Canoe tours with Canoe Tamar

If you’re looking to get out onto the river but don’t own a canoe, Canoe Tamar host regular family canoe trips between April – September. They set off from the quay before heading towards the village of Calstock and into the wilds of the upper tidal limits.

Visit their website for timetables and booking information. Minimum age is 3 years old.

Cotehele Quay Gig Club

The Cotehele Quay Gig Club is a community rowing club based at the quay where they train and row recreationally. The club also enter many competitive events throughout the year, including the World Championships on the Scilly Isles.

Visit their website for more details on the club and for details on how to join.

Fishing at Cotehele

Fishing is not allowed on Cotehele Quay unless permission has been given. However, fishers are welcome to use the nearby Bohetherick Quay. Please follow government guidance on rod fishing bylaws and licences and remember to take any rubbish home with you.

Two visitors enjoying watersports on Derwent Water: one paddleboarding and one kayaking, Lake District — Kayak and paddleboard users on the river | © National Trust / Steve Barber

The Paddlers' Code

For top tips to make your paddling adventure more enjoyable, follow the Paddlers’ Code from British Canoeing to stay safe and help look after waterways.

If you need to drive, team up with others to reduce pollution and congestion on roads.

Park respectfully, make sure you do not obstruct narrow roads, gateways, slipways, driveways or damage grass verges. Leave space for emergency vehicles and respect the local community.

Keep group sizes small and discreet where possible.

Unpack equipment and change in a discreet and considerate way.

Give other users plenty of space, avoid lingering where this might cause a disturbance and pass other craft by moving to the right hand side.

Be friendly, be welcoming and respectful of those you meet along the way. Be nice, say hello and share the space!
Be kind to nature, breeding and nesting seasons are particularly sensitive times for the likes of birds, fish and mammals like otters and seals. Minimise noise and keep a distance.

Avoid dragging or sliding craft on the bankside. Try to float your craft for launching and landing.

Always check, clean and dry your kit after each trip. Inspect for plant fragments and critters. Washing and drying all equipment is key to helping stop the spread of invasive, non-native species.
Be prepared! Always wear a buoyancy aid and always carry a means of contact the emergency services on your person.

Check your craft equipment before setting out. If paddling a stand up paddleboard ensure you have the appropriate leash for the environment

Plan your adventure! The weather can change rapidly due to rain, wide or tide. Check river levels and avoid offshore winds.

Ensure you are equipped for the trip and that it is within the capabilities of you and your group.

Be aware of potential hazards such as weirs, overhanging trees and tidal waters. Look out for warning signs.

Bacteria, viruses and toxic algae may be present in some water. Generally, if the water looks or smells bad, don’t enter. Report incidents of pollution to the Environment Agency as soon as possible.

Leave no trace, take only photographs and leave only ripples.