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River Tamar

The River Tamar flows along the border of Devon and Cornwall, into the English Channel at Plymouth.

River Tamar Map

Facts & Stats

44 miles

(71km)

Navigable length of the River Tamar, including tributaries.  The main line from Morwellham Quay to Plymouth is 17.25 miles (27.6 km).

1 lock

There was once a lock 1.75 miles upstream of Morwellham Quay, at Weir Head Lock, which made the river navigable a further 1 mile upstream to New Bridge, Gunnislake.  This section was known as the Tamar Manure Navigation.

Waterway notes

Waterway underfunding

Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.

Sustainable Boating

We want boating on canals and rivers to be more sustainable and – even though the current overall contribution to UK carbon emissions is very small – we want to help reduce emissions on the waterways.

Waterways Heritage at Risk

Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique, living heritage. But that heritage is at risk – from urban development, lack of protection, loss of skills and knowledge and climate change.

You can help Save Waterways Heritage.

Waterway restoration

Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.