As every student of geography will know, the River Tamar marks the border between the Duchy of Cornwall and the County of Devon for its entire length, apart from a few mysterious squiggles at the northern end. The river flows for 61 miles and the two southern-most crossings between Saltash and Plymouth are Brunel's famous Royal Albert railway bridge (1859) and the Tamar Road Bridge (1961). Traditionally, the next bridge upstream has been the long established Gunnislake crossing, since around 1520.
 Down the River Tamar towards Plymouth. |  The hills of Devon beyond Calstock viaduct. |
Between these bridging points, the lofty Calstock railway viaduct was opened in 1907 and is still in use today on the Tamar Valley Line. The border is considered by Cornishmen to be a much more significant affair than any ordinary county boundary. Cornish folk talk about 'Going to England' or 'Going up country', when planning a visit to Devon.
 Cothele House and part of its beautiful gardens. |  Cothele Quay on the River Tamar. |
We recently paid a visit to Cothele, just half an hour from Cider Cottage. This fifteenth century Tudor house is well restored and looked after by the National Trust. And Cothele Quay has a delightfully timeless feel to it, looking across the mighty border to Devon, with the sailing barge Shamrock moored near the limekilns. Calstock viaduct is visible from the gardens and this magical place is well worth a visit.
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