BOAT trips which began operating in the Tamar Valley last year are returning for a second season.

From Monday, visitors to the National Trust's Cotehele property, near St Dominick, will be able to take to the River Tamar in a 12-seater boat.

The Nancy Belle, an open support boat for Cotehele's Tamar sailing barge Shamrock, will be undertaking leisurely two-hour trips from Cotehele Quay.

The trips will head upriver on the tide, pass under the railway viaduct in Calstock and continue through the riverside woodlands towards Morwellham Quay, before returning to Cotehele.

Those on board will learn about the history of the area.

'We started running these trips last year,' said lead ranger Joe Lawrence. 'And they were a lot of fun and very informative.

'What's really good is that 100 per cent of the ticket price will be going to the Shamrock for her constant care and conservation.

'There's nothing like being aboard a little boat with lots of nice people, chugging up a river. Along the way, we'll tell you about the flora, fauna and history of the Tamar Valley; and we'll keep an eye out for herons, otters, kingfishers and the peregrine falcon that sometimes perches on the viaduct.'

There will be 26 boat trips this year.