Section: Wembury Point to Bigbury on Sea

Length: 14 miles (22km)

Distance from Minehead to Wembury: 428

Distance from Bigbury on Sea to Poole: 191.3

Grading: Easy to Strenuous.

Height gained (and also lost): 2313ft (705m)

Summary:

After the ferry crossing over the Yealm, the Path passes out of Noss Mayo the ancient oaks of the Brakehill Plantation and along the wide, sweeping track known as Lord Revelstoke’s Drive, built in the 1880s to provide an impressive carriageway for his visitors. On clear days you can see the Eddystone lighthouse which is 14 miles away. This undeveloped stretch of coast is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is part of the South Devon Heritage Coast. The Path provides a mixture of easy, high open walking and some fairly strenuous climbs up and down steep slopes and steps to reach beautiful coves. The difficult walking is certainly worth the effort as the views are truly spectacular, and thought to be some of the best on the entire Coast Path. You need to plan this day in advance as you have two river crossings; the river Yealm crossed by a seasonal ferry and the river Erme which can be easily forded within 2 hours of low tide.

Highlights along the path:

• Using the little ferry to cross the River Yealm (seasonal service - click here for the latest ferry times).
• Views of the nesting seabirds on the Great Mew Stone: Dramatically illustrated by J.M.W Turner in 1816, this island of jagged rocks is named after the many gulls (or mews) who nest here. Turner’s drawing can be seen at visit the Devon local studies website
• Crossing the River Yealm on the little ferry.
• Wildlife of The Warren: Home to many rare plants such as rock sea lavender, shore dock and penny royal, you may also catch glimpses of dolphins, seals and occasional whales from here.
• The ruined church of St Peter the Poor Fisherman, dramatically positioned above Stoke Bay.
• Enjoying the steep open drop down to Blackaterry Point, with its rugged beach below.
• Views on the approach to St Anchorite’s Rock, a spot favoured by birds of prey.
• The Erme Estuary: Even when watching the occasional groups of horse-riders crashing through the water, there is a strong feeling of peace and tranquility here. There is no ferry service from Mothecombe to Wonwell, so you will need to either wade across within 1 hour of low tide or walk or arrange for a taxi to follow the diversion inland through the lanes to the A379. Please check times of low water in advance. Click here for tide tables for the next 6 days (look for Plymouth). The annual guide produced by the South West Coast Path Association includes tide times for the whole year.
• Having a picnic near Muxham Point with wonderful views up the Erme and out to sea.
• Views from Beacon Point out to sea, inland to Dartmoor and to the undulating Path ahead.
• The dramatic cliffs around Westcombe Beach. This beach is usually fairly quiet as the limited parking is some way away.
• Ayrmer Cove: Breeding pairs of Cirl buntings have been sighted here, no doubt due to the careful farming practiced here ensuring a safe habitat and winter food supply for these rare birds.
• Views of Burgh Island: The hotel, which holds many events throughout the year including black tie dinner dances and a round the island race, is a unique example of English seaside art deco, and has provided the setting for some of the novels of Agatha Christie.

Worth a look (interesting places close to the path):

• Take one of the steep paths down to either Cellars Beach or Warren Beach.
• Take the sea tractor, or walk across the sands at low tide, to Burgh Island and visit the The Pilchard Inn which dates from 1336.

Shorter option:

Due to lack of accommodation it is not easy to shorten this section.

Longer option:

Continue to Hope Cove (an additional 4.9 miles , 7.9 km)

Public transport info:

Plymouth has a mainline train station and a large bus station serving much of Devon and Cornwall. The First South Devon 94 bus service runs from Plymouth bus station to Noss Mayo. The 875 to Bigbury-on-Sea only runs once on Fridays. The ferry from Warren Point to Noss Mayo runs from mid March to the end of September between 10.00 and 12.00 and 15.00 and 16.00. Times are posted at Wembury Beach car park. Tel: 01752 880079 or 07817 132757. For details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Refreshments:

It is important to stock up on facilities at the beginning of the day as you will not be able to buy refreshments without traveling inland to Kingston or Ringmore, or visiting the seasonal cafe up the hill from Mothecombe Beach. At the end of the day you will find a few pubs, shops and cafes around Bigbury on Sea and you may like to visit The Burgh Island Hotel which uses locally sourced produce, tel: 01548 810514.

Nearest Car park:

Wembury(Postcode for Sat Navs: PL9 0HP) above Blackstone Point and Stoke Point, above Stoke Beach, Mothecombe, Ringmore, Challaborough and Bigbury-on-Sea.

Toilets:

Wembury and Bigbury-on-Sea. You may find facilities inland in Noss Mayo and Ringmore.

More information:

Kingsbridge Tourist Information Centre Tel: 01548 853195

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