Walk 134 Mothecombe near Erme Mouth to Wembury (Devon)

Walk 134 Mothecombe near Erme Mouth to Wembury (Devon)

(Second leg of English coastal walk – Broadstairs to Lands End)

Map: L/R 202 and 201

Distance: 12 miles or 20 km approx

Difficulty: quite strenuous

Terrain: coastal path

Access: Parking at both ends

Public transport: Buses run from Wembury to Plymouth. Occasional buses run from Battisborough Cross near to Mothecombe. Check with Traveline. The water taxi is required between Noss Mayo and Warren Point is seasonal so check on South West Coastal Path website for details.

Walk down the hill from Mothecombe on to the coastal path which runs alongside the estuary of the River Erme. There are a number of rocky coves and isolated beaches on this walk.

After a couple of miles is the very distinctive St Anchorite's Rock. This is a well known point for climbers. As far as I can find out there is no St Anchorite but an anchorite is a religious hermit so maybe one lived here.

Soon there is a good view of Stoke Beach and Stoke Point. On the way to Stoke Point are some strange fortifications and a separate path leads to the church of St Peter the Poor. Fisherman built this in 1226 and it is now a ruin.

Continue round to the estuary of the River Yealm. The Noss Mayo ferry/water taxi runs three or four times a day – out of season and in bad weather it may not run. Check first.

After leaving the ferry the walk continues to Wembury. The triangular shaped uninhabited island called The Great Mewstone can be seen clearly on this walk.

Wembury is well known for its surfing and rock pools. It is mentioned in The Forsyte Saga by Galsworthy and reflects the author's interest in his own origins and descent through a long line of Wembury farmers. The parish church sits prominently on the cliff side overlooking the sea, it is dedicated to St Werburgh who was a nun in the 7^th century.

Photos show: St Anchorite's Rock; the ferry taxi at Noss Mayo/River Yealm