Noss Mayo - Blackstone Point - Warren Cottage - Gara Point - Above Cellar Beach - Mouth of Yealm - Noss Mayo

Dave Pawley

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This walk is around a section of coast very popular with locals and visitors alike. The direction described from Noss Mayo in the South Hams does involve one 300ft climb out of Noss Mayo over just under a mile up to the coastal path, but it is very easy once the coastal path is reached. The views on a good day are exceptional, way down into Cornwall in one direction and to Bolt Head in the other and out to sea, the Eddystone Light can clearly be seen. For once we have a relatively flat and wide path, not the usual stenuous climbs and descents associated with the South West Coastal Path. As we approach Gara Point we can see the entrance to the Yealm and across the estuary to the north, the parish of Wembury is visible; indeed there is a ferry across the Yealm in the summer season to link the coastal path either side of the river.

Out to sea to the west sits the Great Mewstone Rock, an island which is now sanctuary to thousands of sea birds. 'Now' since as recently as 2000, the island served as a target for small arms inshore firing from the HMS Cambridge Gunnery Range. That naval shore station was closed down very recently.

The walk then follows along the side of the River Yealm and provides splendid and ever-changing vistas of the many yachts which sail in to this haven. The final section of the walk is along Newton Creek and alongside Noss Creek for the return to the car park.

There are two fine pubs in Noss Mayo and at low tide an easy-to-use footpath links the two. No wonder it is such a popular walk.

England - South West England - Devon - Coast

Features

Birds, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, National Trust, Pub, River, Sea, Toilets

2/19/2014 - Malcolm Orgill

19th February 2014 - just completed this walk with my partner! Absolutely stunning views from 'The Warren'. There is a lovely viewpoint to have lunch around the corner from the coastal path overlooking the mouth of the Yealm, with views of Wembury Beach and the Great Mewstone! Top walk with fantastic directions! Only incline is from the car park to the national trust car park, however definitely worth the walk!

9/30/2011 - Andrew Hill

We have just returned from a week walking the coastal path in South Devon and this route was by far the most scenic and was a wonderful walk. We always take our West Highland Terrier on the walks with us and we would recommend this to anyone with a dog. The only main incline is from the cark park near the pub up to the other National Trust car park at point 2. We actually parked at the National Trust car park and followed the same route, the only downside was the climb up the hill after a fantastic lunch overlooking the river. The footpath on this part of the South West Coastal Path was very good, wide and well maintained, being made and originally maintained by the wealthy land owner who used it to access and maintain their land. It is also reported to be one of the most beautiful parts of the SWCP and we would agree it was and we had beautiful weather as well.

7/31/2007 - Sylvia Saunders

We did this walk on 29th July 2007. It was the first day that the sun had shone for weeks and this was a real breath of fresh air! The instructions are clear and well written with lots of added interesting information. We were treated to fantastic views from the cliffs to Cornwall, as promised and then enjoyed the woody descent alongside the river. The icing on the cake was the pint sitting on the river wall at Noss Mayo! Thank you for this lovely walk! Sylvia, Tony and Jagger the dog.