Ringmore - Kingston - Erme Estuary - Ayrmer Cove

Dave Pawley

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Ringmore - Noddonmill - Kingston - Erme Estuary - The Beacon - Hoist Point - Ayrmer Cove

For those who enjoy a mix of inland and coastal walking, this circular walk offers both in equal measures, plus a stroll along the seaward end of the Erme Estuary thrown in as a bonus. This walk is in the South Hams of Devon and anyone who knows the area will be well aware that there will be plenty of ups and downs, both inland, across the rolling and spectacular hills that the South Hams are renowned for and of course on the South West Coastal Path section, linking the Erme Estuary back to the coast near Ringmore Village.

Each section of the coastal path is graded for difficulty by the SWCP Association in their superb booklet. This area is graded as strenuous and it is a well-merited grading. For those who may wonder why the walk is not therefore graded as strenuous, it is because Walkingworld does not offer that grading as an option, moving from 'moderate walk' to 'hill scramble' or 'mountain challenge', neither of which are appropriate.

Once the Erme Estuary is reached, the return leg is right beside the sea, with dramatic cliffs and superb views along the coast to the west and east. The cliffs in this area have suffered from erosion over the years and as a result the coast path has been diverted a few tens of metres from the cliff edge from time to time, good for vertigo suffers as well as for the safety of walkers.

The two beaches at the Erme Estuary are very popular with locals and visitors, as are Westcombe Beach and Ayrmer Cove on the coastal section. This walk does offer you plenty of opportunity for dipping your toes, or more, into the sea.

The circular walk begins and ends at the National Trust car park on the edge of Ringmore Village. Although it is not that far to the local pub, most people, having experienced the walk, tend to drive their cars to the car park opposite the village church for the shorter stroll down to the Journey's End Inn.

England - South West England - Devon - Coast

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Nature Trail, Pub, River, Sea, Wildlife, Woodland

4/1/2022 - Dennis Johnson

Beautiful walk with some stunning scenery. Lots of steep climbs but worth it for the views . Half way around Wonwell Beach is worth stopping at for a quick dip. From here it can get particularly steep for the next few miles

6/5/2010 - Patricia Daw

Tricia Daw 2/6/10 We did this walk on a glorious summer's day. The directions were excellent. The walk to the Erme estuary was interesting and we loved having our lunch on Wonwell beach - just wish I'd got a towel with me! We were a bit doubtful about doing the walk as it is described as strenuous and we're not the world's fittest but it was fine - slow and steady wins the race so they say. You just have to keep stopping to admire the fabulous views as you go uphill - not a hardship! I took so many photos. Afterwards we drove down to Challaborough beach to have a nicecream and a rest!

10/8/2009 - Margaret Baldry

27/09/2009 We were staying at St Ann's Chapel so we walked from there and joined this walk at point 17 through to the end. A splendid walk, easy to follow, with plenty of variety and spectacular coastal views. The Journey's End inn lived up to its name and was a very welcome resting place with a good cream tea! Many thanks to Dave.