South Devon Day 2 - Wembury to Kingston

Setting off from Wembury in the morning at 9am (9am is the new 10am these days - signs of getting on a bit we think !) we pass through the most immaculate set of allotments (another sign of getting older as you begin to notice such things).

Approaching Warren Point and the River Yealm

Noss Mayo on the other side of the Yealm

Follow the instructions and a small ferry boat speeds over to you.

A pleasant trip over to the other side. This was the first of quite a few ferry crossings along the Devon coastline - always best to keep a few coins in your bag for such journeys as 'contactless' probably isn't always available.

We had popped on our waterproof coats as it looked like we were in for a shower - but as per many times on this walk, it didn't really materialise and soon the sun was back out for the rest of the day.

We reckon quite a few will have gone straight on here!

Four pounds each was all our ferryman asked for.

Looking back from the other side of the river

Great views over Wembury Bay from Mouthstone Point where we enjoyed our first bit of seal spotting.

Blackstone Point looking back towards Gara Point

This time looking back from Stoke Point towards Netton Island

Views down to Stoke Beach & Stoke Point

There were places that could do with a little care & maintenance - Many a time it was hands above heads to avoid the ever longer nettles. Throughout Cornwall, we noticed there were chaps with strimmers keeping the paths well clear of the invading flora, but other that making the feature areas of Torquay pretty, we didn't see any outdoor teams present throughout all of Devon. Don't get me wrong, the paths are all easily passable (so they must be given attention) - but some could certainly do with a haircut or two.

The leaning chimney of Devon

Blackaterry Point

We'll walk around you guys, don't trouble yourselves getting up - I'm sure the coast path is the cool place to be.

After some reasonably easy high level walking, it looks like the downs and ups are re-commencing.

Heading along the undulating cliff tops towards Butchers Cove.

A slight change in surroundings as we cross a number of healthy wheat fields.

Impressive scenes as the breeze whips up the waves battering the coastline.

Sandy coves as the mouth of the River Erme nears

The disappointment is palpable ! We should be walking across there. Apparently at low tide (+/- 1 hour) there is mainly sand with a knee deep wadable section nearer Wonwell on the other side. But low tide today was approximately 10pm (nearly 8 hours time before we could attempt it) so we had to give up the idea and book a taxi (booked in advance I may add) to take us all the way round to the other side. However, we were able to enjoy lunch in the sun at the Schoolhouse cafe in Mothercombe, whilst we waited for our ride. Not quite what we were expecting mind - We had expected Devon cream teas in a quaint country garden - Whereas we actually got loud music and fresh pizzas in a surfing community hang out ! We fitted in really well of course.

After an interesting taxi journey to say the least, down four foot wide hedged country lanes with a pot hole or ten, we arrived at Wonwell slipway, said goodbye to our driver who now had to negotiate the trip back and pray he didn't meet anything coming the opposite way. We did give him a small tip towards his suspension repairs to be fair. All that could have been avoided if the tides had been more favourable.

Having switched off my GPS at Mothercombe (not wanting to record the taxi trip). Something went wrong with it and I failed to record the last bit of todays walk. Since then, I've patched up the GPX route manually and am pretty confident with the stats, but it did give me cause for concern at the time. Fortunately it was the only GPS malfunction of the entire trip, so other than a bit of navigational licence, all is okay.

Beacon Point

Looking back to Beacon Point

Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island come into view in the distance. But that is tomorrows walk.

Looking down towards Westcombe Beach and the left hand turn we take (away from the SWCP) towards Kingston.

A bit of zigging and zagging as we descend - You can see where previous walkers used to be routed. Coastal erosion has pushed the path inland slightly.

After a long walk inland along a very straight and pretty mundane woodland path, we arrive at our stay for the night. A 16th century Olde World Inn - No pub crawls around this village, but I'm sure this will suffice. A quick beer in the garden to signal our arrival and then a nice meal & beers to finish the day off in style.