An easy tranquil stroll around the headland dropping down through woods took us to the Yealm river ferry landing stage. Early, the sign flipped we waited; one minute before it was due, still no ferry. Then this tiny boat appeared. We clambered aboard, crossed the river yealm and scrambled up the bank at Nos Mayo. Apparently the ferry is broken!
Lulled by the luxury of a wide cart track we motored along the headlands with views across the mixture of moor and farmland leading down to dramatic rocky cliffs and bays, listening to the sounds of skylarks and waves. Tides against us, we’d booked a taxi to drive the 8mile detour to cross the river Erme. Stopping with signal we moved it forward! Suddenly the path reverted to type, overgrowth, the nettle waltz and the usual up and down! Crossing Mothercombe beach we just had time for use of the facilities and a coffee at the cafe before our ride arrived! Thinking it strange to be in a car, I was glad, not to be driving the narrow high-sided lanes especially when we met a herd of cows!
On seeing the waves at the Erme river mouth, it was obvious why there was no ferry! Skirting the occupied nudist beach we climbed onto the headland to great views, crashing waves and blustery winds. A much tougher, narrow path with many steep ascents and descents, around the headlands and rugged coves lead us to Challaborough with Burgh island dominating the horizon.
One more up and down to the beach and a sea tractor ride to the pub on Burgh island. Technology failure; devices
ran out of battery!
The bay changed dramatically as the tide receded; surfers and kite surfers gave way to walkers! Replenished and later than expected (the staffing crisis still in evidence) we walked back across the sands and up (it’s always up) to the lovely airbnb.
Official SW Coast path: 14miles
Official running total: 437miles
Apologies photos will follow when I have enough signal or wifi to upload them.
Here are some photos will continue when signal allows!
If you would like support our walk for Alzheimer’s the two charity just giving pages are
And
You can also find me on instagram; search for paulas.mad.adventures
Thank you
Paula
PS We stayed at an airbnb Folly hill Avon court Bigbury-on-sea on 10 June; www.airbnb.co.uk
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