The stunning views along the Yealm estuary and out to sea to the Mewstone, combined with the mixture of coastal cliffs, estuary woodlands and the route back inland through farmland, allows you to really appreciate the beautiful Devon countryside and all it has to offer.
Winter is my favourite time of year to do this walk, particularly on a crisp, cold morning, where you can see miles out to sea, watch birds flitting from bush to bush and admire the frost-covered spider webs hanging in the gorse.
Keep a look out in the hedges and fields along the way for the cirl bunting, a nationally rare bird which successfully breeds in this area. You may also see a Peregrine falcon soaring overhead.
Notice the boundary stone walls, which we have been working to restore. They are a vital habitat for lizards, spiders, snails and many mosses, ferns and lichens.
I love to sit on the bench in front of Rocket Cottage to admire the views leading down to the mouth of the river Yealm, where at very low tides the sand bar emerges up out of the water; on occasions people actually moor up and go for a walk on it! I find this a peaceful place to stop for a short rest.
The best local pub is the Odd Wheel in Wembury itself. Recently refurbished, it does lovely food and drink. Also, the Old Mill Cafe is open during weekends in December (10am-4pm) so why not treat yourself and have a warming mug of hot chocolate and a pasty.
Bring a pair of binoculars as there will be plenty of wildlife to spot, not only on the ground but also overhead, and keep an eye out to sea, for dolphins, porpoises and seals.
• Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/walks
Route and directions
Start: National Trust car park, Wembury Beach. Grid ref: SX 515 485 Map: OS Landranger 201
1. Leave the car park and take a steep path up the slope. Continue up the path to pass between two houses. Go through the gate and continue up the slope, following the path to the summit. Head down through the gate, and bear left along the top path.
2. Soon you'll see the grey stone farm buildings of New Barton farm on your left. A further gate (number 3) brings you to Rocket Cottage. Continue past the cottage and follow the waymarked Clitters Path into Clitters Wood. When the path forks, take the upper route which soon leads out of the trees.
3. Follow the path uphill towards a fence and into a field. Head across the field towards the stone wall, then turn sharp left and follow the field edge and wall to reach the gates of a stock-handling area.
4. Go through the gates, turn right and follow the track uphill, round to the left and out on to Warren Lane. Turn right towards Wembury village. Follow the lane to the gate at the end, past a barn and some cottages. Where the lane curves to the right, pass the walls of Monkswood House and take the unpaved track to the left.
5. The track veers to the right and narrows to a shady path. Take the path to the left, which skirts the village and runs along the backs of houses and through a gate. Turn right through the second gate to cross a field, emerging on to a lane. Turn left, then right on to a track which soon descends through a field towards St Werburgh Church. A gate leads onto the coast path and back down to the car park.
Terrain and accessibility
Allow about three hours for this five-mile (8km) walk. Fairly level after an initial climb, it can be muddy after wet weather. Take care when walking on the cliff edge. Dogs not allowed on the beach from 1 May to 30 September. Dartmoor ponies graze on the cliffs – keep your dog on a lead.
Getting here and local facilities
On foot: Wembury Beach is the start of the long-distance Moor to Moor Trail and includes part of the South West Path
By boat: Seasonal ferries from Noss Mayo and Bantham By train: The nearest train station is Plymouth, 7 miles
By bus: 48 from Plymouth Road: 3½ miles from A379 at Elburton, follow signs for Wembury National Trust car park at Wembury Beach. Toilets located opposite the Old Mill Cafe (oldmillwembury.co.uk)
