Description
This is a Slow Ways route connecting Plymstock and Salcombe.
Know of a better route? Share it here.
This is a Slow Ways route connecting Plymstock and Salcombe.
Know of a better route? Share it here.
Status
This route has been reviewed by 1 person.
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Photos for Plysal one
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Information
Route status - Live
Reviews - 1
Average rating -
Is this route good enough? - Yes (1)
There are currently no problems reported with this route.
Downloads - 4
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Geography information system (GIS) data
Total length
Maximum elevation
Minimum elevation
Start and end points
Plymstock
Grid Ref
SX5149053231
Lat / Lon
50.36019° / -4.08927°
Easting / Northing
251,490E / 53,231N
What3Words
woods.stud.punk
Salcombe
Grid Ref
SX7401539092
Lat / Lon
50.23834° / -3.76804°
Easting / Northing
274,015E / 39,092N
What3Words
heartless.struggle.rings
Plysal One's land is
Plymstock | |
---|---|
Grid Ref | SX5149053231 |
Lat / Lon | 50.36019° / -4.08927° |
Easting / Northing | 251,490E / 53,231N |
What3Words | woods.stud.punk |
Salcombe | |
---|---|
Grid Ref | SX7401539092 |
Lat / Lon | 50.23834° / -3.76804° |
Easting / Northing | 274,015E / 39,092N |
What3Words | heartless.struggle.rings |
Arable | 43.1% |
Coast | 0.6% |
Intertidal flats | 3.6% |
Moors | 0.4% |
Other agricultural land | 0.6% |
Pasture | 28.5% |
Urban | 18.6% |
Woods | 4.6% |
Data: Corine Land Cover (CLC) 2018
review
Helen C
24 Jun 2023Walking this slow ways route was quite an adventure. I had an inkling it might be and that is what attracted me to it. I would recommend it partly for that reason, but it is a challenge. It is a great walk though. Sure, you could just walk the south west coast path all the way, but it would take considerably longer and you would miss some beautiful inland South Hams countryside, with its rolling green hills and pretty villages (and pubs). My walk was also memorable for the kindness of strangers I encountered on my way.
I mentioned it’s challenging. Firstly, it is a long one - I’d say more like 26-27 miles than 23 as the plotted route smooths out quite a few bends. Secondly, it needs planning to get the timing right for three river crossings - two seasonal ferries (at the Yealm and Avon), which have limited operating hours (10am-4pm, April-end September), and in between those is a tidal footpath across the Erme estuary, which should only be attempted one hour either side of low tide. If you have to factor in public transport at either end it is even more of a challenge! If the stars (or the moon!) are aligned I think it is possible to do in one day. However, I would recommend that you plan or prepare to stay overnight partway just in case - there is a campsite en route at Bigbury and numerous other accommodation options. Bear in mind that public transport is likely not an option, should you need to bail out along the route (as I discovered).
I planned to walk it in one day, as the tides were right and it was a lovely long midsummer day. Unfortunately my bus to Plymstock was delayed and so I started behind schedule. I made it to the River Yealm ferry, leaving the old village of Plymstock and following mostly field paths through Wembury, to join the south west coast path and ferry (cash only) to Noss Mayo. From Noss Mayo it heads inland, following quiet lanes, before rejoining the coast path, which it follows all the way to the Erme. An absolutely beautiful part of the coast.
The tidal footpath crossing of the Erme is a boots and socks off wading job. It’s just a question of how far up you need to roll your trouser legs. I arrived at the Erme a little after the low tide window and thought that even my shorts might get wet, but two lovely ladies on horses guided me to the shallowest fording point and it was not even knee deep. Very refreshing.
The slow way again turns inland. I did however get distracted by views from the coast path initially and had to backtrack, which added to my time. Back on track I continued on footpaths and quiet lanes through the villages of Kingston and Ringmore, both of which have pubs. It was a sweltering day. A couple at a holiday cottage refilled my water bottles and tried to give me food (I think they were worried about my mental as well as physical well-being). They also thought I might just miss the Avon ferry at Bigbury. They were right. I had completed about two-thirds of the way.
There are no bus services to Bigbury so faced with a long walk inland, I knew I would be unable to continue to Salcombe that day. As I was considering the walk or taxi to the nearest bus route at Aveton Gifford, the traffic in the lane came to a halt. Seeing two ladies in a car I took my chance and asked for a lift. It turned out they were heading nearly all my way home and we’re only to happy to help. They were also dressed in vintage attire for afternoon tea at Burgh Island Hotel! I can’t say this would happen every day, hence my recommendation that you have a plan B if you have to abandon the slow way!
I continued my way the following week (after three buses and a 5.5 mile walk to get back to Bigbury!). The Avon ferry is hailed by ringing a bell and waving at the ferryman (or woman in this case). Again, the slow way heads inland following footpaths and some quiet lanes.
The plotted route is not very accurate in places - bends smoothed out (some nodes missed) - but for the most part it is obvious from the underlying OS mapping what is intended. There are a couple of places where it is not so. In Thurlestone head up the main village road, past the shop, then turn down Court Park Road (also footpath) to pick up the path through fields at Court Park to South Milton. Between South Milton and South Huish it is also a bit off. Follow the lane to Horswell House then onto a footpath. This joins an unsealed road then turn off again onto a footpath to Holwell (just before Holwell a field gate was completely tied up and I had to climb over so have reported this to the highway authority so hopefully a temporary issue). Near South Huish Farm there are a couple of possible choices as the plotted route is not obvious. Both are probably fine but as the route generally heads east that’s what I did, following the footpath through a field (cattle grazing) past Court Barton to meet a minor road. Continue along the road to Malborough, after which the plotted route is easy to follow on footpaths and quiet lanes into Salcombe. Beautiful views of the estuary as you approach.
This is an adventurous, recreational slow way, rather than a functional one, but very enjoyable. Just plan ahead!.
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