Revelstoke Drive and Noss Mayo walk
A lovely walk all year round with plenty to see from stunning coastal views, woodlands leading right down to the estuary edge and the beautiful village of Noss Mayo.
Map
Start:
National Trust car park at Warren, grid ref: SX541465
1
From the car park take the track until it joins the coast path, then turn right. You're now walking along Revelstoke Drive (also known as Nine Mile). Looking east you'll see the Gunrow signal station, while directly below you is Blackstone Point, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Continue west along the path, enjoying views over Wembury Bay towards Plymouth Sound, and pass through two gates beside Warren Cottage. Once the home of the Membland Estate warrener, it was later rebuilt as a summerhouse and luncheon stop for carriage parties; Lord Revelstoke entertained the future King Edward VII here. If you want to explore secluded Warren beach, and perhaps spot a seal, take the steep path on the left after the second gate (recommended for agile walkers only), otherwise stay on the coast path.
Revelstoke Drive
Admire the Membland Estate carriageway, laid down by Edward Baring, which continues east along the cliffs as far as Beacon Hill. Along the drive there are several carriage walls built to prevent the horses from plunging into the sea on sharp bends.
2
Follow the path until you're above Gara Point. Continue around the headland, passing paths leading down to Gara Point, and an alternative route to Cellars Beach via Greylake Cove. The panoramic view extends from Rame Head in the west, past the Mewstone, Wembury Point, St Werburgh Church, Season Point at the mouth of the Yealm and east to Newton Ferrers.
Gara Point
The slopes here have been grazed by sheep for centuries and annual swaling (burning) of gorse ensures that there's a mix of young and old scrub, with corridors of maritime grassland an ideal habitat for scarce wild flowers such as autumn squill, ladys tresses and slender birds-foot trefoil, as well as common centaury, wild thyme and kidney vetch. A disused lookout stands on the Points lower slopes, and on clear days you can see the Eddystone lighthouse 16 miles out to sea, with its 199,000-candela light flashing twice every ten seconds.
3
Follow the path through Brakehill Plantation, a 19th-century woodland of ash, chestnut, sycamore, beech and gnarled oaks. Continue on past the former coastguard cottages. To visit the old fishing cove of Cellars beach (recommended for agile walkers only), take the path on the left just after you reach Battery Cottage.
Wildlife in Brakehill Plantation
Our policy of selective felling allows light to penetrate the leaf canopy. Felled trees are left as habitat for insects and fungi; look for orange tip butterflies and birds such as treecreepers, woodpeckers and nuthatches.
4
Continue along the road into Passage Wood. Take the left path, following the coast path, which leads down through the woods parrellel to the estuary. Continue on the path through the woods past the old toll house and continue on road until the road forks and a small car park is on your right hand side. By the corner of the car park take the path on the right leading up into the woods. This path runs parellel to the road. At the end of the path take care when coming down the steps and rejoining the road. Continue on the road into Noss Mayo Village.
5
Continue on the road into the beautiful old fishing village of Noss Mayo. On your left hand side you will pass the Ship inn, which if in need of a break is a good place to stop for a some refreshment. There are public toilets available at Noss Hard, the entrance to the estuary. Once past Noss Hard on your left you will see the village hall on your right hand side as you continue to head up the hill. Where the road bends sharply round to the left, turn right and continue along the track passing the tennis courts and then playground area on your left. Follow this track all the way to the end. Turn left onto the road and Warren car park is 25m on your right.
End:
National Trust car park at Warren, grid ref: SX541465