Clear, shallow sea and a sandy beach, flanked by pale-coloured cliffs and backed by grassy slopes. A walker stands in the distance — Ayrmer Cove is only accessible on foot or by boat | © Eric McDonald / National Trust

Devon

Ringmore to Ayrmer Cove walk

Explore the beauty and remoteness of the Ringmore Valley through old smugglers' lanes down to an unspoilt, secluded cove, boasting expansive coastal views. Return through fields with views across to Bigbury and Burgh Island. If you have time, enjoy a pint in the Journeys End Inn.

A less steep alternative

You can avoid the very steep section if you walk through the village and along the valley.

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Total steps: 8

Start point

Ayrmer Cove car park, Ringmore, Devon TQ7 4HW. Grid ref: SX649456.

Step 1

At the far end of the car park follow the sign for Ayrmer Cove along the path known as Smugglers' Lane. The path veers left then winds down to the beach. Halfway down is a resting point and your first glimpse of the cove.

Step 2

Just before the beach there's a stretch of restored dry-stone wall. At the beach turn right, cross the bridge over the stream and head over the sand dunes.

Step 3

Follow the path from the sand dunes through a gap in the wall, then up a steep hill and on to the South West Coast Path. Continue along this path until you reach a fence line and a waymark post to Ringmore. From the coast path you'll notice the cliffs are eroding and we've had to move the path a number of times.

Ayrmer Cove

The cove is constantly evolving and offering something new each time you visit. At low tide the vast rock pools are teeming with marine life such as blennies, anemones and starfish. The sand dunes are constantly shifting and developing. Bound together with marram grass, they're also home to sea sandwort, forming a lush green carpet bearing greenish-white flowers in summer. The cove also has unique and colourful rock formations, great for anyone interested in geology.

Step 4

Take a moment to savour the coastal views before turning right along the top of Ringmore Valley and along the footpath inland, following a dry-stone wall.

Step 5

The footpath follows a stone wall back towards Ringmore. Go through two gateways and after the third head downhill, following the path by the fenced bank to the woods. You'll see fields of wild flowers, some with rare arable plants that exist only because of cultivation.

Step 6

Enter the woods and take the path straight down the hill (there's a short excursion to the orchard area signed on your left). At the bottom of the hill, turn left onto the track and follow this round to the right until you come to a small stone bridge.

Step 7

Cross the main stream over the bridge (this is a good place to see brown trout and watch for kingfishers), following the footpath. Go through a gate then walk up the hill. Veer left around the back of Lower Manor Farmhouse and follow the road up.

Dragonflies

Many dragonflies can be seen darting around the rivers and streams in summer. The emperor dragonfly is one of the largest species in Europe. You'll need to have keen eyes to spot one though as they posses amazing speed and agility. The stream running through the valley is a wonderful haven for wetland plants and animals. The site of an old mill up-stream and earth works of ancient catch meadow systems (where water was diverted to fertilise the grassland) indicate that it was once used more intensively.

Step 8

Just before the brow take the public footpath to the right. Continue to the road then veer left towards Journeys End Inn. At the inn turn right up the hill and follow the road to a T-junction. Turn right and walk along verge back to car park.

End point

Ayrmer Cove car park, Ringmore, Devon TQ7 4HW. Grid ref: SX649456.

Trail map

Map route for Ringmore to Ayrmer Cove walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon, PL9 0HP

01548562344

wembury@nationaltrust.org.uk

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