Wembury Woods walk
A hilly route that encompasses colourful woodlands, some lovely views of the Yealm river and the hedge-lined fields that lie to the east of Wembury.
Map
Start:
Wembury village car park, grid ref: SX528496
1
From the car park take the surfaced path passing the tennis courts on your right. Follow the path through the fields, passing residential buildings on your left-hand side. At the top of the field go through the gate, briefly turn right then left to cross over the road, and go through the smaller gate and back onto the path. The path passes through farmlands before heading down the hill. On the way you will cross from one field to the next through a gate with a signpost. At the signpost pause to admire the fauna which include various berries in the right season. Head down the track to the entrance of the woods, and through the gate.
Deer tracks
For the sharp-eyed there are deer tracks to be spotted in the woods.
2
From the edge of the fields, follow the footpaths into the woods. Often here you can see bivouacs (a temporary encampment or shelter) and other wooden structures built by local youth groups. Carry on downwards towards the river Yealm, winding between trees and bushes. You'll pass a couple of signposts for the village; at the second set of signposts, marked for Hollacombe, head downward to the edge of the water where there is a rest area.
Yealm views
At the rest point take a seat on one of the log benches and admire the views of the Yealm and Cofflete Creek. On a good day the water can display a range of beautiful colours. Look out for local waterfowl, including swans and heron, too.
3
Climb back up the bank a little way to the marker, signifying you have come 2.5 miles from the village; follow the path to the right and down the other side to the creek itself. Cross the picturesque wooden bridge (which is ripe for a photo opportunity) and continue on the path alongside the edge of the meadow until you come to twin posts marking the track.
Signposts
Clear signposts keep you informed of how far you have left to go.
4
From the twin posts on the track at the bottom of the woods, pause for a minute to look out across the meadow and take in the view. Follow the path along further and go up the steep path to the old quarry, signalled with steps at the start. Wander through the strangely overgrown ruins, note the large blocks of stone, until you pass the final clearing and take a right through the trees. Now back onto the track, walk up to the gate of Traine Woods. Be careful in wet weather as the track can be muddy and slippery.
Bluebells
In spring this part of the woods is covered in a vibrant carpet of bluebells.
5
From the gates of Traine Woods, walk up the track to the main road and turn right towards Hollacombe. After a brief stint on the main road take the first left onto Traine road (now travelling back on yourself towards Wembury village). Eventually you will reach the Old Wheel Pub and the meet the main road again. Turn right onto the main road and after a very short distance turn left. Returning up to your start point at the car park by the community fields.
Wembury allotments
With the allotments we set up, the local community are now growing their own food.
End:
Wembury village car park, grid ref: SX528496
