2/10/2022 River Erme (Wonwell Slipway) to Bigbury (5.82mls)

The SWCP Walking Guide #50 describes the walk as River Erme to Hope Cove but with the River Avon getting in the way and the need to get back to Modbury in time for the 14:00 KO in the Man City vs Man Utd football match, we finished the walk at Bigbury. But, on reflection, as Man City won 6-3 we probably would have preferred to carry on walking!

The threatened heavy rain went through early so we only had to delay the day's start by half an hour. The drive down to Wonwell Slipway was entertaining to say the least, most of it down narrow country lanes, a feature we got quite used to during the rest of the week. Reversing skills were certainly brought to bear quite frequently and it was particularly important to note where the last passing place was located.

Starting at the slipway we were soon through Winkle Wood and out on to the headland. The walking in general was not as strenuous as expected. Along the way we met a couple walking the coast path in the opposite direction - we got chatting about the difficulties of walking some parts of the path where there was not readily available return transport facilities etc - they were very jealous of us having Fiona as 'Logistics Manager' to solve this problem

At Westcombe Beach there was a slight diversion inland due to erosion and it was here that we saw a well preserved but abandoned building which was clearly used at some point in the past to transport goods from the coast to Kingstone - inside it could clearly be seen that there were stabling facilities.

The new coast path turns right and on up just before the building and then on past Ayrmer Cove to Challsborough and then Bigbury Beach where we met up with Fiona. We were surprised to see that the causeway to Burgh Island was appearing quicker than we expected as the tide receded and therefore, as we had made good time, we walked across to have a welcome drink at the Pilchard Inn. Fiona and I had visited the island before but Justine hadn't, so, never missing the opportunity for a challenge, she set off to explore the island whilst we got the drinks in. It is well worth a visit, with interesting things to see, even if the public can only stand a stare through the gates of the magnificent Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel.

All during the walk we were aware of helicopters ferrying guests to and from the hotel, and when the causeway is open they are also ferried in posh 4x4s from the mainland. An alternative for the public is the Burgh Island sea tractor ...

It was a wrench to leave the island on such a beautiful day but we dutifully dashed back to watch the match in the hope of a successful result for Man Utd but it was not to be - we were thrashed!