River Erme and Estuary, Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon
Stunning river estuary lined with beaches
The River Erme rises at Erme Head high on the southern plateau of Dartmoor National Park. Erme Head is south of Crane Hill and south east of Higher Hartor Tor. Other major Devon rivers rising in this part of the National Park include the River Plym, the River Yealm and the River Avon.
The Erme flows south east and then south through the Erme Plains towards Sharp Tor (South Dartmoor) and the moorland village Harford. From there, it moves through Ivybridge on its way to the Erme Estuary on the South Devon coast.
Located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Erme Estuary is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on The Flete Estate.
We'd recommend exploring Wonwell Beach, Coastgaurd's Beach and Mothecombe (Meadowsfoot) Beach at the estuary. These beaches are very popular with walkers and families when the tide's out.
The South West Coast Path runs across the estuary. South east of the estuary, along the coast path are Ayrmer Cove (Beach), Challaborough Beach, Burgh Island and Bigbury-on-Sea Beach. To the west, if you want a very long walk, visit The Warren (Noss Mayo).
Location of River Erme and Estuary
We've positioned the estuary on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location. Wonwell Beach is on the east side of the estuary and Coastguard's Beach and Mothecombe (Meadowsfoot) Beach are to the west.
Crossing the River Erme and Estuary on the South West Coast Path
There's a large car parking area behind Coastguard's Beach and Mothecombe (Meadowsfoot) Beach. A road runs east of this car parking area to a slipway that leads down to the rock, shingle and sand Coastgaurd's Beach. At the top of this slipway are information boards with visuals of the crossing point. These information boards also provide the following advice:
'The River Erme can usually be waded for 1 hour either side of low tide by crossing between the two slipways as shown on the photograph. However care should be taken as heavy rains or seas can make the crossing dangerous. The times of low water are shown in the table below. Also provided, for when it's not possible to ford the river, are directions for walking around it and phone numbers for local taxi firms.
Walking around the river. As there are no public footpaths running along the sides of the estuary this entails a 7 mile walk mainly on country lanes. To do this follow the lane uphill to Mothecombe village, bear right taking signs for the village of Holbeton. From Holbeton centre, head to the hamlet of Ford along Vicarage Hill. Bear right near Hole Farm on to the bridleway of the waymarked Erme-Plym Trail until you reach the A379. Turn right crossing Sequer's Bridge and take the first lane on your right, past Orcheton to Great Torr. Turn right then left and follow signs to Wonwell beach.'
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