Watch the Birdies - Walk

Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Start/End point: Mothecombe / Noss Mayo (Grid Ref: SX612477).

Admire the swooping and diving on this cliff-top stroll between the Erme and Yealm estuaries. Take binoculars as you set off from Mothecombe, so that you can enjoy close up views of the extensive birdlife that lives among the cliffs and rocks.

Mothecombe and the Erne Estuary are part of the privately-owned Flete Estate - the beach at Mothecombe is open only on Wednesdays and weekends, altough the coast path is accessible at all times. The estuary is also designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Cormorants and shags are abundant on the offshore rocks, you may spot yellowhammers and stonechats among the gorse and blackthorn, and kestrels and buzzards patrol the cliff top in search of an easy meal. St. Anchorite's rock is a favourite perch for birds of prey, and you may even see a sparrowhawk.

One interesting plant that is abundant on the gorse bushes in the parasitic dodder, covering the host plant with a mass of reddich cotton-like threads dotted with the occasional delicate pink flower.

Theme: Coast,
Special Interest: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Birdwatching, Nature, Wildlife,
Area: South Devon - South Hams.

Relevant maps/guides: O.S. Landranger 201 and 202, Outdoor Leisure 20.
Facilities along route: There is a tea room at Mothecombe at the start (open Easter to mid-September), and The Swan and Ship Inn pubs in Noss Mayo. There are also toilets for customers of the tea room in Mothecombe, at the start, and in Noss Mayo.
All of the walk is along the South West Coast Path, which is level with occasional steep climbs. However, there are numerous stiles especially in the first half of the walk. The route is all on the coastal footpath, which is level, with occational steep climbs. This route should take rougly 4 to 5 hours for the average walker.