Erme-Plym Trail: Wembury to Ivybridge

The Erme-Plym Trail is a 15-mile (24 km) point-to-point walk from Wembury to Ivybridge, the southern leg of Devon’s Coast to Coast. It starts on the South West Coast Path near Wembury, then turns inland through rolling South Hams fields and wooded valleys. Ivybridge is the handoff to the Two Moors Way northbound. The route became part of the coast-to-coast walk in 2005. Allow around seven to eight hours, before a longer stop. The terrain is generally gentle; the distance and one-way logistics are the real commitment. This suits a full walking day, not a quick summit outing.

The South Devon stages follow waymarked footpaths and bridleways, with some minor-road walking. Cofflete Creek, a tributary of the Yealm estuary, is one of the memorable landmarks. Farther on, the route crosses the Yealm and later the Erme. Expect a rural crossing of fields and wooded valleys rather than a constructed path; keep an eye on the waymarkers where the route changes between paths, lanes and fields. Views north toward Dartmoor open up as the coast falls behind.

The route passes Brixton and Yealmpton before turning north through the Erme Valley. Near Ermington, it follows riverside meadows below the village’s crooked church spire. Western Beacon rises above Ivybridge on the final approach, a clear sign you’ve reached Dartmoor’s southern edge. This is a quiet landscape walk through South Devon, with the rivers and changing countryside doing more of the work than a single big viewpoint.

The 15-mile figure is for Wembury to Ivybridge, not a return. The route can be walked in two stages: about 7 miles to Yealmpton and roughly 9 more to Ivybridge; those rounded stage figures do not add neatly to the 15-mile overall estimate. Wembury, Yealmpton and Ivybridge have refreshments, toilets and shops. Buses serve Wembury and the villages, and Ivybridge has rail connections, so check current services before setting out. Dogs are allowed on the public paths; keep them under control and on a lead around livestock. Several sections use minor roads.