Challaborough Beach | South Devon Beach Bible
Situated on a stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path, Challaborough Beach is a picturesque little sandy cove,...
by Rosanna Davies / Beaches
Hidden between steep, grassy headlands on both sides, Ayrmer Cove is a hidden gem and firm favourite of the local community. As you make your way along the coastal path from Challaborough Beach and glimpse over the brow of the hill, the breath-taking views of the cove come into sight.
As Ayrmer Cove beach is relatively inaccessible, it retains an exclusive feel allowing you space and privacy – a welcoming contrast to other popular beaches along this coastline. Despite its seclusion, however, it is a fantastic spot for paddling in the sea or rock pooling at low tide where there is an abundance of marine life.
Ayrmer Cove is located on the south coast of Devon, on the outskirts of the historical village of Ringmore. The cove lies approximately 16 miles from Plymouth and 8 miles from the market town of Kingsbridge.
Due to the restricted access to the cove, the nearest parking and toilet facilities are approximately a 20-minute walk away within the village of Ringmore or Challaborough Beach in the other direction. The closest public accessible toilets are provided by South Hams District Council at Bigbury-on-Sea.
The small village of Ringmore is located at the top of the valley with spectacular views out across Ayrmer Cove and Bigbury Bay. The village is home to some beautiful, thatched cottages, some dating back to 17th century and a historic village pub – The Journeys End Inn.
Challaborough Beach is located behind the popular Bigbury-on-Sea beach and can be accessed via Challaborough Holiday Park, where all facilities can be found. This horseshoe shaped cove is sheltered by the surrounding hills and offers sensational views over Burgh Island – which famously provided inspiration to crime writer Agatha Christie during her stay.
Challaborough is a popular surfing location with a small dive centre, ideal for the experienced divers looking to top up their tanks during their stay. It is also a top spot for rock pooling making this a firm favourite for families visiting the area.
You can read more about Challaborough Beach in our dedicated blog: Challaborough Beach | South Devon Beach Bible
Ayrmer Cove is dog-friendly all year round. The Cove is a great place to bring dogs as there is plenty of space for them to run freely without having to worry about disturbing crowds or picnickers.
You can find out more about dog friendly beaches across South Devon in our dedicated blog: Dog friendly beaches in South Devon
The walk itself from the car park to the cove is a firm favourite of the Coast and Country Cottages team. The aptly named Smuggler’s Lane takes you on a scenic journey along the rugged coastal path, where perhaps the infamous Cornish pirates may have hauled their loot along the route at one point. Alternatively, there is a more relaxing farmland walk down to this isolated cove, allowing you to enjoy some fantastic views out across Bigbury Bay along the way.
The complete loop is a fairly moderate walk at around 5km and can be challenging in places due to the steep terrain. However after enjoying the sea air and stunning views, The Journeys Inn provides the perfect spot to rest your legs and enjoy a cold drink before returning to your accommodation for the evening.
If arriving by car, follow the A379 from Plymouth, turn right onto the B3392 and travel south to the village of Ringmore. Here you will find the Ayrmer Cove car park which has a number of pay-and-display spaces managed by the National Trust (free for members). The postcode for Sat Nav directions is TQ7 4HW.
The nearest local train station is 9 miles away in Ivybridge, and the mainline station 16 miles away in Plymouth.
For those looking to walk to Ayrmer Cove via the South West Coast Path from Plymouth, follow the route towards Wembury. At Warren Point you can take the seasonal ferry across to Noss Mayo where you rejoin the path to the River Erme (although you can only cross here at low tide). The path then continues towards Netton and on to Ayrmer Cove.
This stretch of the Devon coastline is home to some of the most popular beaches in the region, but also a handful of more secluded coves like Ayrmer Cove.
Just south of Ayrmer Cove is the family favourite Challaborough Beach, and further along you will find Bigbury-on-Sea with Burgh Island a short walk across the sand at low tide, or an enjoyable tractor ride through the water as the tide returns. Across the River Avon estuary from here lies the award winning Bantham Beach, which offers ample space on the soft sand for a game of rounders with friends or the chance to learn to surf in the calmer mellow waves.
Heading along the Coast Path in the opposite direction lies the secluded Westcombe Beach, a beautiful pebbly cove surrounded by cliffs. As the path continues on towards Plymouth and across the River Erme estuary lies Mothercombe Beach where the freshwater stream flows gently in to the sea.
To read more about the beaches near Ayrmer Cove visit our beach guide: Secret Devon Beaches
Whether you are looking for a beach retreat, luxury accommodation or a family-friendly property, we have a selection of over 500 holiday cottages across South Devon, offering the perfect holiday home for every occasion.
We are pleased to offer one of Ringmore’s enchanted thatched cottages to let. 4 Cumberland Cottages is a fantastic 2 bedroom pet-friendly cottage ideal for couples or families with older children. Features include exposed beams and stonework, and a crackling woodburning stove to return to after an adventure filled day.
Please find a list below of other holiday cottages available near Ayrmer Cove.
Keen to explore even more of Devon’s beaches? Read our comprehensive South Devon Beach Bible, including links to articles about the best-loved bays and coves in the area, where to find the top Devon seafood restaurants and all the accessible beaches and dog-friendly beaches in the area.
At Coast & Country Cottages, our holiday cottages are ideally situated to explore a wealth of secret Devon beaches. From traditional coastal cottages just a stone’s throw from the beach, to large properties situated on the South West Coast Path, dog-friendly cottages near sparkling shores, wherever you choose to stay, you won’t be far from sandy seclusion!
by Rosanna Davies / Beaches
I feel extremely privileged to have grown up in the South West, and enjoy sharing various local tips and tricks to ensure you can ...
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