Noss Mayo on the Yealm: Trails, Estuary and Holidays

Noss Mayo lies on the south bank of the Yealm estuary and combines distinctive landscapes with trails, churches, water sports and regional cuisine. This makes the village an interesting destination for planning your trip if you would like to combine experiences in nature, historical impressions and days by the water. Depending on your preferred pace of travel, a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Noss Mayo can serve as a base for various discoveries: a circular walk, a view of the estuary, a visit to historic churches or a meal by the river.

Walking trails with different starting points

A clear point of orientation is Warren Car Park. The “Noss Mayo and Revelstoke Drive” circular walk starts and ends there. This means the route can be included in your plans as a full day of walking without having to look for an additional starting point. Noss Mayo also has the “The Drive” circular walking route. Both names are part of the local variety of trails, but should be regarded as separate options when planning.

The South West Coast Path also plays an important role in the landscape around Noss Mayo: it runs along three sides of the village. Those who enjoy combining longer stretches of walking with changing views of the surrounding area will find a different form of exploration here than on a circular walk with a fixed start and finish. Revelstoke Carriage Drive was created in the 1880s on behalf of Lord Revelstoke and combines the experience of nature with a piece of local history.

Estuary, woodland and birdlife

The Yealm estuary shapes Noss Mayo in more than just visual terms. At Noss Mayo, it provides a habitat for flocks of migratory birds as well as many native bird species. Brakehill Plantation adds a woodland area dating from the 19th century to this landscape. Insects, fungi, butterflies and woodland birds find a habitat there. Families who enjoy varying their days can therefore find different opportunities for observation: one time, a stretch of trail with an open view of the estuary, and another time, a stay in a woodland area.

Gara Point has a habitat of maritime grassland. The rare wildflowers found there include Autumn Squill, Lady's Tresses and Slender Bird's-foot Trefoil. These names also make the area interesting for travellers who like to look out for plants and characteristic landscapes on their walks. The Yealm Regatta also brings rowing and sailing races together on Newton Creek, Noss Creek and the River Yealm. For planning your trip, it is a distinctive water-based event in its own right alongside walking and nature observation.

Churches and stories by the water

The Church of St Peter overlooks Newton Creek on the Yealm estuary. Noss Mayo is also home to the Church of St Peter, a Grade II* listed parish church built by St Aubyn in 1882. Two kilometres from the village of Noss Mayo lies the Church of St Peter the Poor Fisherman in Stoke, a Grade I listed building. Anyone interested in church architecture and local history can include these different historical connections in their excursion plans.

The history of the village is also closely connected with its location. Noss Mayo became a refuge for smugglers because of its position on the Yealm estuary. Today, this aspect can be combined with the waterside landscapes, historic buildings and trails to create a varied picture of the village, without every excursion having to focus on the same theme.

Water, food and choosing your accommodation

Noss Mayo has two riverside pubs situated on Noss Creek. Visitors can sample seafood, traditional pub dishes and local produce there. Which holiday apartment or holiday cottage suits you depends above all on your planned daily routine and the combination of landscape, culture and food you want; you should check specific facilities or availability directly with each listing.

For travelling to the area, bus route 94 runs from Plymouth and Yealmpton to Noss Mayo. The Yealm Ferry also serves Noss Mayo at the Wide Slip landing stage. These two transport options are useful for orientation if you do not want to plan your stay exclusively around the same form of arrival.

Discover more places

More places: Chapelton, North Tawton, Culmstock, Throwleigh, Horrabridge, Sparkwell, Exmouth and Salcombe.

To the higher-level travel overview: Devon.