16/09/20 - The Pilchard Inn at Bigbury-on-Sea

Distance - 4 Miles

Geocaches - 2

Walk Inspiration - AA 1001 Walks, Walk 51

We can see the Pilchard Inn from our apartment in Thurlestone.  As the crow flies, it can't be more than 3 miles. Yet once again, German Sat Nav takes us a 13 mile route that it thinks is the quickest, regardless as to whether it actually uses what could be described as roads. 

That relieved to get to Bigbury-on-Sea car park, we're almost grateful to be feeding £5.50 for 4 hours.

This is the shortest planned walk - as I want to have time to explore Burgh Island - get a virtual geocache and re-visit a timeless pub that I last crossed the threshold of 25 years ago.

It's the coast to Ayrmer Cove - initially thinking we have set off in the correct clockwise direction.  The descent to the beach has to be one of the most sheer I have completed.  And I am at nearly three figures in ticking off the Wainwrights.

First Drop - Challaborough Bay

2nd Climb - overlooking Ayrmer Bay

The inland route from Ayrmer cove is a footpath running alongside an unnamed stream - offering shade and leading to Ringmore - a village with a church and a pub, although we only manage to find the car park for the Journey's End.  

Ringmore Church

It's a series of 3 valleys to get back to Burgh Island.  The co-walkers get increasingly tetchy at the steep drops and climbs.  In the interests of moral, I don't even correct them that the "field of cows" we have to navigate do not have udders.  I'm an experienced walker but I have never seen a whole field of bulls.

Unscathed - we can see the prize before us.

Burgh Island Ahead

The Pilchard Inn lays claim to be Devon's oldest pub.  With 1366 emblazoned on the pub sign, I wonder why it stops at just Devon, when it must be another shout for the nation?  

If the tide is in, then there is a tractor that can ferry the thirsty.  With the tide out, we have the most wonderful approach to a pub imaginable.  In hindsight, I should have removed my scarpa's and felt the sand between my toes.

Taxi to the Pilchard

Pub from 1366

Dartmoor Jail Ale is fast becoming a favourite.  In an unusual move, I shun the chance of a second to climb to the top of Burgh Island and record the virtual cache at the ruined chapel.

It was Mappiman Junior's round too...