A Bumpy Ride to the River Yealm

Saturday 14th April

Mixtow Pill is a very peaceful backwater just upstream from Fowey. Looking out from their visitor pontoons the china clay dock on the opposite side of the river seems out of place but the deep water there and the connecting light railway to Lostwithiel and beyond is the reason for its existence. The River Fowey is one of the best places in Cornwall to spot kingfishers and just a few minutes sitting still and watching the river will reward you with a fleeting glimpse of the characteristic blue flash and high pitched call as one torpedoes past you.

Mixtow Pill

Despite the familiarity of this river and the fond memories we harboured of our time aboard ‘Windflower’, our Strider catamaran which we had kept on a mooring further up the river at Golant, we decided to sail on to the River Yealm as strong easterlies were forecast later in the week. We knew that the Yealm would provide shelter and allow us the opportunity to explore. So Nicola brought us expertly alongside the self service fuel pontoon first thing on Saturday morning where we filled up before heading up the coast towards Plymouth. Anyone who has navigated the Fowey will know that waiting for the chain ferry to cross will sometimes force you to bring your vessel to a halt but this does give you the opportunity to take in the views and admire some of the interesting houses at the water’s edge including ‘Ferryside’ where Daphne du Maurier lived for a while and wrote her first novel.

The peace of the river was soon broken as we edged out onto open sea. The forecast was for a very light easterly wind so we had elected to motor our way up the coast. Needless to say our passage towards Plymouth became increasingly bumpy as the wind filled in later in the day. But we toughed it out as Distant Drummer was bounced and crashed about unceremoniously.

Despite the unfavourable conditions we continued to keep an eye on the wildlife the highlight of which was heralded by a very excited Nicola. “It’s a puffin!” And it was. We later found out that puffin sightings were prevalent along the coast of Cornwall so we felt very fortunate to have seen one. We didn't get a photo so a great opportunity for Nicola to exhibit her artistic skills.

Puffin by NJG

Several uncomfortable hours later we sighted Plymouth Hoe and the familiar sight of Smeaton’s Tower with its red and white stripes to the north as we crossed Plymouth Sound heading for the ‘Mewstone’ and the entrance to the Yealm beyond. We rounded the Great and Little Mewstones well to the south before heading north taking a leading line on Wembury Church tower.

The sand bar.

Thankfully the sea state became much calmer and flattened out completely as we turned east following the narrow entrance through the gap at the end of the sand bar marking the entrance to the River Yealm.

View of Yealm Hotel from pontoon

Once tied up safely alongside one of the floating pontoons mid river we took the time to take in what has to be one of the most picturesque rivers in the country.

Probably more fun to add your own caption to this pic.

The villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo lie on opposite banks of the river. Nicola and I took a walk through them and finished up at The Ship Inn for ham, egg and chips and beer. These pictures try to capture this stunningly beautiful location...

DD on the visitor pontoon mid-river.

Noss Mayo behind us.

Fish on a bike.

Weather forecasting.

Noss Mayo to the left, Newton Ferrers to the right.

We also managed a trip to Plymouth on the bus for a bit of retail therapy. However our highlight was a walk along the coastal path to Wembury. More stunning views but we did have one or two issues getting 'Betty' our inflatable dinghy back to the beach after the tide had left her high and dry.

Dartmoor in the background.

Add one of your choice...