The River Yealm is no longer a secret among the boating classes unfortunately, and in season it can get extremely busy. Nevertheless it still has a secret sort of feel to it with steep wooded sides and a narrow winding course lying behind a concealed entrance in the corner of Wembury Bay. It’s a lovely place.

To find the way in, head into Wembury Bay immediately to the east of Great Mew Stone by Plymouth Sound and make for the north-east corner behind Yealm Head where the entrance will reveal itself. There is a bar running north-south and the deep water at the right hand side is now indicated by port hand buoys, the edge of the sand having moved to the right of the black and white day-marks on the hill. Once round the sand turn sharp left and if necessary use the red and white marks on the slopes to the north-east to guide you into the river.

There are two visitors pontoons where you can raft up, one on the left bank just below the junction with drying Newton Creek and one on the right bank just above. Alternatively you can pick up a buoy lower down or anchor west of Misery Point, either inside or just outside the bar, if you can find space. The anchorage does not offer the same degree of complete shelter as the moorings.

Once installed you will need to get the dinghy out to go ashore. Oars are the preferred method of propulsion. There are showers and loos by the Harbour Office (T 01752 8725330 at the confluence with Newton Creek on the north side, where you can also obtain fresh water or walk into Newton Ferrers. Alternatively use one of the landing places to the south of the Creek and walk to pretty Noss Mayo.

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