Mothecombe Beach

Mothecombe, also known as Meadowsfoot, is a privately owned beach on the Flete Estate at the mouth of the River Erme, one of the more unspoilt stretches of sand on the South Devon coast. The estate opens the beach to the public daily, and there is a large grass car park, a tea shop and toilets on the estate grounds, though access to the beach itself involves a walk along a narrow wooded path through the valley. At very low tide the beach extends across the estuary to connect with Wonwell on the opposite bank, where the two beaches form a substantial combined area of sand. The setting is quiet, the facilities are simple, and the beach sees nothing like the footfall of the more famous spots nearby.

Dogs are not permitted from 1 May to 30 September, which is one of the standard South Hams seasonal restrictions. For the rest of the year it is an outstanding off-season beach, particularly in autumn when the estuary light and the wooded valley behind are at their best. Dog owners visiting outside the restricted season should note that the car park closes at 5pm and gates are locked at 7pm, so plan accordingly. At complete low water it is possible to wade the River Erme across to Wonwell Beach on the far bank, though the window is narrow: allow no more than one hour either side of low tide before the risk of being cut off becomes real.