I couldn’t resist owning an image of The Great Mewstone captured at nighttime with the Milky Way glittering in the cobalt sky.

The tiny beguiling island juts from Wembury Bay’s waters like a mythical creature’s back. Its craggy splendour has fascinated me since I first saw it a few years ago when hiking around the coastline near Plymouth Sound.

I’ve longed to visit the vicinity again, especially whenever I look at the picture. So, Mr Word Loft and I set off to that part of the South West Coast Path again at the weekend.

It was sunny when we arrived, then clouded over, but this enhanced the view. The sun, muted behind swathes of grey changed the sea into liquid silver.

With the inspirational spot for creators in sight all afternoon, we squelched and slithered along muddy pathways, passing horses and tall, fringed, swaying grasses. We were determined to reach Wembury Point without slipping over. Eager to see its pretty stone buildings and to re-energise with hot chocolate from the Old Mill Cafe and Beach shop, too.

Looking across the sea from Wembury Beach with its rockpools, and sparkling stream crossed by a bridge, it was amusing to visualise some of the island’s past inhabitants. I had found out about the convict, sentenced in 1744 for a petty crime, who was ordered to go there for seven years, but with his family, he stayed there for the rest of his life.

Then there was Mr and Mrs Wakeman, who in the 1800s ran a small holding and offered boat trips to those requesting rides by waving a handkerchief from the mainland. But it seems Mr Wakeman’s days on the island were numbered after he became involved with smuggling. More owners followed before The Great Mewstone eventually became the property of the National Trust. It isn’t open to the public as the nature reserve is a conservation area.

After savouring our cream and marshmallow-topped beverage and feeling rested, we opted for an alternative and less slippery route back to our car. We went through Churchwood Valley and by St Werburgh, an 11th-century church on the brow of a hill. Trudging up long winding lanes, we reached the car park. There, I took one final glimpse of the magnificent Great Mewstone before heading home.

Until next time,
Sue. X