Our Projects - Wembury Improved Access Bridge

Wembury lies on a very popular section of the South West Coast Path, being one of the closest beaches to Plymouth, and a relatively easy walk from the city, and a number of coastal holiday parks. The storms of 2014 eroded and damaged the steps down to the beach, the retaining walls and severely undercut the bridge on the Path.

There were 3 elements to the project – relocation of the Boat Park fence (undertaken in August 2014 using funds raised by the South West Coast Path Association), replacement of the footbridge, repair of the steps, Path and retaining walls.

The installation of the new bridge with its enhanced access and repair work to the Path and walls was coordinated by the National Trust using funds secured by the South West Coast Path Association from the Coastal Communities Fund.

The retaining wall was reinstated to make this area structurally safe and the opportunity was taken to widen the path from the steps towards the bridge as this area was a pinch point for pedestrians at busier times. The length of the new bridge was increased to better span the concrete abutments, and an easy access ramp was added. The repair work to the steps leading to the beach was completed by overcasting the existing steps with concrete to make the steps and landings whole again.

Contractors: LANDMARC Land and Water of Halwell and Allan Bright of Honiton