3 Walks: Lynmouth

WHETHER you’re looking for a short stroll, a longer stagger, or a more adventurous stride, our guide to local walks, Ced Renison, has the route for you. This time he’s got three walks from Lynmouth, in North Devon.

The old fishing village of Lynmouth lies at the foot of high cliffs below the larger town of Lynton, to which it is connected by a fascinating water-operated cliff railway.

Both places have numerous eating and drinking holes, but Lynton has more culture on offer. The tourist information office 01598 752225 can give advice on camping, B and B, etc.


Directions
From Barnstaple, follow the A39 to Lynmouth. Alternatively, enjoy the drive over wild Exmoor from Dulverton on the B3223. Allow plenty of time for the journey.

Level Stroll
This takes you to the Valley of Rocks and Lee Bay (not on the sketch-map). Allow two hours for this four mile walk, and take a picnic.

Ride the cliff railway to Lynton, then turn left onto North Walk, and follow the tarmac cliff-edge footpath. Find the White Lady, then continue past Lee Abbey Hotel to Lee Bay. Return by the same route.

Stride
Countisbury Hill and Watersmeet. Allow three hours for this five-mile hike.

In Lynmouth, cross the bridge and follow the South West Coast Path east, keeping the sea on your left. It is quite a steep climb, but the views are good. After one mile, turn right at Countisbury church, and cross the road to the Sandpiper Inn (good food).

Continue up the road for 100 metres then turn right on the footpath down to Watersmeet, a delightful wooded setting where the East Lyn and Farley Water meet. The old fishing lodge is now a lovely café, and there are waterfalls to visit. Return to Lynmouth along the riverside path, following the signs, and looking out for little white–breasted dippers diving under the water.

Stagger
Wonderful high-level views. Allow four hours for this six-mile leg-stretch. Take some food and drink, and wear tough shoes.

Follow the stride to Watersmeet, but then cross the footbridge and take the riverside path south to Hillsford Bridge. Beware of traffic. Cross the road bridge and follow the A39 uphill for 250 metres to the sharp left bend, and take the wide track on the right.

Follow the Two Moors Way (MW) signs to Lynmouth, rising gradually through the woods, and then steeply up the hillside, keeping a lookout for red and roe deer. Eventually, you reach the dizzy heights of Oxen Tor, from which the views are breathtaking.

After a good rest you will find the path almost literally drops down to Lynmouth.