Countisbury and beyond...

The top of Countisbury is reached either on foot, via Lynmouth and Watersmeet or, with plenty of parking available it's sometimes easier to drive up and then start your walk.

Once you're at the top of Countisbury Hill the views are breathtaking, and there are many walks from here - lead off to the Lighthouse or along to Kipscombe, or just follow the Coastal Path back down to Lynmouth.

Selworthy Green

On the road between Porlock and Minehead, Selworthy is an approximate 25 minute drive along the coastal road from Lynton.

On the Holnicote Estate and owned by the National Trust, Selworthy has much to offer. A very picturesque little village, with walks from the car park, up through the woods to the coast and Selworthy Beacon, then back down the valley to the village.

The delightful Periwinkle Cottage Tea Room awaits you, offering homemade food and of course, Devon cream teas!

Snowdrop walks at Marwood

Half an hour from Lynton is one of our most favourite escapes - Marwood Gardens, a very special 20 acre private garden with lakes.

There's an impressive collection of plants, shrubs and trees, but above all, some wonderful views and a preaceful atmosphere.

In Spring the fields are covered with snowdrops too.

Early morning stroll around the block!

From our front door, this walk will take you past the impressive Town Hall, down to North Walk, by St Mary's church on onwards, over the Cliff Railway then along the coastal path, leading to the Valley of Rocks.

The door-to-door walk takes about 50 minutes and on the way back you will pass the cricket pitch, Mother Meldrums Tea Rooms and the Lynton Candle shop.

Depending on how early you start your walk there are some pretty fabulous sunrises too!

Watersmeet

This walk takes you inland up through the trees, to an area surrounded by woodland, rivers and moorland.

Starting down in Lynmouth, the walk up the Watersmeet Tea Rooms, run by the National Trust, will take you about 50 minutes. If you cross the first bridge, you will walk alongside the river to the top and the tea room. Then come back on the opposite side, making the most of the woodland views and wildlife.

Kipscombe

Just along from Countisbury is Kipscombe, a beautiful walk with breathtaking scenery.

Hollerday hill

Just behind Lee House is Hollerday Hill, famous for the grand old Hollerday House that used to sit near to the top until 1913 when the mansion was destroyed by fire.

At 800 feet or 240m above Lynmouth Bay it provides a beautiful backdrop to Lynton.

If you’re looking for a walk that takes in some of the North Exmoor coastline as well as some spectacular inland views across the East Lyn Valley and the higher points of Exmoor, then this may be just for you.

The walk begins at Lynmouth. Just behind the Manor House, on the green you will find the path which snakes along next to the road for a short distance. You’ll need to cross the road after about 200 metres to continue up along the grassy path. A fair climb but the rewards are plentiful, as you see more of the coastline, with plenty of vantage points on your way up. Up ahead, you will see the Blue Ball Inn and, if you have timed it correctly, you’ll have earned a refreshing drink and great hospitality.

Crossing the road outside the Inn, you will take the pathway past the car park and up to the little church, St John the Evangelists’. Gates and narrow little paths take you round the church and then back out onto open land. Wander up to the highest point – approximately 112 metres above sea level and look down to your left at Lynton & Lynmouth, and beyond to Lee Bay. Straight ahead of you, across the Channel you can see – on a clear day – the south Wales coastline, the stretch between Porthcawl and way along to Barry Island. This stretch of water looks deceptively close – back in 2006 a windsurfer “accidentally” made it across from Swansea to nearby Woody Bay – a staggering 30 miles!

Once you’ve had your fill of the coastline views, walk back down the hill to the church and retrace your steps to the Inn. Walking past this you will need to walk along the quiet road for about 100 metres, then on your left you will see a wooden gate, go through this and you’re now looking out across the East Lyn Valley and Arnolds Linhay, an old packhorse trail. This area takes its name from the linhay or cattle shelter that stood beside the trail in the lower part of Westerwood. A treat might be a sighting of deer grazing, over to your right and over the flint wall.

The path is very straightforward to follow, and you will have plenty to see – starting high above the trees but then descending through the canopy and along a zig zag path (Sparrows Walk), down to the river. In front of you now is the Woodside Bridge, completed in 2020 and which the local community helped to raise the £65,000 needed to replace the old, collapsed crossing.

Turn left and follow the path which firstly follows the river. You’ll have some great stop points to see the fast-flowing river at its widest points. Then, as you gently climb the path you will begin to veer slightly away from the river and creep up into the woodland.

Following the path will soon lead you back to the river and ahead sits the idyllic National Trust Watersmeet House, an old fishing lodge, but now an information centre and tearoom. Very tame birds will “help” you with your cream tea, one of the finest served in Lynton & Lynmouth.

Crossing the bridge just in front of the tearoom, turn right and follow the path back down the river. You will stay at water level for the walk back down to the bridge so plenty of chance to spot riverside birds as well as the water rushing over boulders and stones. Usually, a solitary heron stands statue-like in the middle of the river. Beyond the bridge you will be back in Lynmouth.

Walks Around Lynton & Lynmouth