Exmoor Coaster A Roller Coaster Bus Service

Take a roller coaster ride on the North Devon coast and not a fairground in sight!

This is a 17 mile journey between the towns of Lynmouth in Devon and Minehead in Somerset, by bus.

And to paint a better picture. One hill on the route is listed as the steepest ‘A’ road in England!

Porlock Hill as the climb and the bends start.

With a second almost as steep and requiring to be negotiated on that same coastal journey.

Nervous travellers may well think twice about embarking on this section of the A39 between Lynmouth and Minehead.

This route includes the infamous Porlock Hill at one end and also Countisbury Hill at the other.  Both have  steep 1 in 4 sections.

Porlock Hill has reputation of creating motoring mayhem. With vehicles over-heating, clutches burning out and brakes failing too.

Porlock Hill warning signs.

Porlock also has two sections with 180 degree bends on the 1 in 4 section. The climb heading west takes you to the height of 400metres or 1,300 feet in less than 2 miles.

Returning Countisbury Hill is slightly longer in length 2.5 miles and drops 400meters or 1,300feet.

Roller Coaster Ride Along The Coasts Of Devon And Somerset

Both hills have permanent built-in escape lanes running off them should the worse happen to any driver.

Escape lane on the route.

The deep fine gravel lanes do work well in bringing vehicles to an abrupt stop when called into use.

Smells in the air of smouldering clutches pervade both town’s of Lynmouth and Porlock.

Two very steep hills on one bus route must be pretty rare.

Although the car drivers have it easy!

These bus drivers have at times to negotiate the narrow sections, overhanging buildings and trees, hairpin bends and steep sections that would be better for skiing on in the alps than driving on.

All this is done whilst carrying up to around 80 passengers at busy times!

Passing the Exmoor Coaster on route.

Operated by First Bus and called the Exmoor Coaster it does provide some of the most thrilling views too of the Exmoor coast, cliffs and rolling hills.

Filming from part of the upper deck which is open great for that. Here is where you get the best views and your senses enhanced.

Open top provides the best views and photo opportunity.

Although, those infamous whiffs of smouldering brakes and clutches carry up to there. Yet it also lets you experience the smells of the countryside that otherwise would be mostly sealed off down below.

Bus And Trains Link Well For An Exmoor Coaster Day Out

I travelled the return from Lynmouth to Minehead which cost me £10 also that would have allowed further trips as well. That to me seemed like excellent value for money for a day trip!

Bus stop outside Minehead Station.

 I boarded the bus for the return trip outside Minehead Station.

Minehead Station and West Somerset Railway.

This is the longest heritage steam railway in the country and is operated by the West Somerset Railway. Travelling east from here stopping at up to 10 stations until you reach Bishops Lydeard 20 miles away.

Heading back west on the bus you are in for treat. As you have another chance to take in those stunning and extensive views of the Exmoor countryside and coast. Traversing the undulating and winding roller-coaster route once again.

East Lyn Valley walk Lynmouth, Devon.

Lynton and Lynmouth themselves do offer some nearby experiences. Two walks that you can take from the drop off point. One is the walk to Watersmeet along the East Lyn River about 2 miles along the banks of its charming and forested river valley.

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway.

Secondly head to the harbour. Here take the funicular to Lynton 500 feet above Lynmouth. It is the longest steepest water powered cliff railway in the world.

Valley of The Rocks, Lynton, North Devon.

Then a 15 minute stroll to The Valley of the Rocks a geological marvel just outside the town and sitting on the sheer cliffs of this dramatic coast.