LYNMOUTH TO WATERSMEET WALK DEVON
While the herons queued for their fishy breakfast’s. We just strolled by leaving the long-legged birds to dine in peace or rather the relative peace of a watery Devon gorge.
As even in a dry summer, the cascading waters of the East Lyn River still manage to generate enough noise flowing over rocks or through rocky gullies to let you know it’s there.
The river flows down from the wilds of Exmoor and although relatively tame for most of its life it was not in August 1952. When it helped to wiped out 34 lives and swept away much of the North Devon village of Lynmouth.
East Lyn Valley walk Lynmouth, Devon.
With it joining the West Lyn river also in flood both of them in the end went on to destroy 100 buildings that night.
Lynmouth To Watersmeet Walk
A sign on the former post office marks the height of the flood at the very top of the door frame. Its hard to imagine where all that water could have come from so suddenly when you see the river today. However, those that perished are much remembered in the village and at the Flood Memorial Hall, which is certainly worth visiting.
The walk from Lynmouth village up to the National Trust house and cafe property at Watersmeet is just under 2 miles. The shady tree covered valley offers an undulating hike, criss-crossing the river at times over a series of wooden and stone bridges.
One of the bridges to cross on the East Lyn Valley walk Devon.
Transiting from one side of the river to the other, provides alternating views of the river. Plus checking out the wildlife that can be seen inhabiting either the water, river banks or in the canopy of the trees above.
Heron fishing on the East Lyn Valley Devon.
Certainly, some of the easiest and largest birds to see are the herons. A number of them have taken up residence, along with human anglers they both find the East Lyn good hunting ground.
Trying to beat the Heron’s on the East Lyn Valley Devon.
In the quieter sections where the river flows over a smoother river bed or deeper pools the bird song echoes around the valley. Contrast that, around the water falls or chasms and then even a chat with a fellow walker is sometimes not that easy without shouting.
Watersmeet cafe garden on the banks of the East Lyn river, Devon.
The plants that grow on the slopes and under the trees are very varied.
Brand New Bridge At Woodside
The brand new Woodside Bridge lowered into place in June 2020 and made with Exmoor Oak.
Either offering lovely foliage, shapes or textures with flashes of colours from Bluebells, Primroses, Rhododendrons or the numerous smaller wild flowers of red, blue and white.
Two walks in one the Lynmouth to Watersmeet and the South West Coast Path at Lynton, Devon.
As well as the valley walk, the village is very popular with those hiking the South West Coast path. This nationally well-known route is terrifically popular internationally too! The Lynton to Barnstaple Railway makes for charming option too!
South Coast Path Too!
The delightful bed and breakfast that we stayed at Hillside House. That only in the previous few weeks, had guests from Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Belgium and the US staying.
Hillside House, Bed and Breakfast friendly, great food and a lovely location in the village of Lynmouth.
This is a very typical and traditional British Bed and Breakfast style of guest house. Perfect for the Lynmouth to Watersmeet gorge walk start or place to stay. Family run, providing good clean accommodation. First class ‘Full English’ style breakfasts of the size and selection of your choice. Fruit, cereals and egg selection to get you on your way in the morning.
Geoff and Denise owners of the guest house have many years of experience with helpful friendly service. Along with their excellent local knowledge, means that they to be able to point their guests as to where to go or what to do during stays in the village.
My choice from the ‘Full English’ at Hillside House, Lynmouth, North Devon.
Fun On The Funicular
The funicular is one choice and will whisk customers to the sister village of Lynton. Speeding up the 58degree sloping steep track from just over sea level at Lynmouth to 500foot above at the top station in just a few minutes. The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway has been running since Easter 1890 and it is now a listed monument.
View from the top of the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, North Devon.
A short walk from Lynton west will take visitors to the Valley of The Rocks. These natural stone outcrops have been much photographed over the years and are also a ‘must do’ visit to the area.
Valley of the Rocks…even the cricket groundsman likes the view Lynton, Devon.
Walking to and from Watersmeet from Lynmouth is one of the best under 5 mile walks probably in the country.
And for its mile for mile value and for its flora and forna certainly takes some beating!
http://visitlyntonandlynmouth.com/
