Lynton & Lynmouth Without a Car
A practical guide to exploring both villages on foot, funicular or taxi.
Lynton & Lynmouth without a car is entirely doable — and for many visitors, surprisingly straightforward. The two villages sit more than 500ft apart in height, yet once you’re here everything is walkable, scenic, and easy to reach on foot or via the Cliff Railway.
Reaching the area without a car is simplest via train to Barnstaple, followed by the local bus or a taxi. Beyond that, public transport is limited: there are no direct services from Tiverton or Taunton, and no reliable coastal links. A car-free visit works best when you plan to stay local, explore the sea, river and woodland walks, and enjoy the villages at your own pace.
Can I Visit Lynton & Lynmouth Without a Car?
Yes — many visitors do. The most dependable route is:
Train to Barnstaple → Local bus (309/310) or taxi → Lynton & Lynmouth
Once you’re here, everything you need is within walking distance: cafés, shops, viewpoints, wild and rocky beaches, and the start of several iconic walks.
Within the two villages, a car-free stay is relatively effortless.
Getting to Lynton & Lynmouth Without a Car
Getting here by Train or Bus
Barnstaple (closest rail link)
Barnstaple Station is the only practical rail gateway. From here:
The 309/310 bus takes you directly into Lynton and Lynmouth
It’s the fastest, simplest non-driving route
- Taxis are easy to book and take around 45–55 minutes. This will significantly add to your travel costs.
Barnstaple → Lynton & Lynmouth (309/310)
The one dependable, year-round route into the area.
Expect:
A scenic journey through the Exmoor borders
Moderate timetables (varies by season and weekday)
Direct arrival into each village centre
Tiverton Parkway & Taunton (rail gateways, but no direct transport)
These stations are useful for long-distance national journeys — but no public transport runs directly to Lynton & Lynmouth. Any multi-stage route via regional buses is slow and unreliable.
For car-free travellers, Barnstaple remains the only realistic connection point.
No coastal services
There are currently no buses linking Lynton & Lynmouth with Porlock, Minehead, or other coastal villages.
Seasonal buses, the ‘Exmoor Coaster’— if they operate — are leisure services and not suitable for planning onward travel.
How to Get Around Lynton & Lynmouth Without a Car
Once you arrive, getting around Lynton & Lynmouth without a car is easy. The villages sit vertically apart rather than far apart, and there are three ways to travel between them.
A) Walking Between the Villages
Zig Zag Path (tarmac, easiest)
A paved, steep but reliable path with several viewpoints. Crosses the Cliff Railway tracks at different levels. Suitable for most able walkers.
South West Coast Path (North Walk)
A rugged woodland and clifftop trail linking the two villages. Beautiful, but uneven and not ideal for everyday travel or bad weather.
B) Cliff Railway
The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a water-powered Victorian funicular connecting the village centres. It’s quick, iconic, and the easiest way to avoid the steep climb when running.
C) Walking Between the Villages
A short, simple option if the hill is too much, the weather poor, or the railway closed.
Lyn Valley Taxis:
07907 161 666
Riverside Taxis:
01598 753 442
Where to Stay without a Car
Most accommodation in central Lynton & Lynmouth is ideal for a car-free stay. If you were planning to stay in the outlying hamlets or villages, then a car would be necessary.
- Lynton
Level streets, cafés, shops, and direct access to Valley of Rocks walks. - Lynmouth
Flat harbourfront, riverside paths, and the bottom station of the Cliff Railway. - Lynbridge
A 15-20 minute walk along Lyn Way, a pedestrian path, that leads to Sinai Hill, the bottom of Lydiate Lane and Queen Street in Lynton. - Barbrook
A 30-40 minute walk through Woodland (safer) or Road (no pavement), to Lynbridge (Cottage Inn) and then on to Lyn Way, then Lynton.
For all other locations, Countisbury, Brendon, Rockford, Woody Bay, Parracombe, Martinhoe and beyond, then a car or vehicle would be considered necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lynton & Lynmouth accessible without a car?
Yes — via Barnstaple. Once you arrive, everything is walkable.
Which train station is closest?
Barnstaple. There are no direct services from Tiverton Parkway or Taunton.
How steep is the walk between the villages?
Very steep — they sit over 500ft apart — but the Zig Zag Path is paved and the Cliff Railway avoids the climb when it’s running.
Can I explore Exmoor without a car, from Lynton & Lynmouth?
Only on foot. Public transport beyond L&L is minimal.
Do I need to book buses?
No, just check the timetable.
Is the Cliff Railway suitable for limited mobility?
Yes, it’s step-free, though seasonal.
The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway can accommodate wheelchairs, but they must be folded due to the narrow Victorian carriages; large wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not permitted, so it’s essential to contact them beforehand if you have specific needs.