Glen Lyn Gorge
A Hydro-Powered Slice of Lynmouth’s Story
Glen Lyn Gorge is one of Lynmouth’s more unusual attractions — part hydro museum, part natural gorge, and part water-powered curiosity. It’s a small site, but full of character: thundering water demos, a steep woodland path, and the iconic high-shooting water jets that many visitors spot from Lynmouth’s main road.
This is where you come to understand how the East Lyn River shapes life in the valley, and how Lynmouth once led the way in hydro-electric power.
What You’ll Find at Glen Lyn Gorge
The “Power of Water” Exhibition
Inside the small museum, you’ll see how water drove Lynmouth’s early hydro-electric system and learn about the 1952 flood. Expect hands-on demos, models, short films and plenty of thundering water. It’s compact but surprisingly engaging — especially on a wet day.
The Glen Lyn Gorge Walk
Behind the museum, a path climbs through the narrow, wooded gorge. It’s steep, uneven and often wet underfoot, but rewards you with close-up views of rushing water, rock formations and small waterfalls. Allow around 30–60 minutes depending on how far you go.
The Iconic Water Jets
The powerful fountains you can see from Lynmouth are part of the gorge’s hydro system — excess water released from the turbines. Up close, they’re impressive; from the village, they’re an unmistakable feature of the landscape.
Who Glen Lyn Gorge Is For
Glen Lyn Gorge appeals to:
It’s a compact attraction — easy to combine with the harbour, Watersmeet, Valley of Rocks or lunch in the village.
Accessibility at Glen Lyn Gorge
Glen Lyn Gorge has very limited accessibility. The indoor exhibition includes steps and uneven floors, and the outdoor paths are steep, narrow and slippery, with no step-free routes. It is not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility aids, prams or visitors who need stable, level ground. Good footwear is essential, and extra care is needed in wet weather.