EXPERIENCE THE SHEER BEAUTY OF WEST EXMOOR
Route Start
Lynton Town Hall, EX35 6HT
Try this delightful drive through Exmoor’s Western corner along the North Devon coast and then inland to experience the stark beauty of Exmoor’s moorland. And during your drive, take time to park up for a few moments to enjoy the breath-taking scenery.
Start your journey at Lynton Town Hall and drive through the beautiful Valley of Rocks.
- Drive along Lee Road, Longmead an in to the Valley of Rocks, driving towards the Lee Abbey Estate, leading on to Woody Bay. There are several car parks in the Valley of Rocks, along with a delightful Tea Cottage called Mother Meldrums.
- Shortly after Lee Abbey’s main house is Lee Abbey Bay, with parking. This is a great spot if you want to go paddling or wild swimming. During peak Summer months the Lee Abbey Tea Cottage serves delicious home-made refreshments. This is the last stop for public toilets before you reach Combe Martin.
- From Lee Abbey through Woody Bay the road narrows so take care. Woody Bay is another great place for a paddle or wild swim, better at low tide.
- Leave Woody Bay and head towards the Heddon Valley and Hunter’s Inn. The Heddon Valley is managed by the National Trust who provide plenty of long and short walks. The most popular from Hunters Inn to Heddon’s Mouth.
- Leave the Heddon Valley following signs to Trentishoe, which will take along the coast road past Holdstone Down towards Combe Martin. Holdstone Down is a great pitstop for a short walk with fantastic views.
- After Holdstone Down, at the next main junction turn onto Vellacot Drive then along Shute Lane which overlooks the pretty seaside town of Combe Martin. The main Combe Martin car park is near the beach and has easy access onto the South West Coast Path which climbs up to the Hangman Cliffs.
- Turn back onto Combe Martin High Street (A399) and eventually on the right is Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. A great stop if you’re travelling with the kids.
- Continue along the A399 from the Wildlife and Dinosaur Park towards, and through, Blackmore Gate. Blackmore Gate is the last stop for public toilets before you return back to Lynton & Lynmouth. At the next junction, follow signs to Challacombe & Simonsbath (B3358). The scenery along the B3358 offers a glimpse of some beautiful Exmoor countryside.
- When you reach Simonsbath there are some lovely walks to be done along the River Barle. Turn left off the B3358 in Simonsbath and continue along the B3223 towards Lynton & Lynmouth. This area is also home to an area called “The Chains” and Pinkery Pond, an important ecological and historic part of Exmoor.
- The B3223 is splendid drive through some beautifully stark open Exmoor moorland. Drive carefully and look out for the cattle, sheep and Exmoor ponies that graze at the roadside. There are some convenient places to pull over and stretch your legs.
- Continue on the B3223 towards Lynton & Lynmouth passing over Hillsford Bridge near Combe Park. This is a great spot to park for a short stroll to Watersmeet for tea and cake. It really is the most beautiful and picturesque places for a river walk.
- From here you are just a 15-minutes away from returning to Lynton & Lynmouth.
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Route Start
Lynton Town Hall, EX35 6HT
