Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Lyndale car park in Lynmouth the walk crosses the East Lyn and follows it upstream through its deep wooded gorge to Watersmeet, where Hoar Oak Water tumbles in. Watersmeet House, an 1832 fishing lodge, is a National Trust tea garden in season. The way climbs through Horner's Neck Wood onto the ridge, with views of the hill forts above the valley, and on to the Blue Ball Inn and Countisbury church. The coast path then runs west along the high cliffs and zigzags down to Lynmouth.
It is 8.3 km with 352 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Moderate. There are steep climbs and steps.
The cliff path above Lynmouth is exposed, on the side of a high cliff. The gorge paths are rocky and slippery with wet leaves in autumn, and the river rises fast after rain. There are two road crossings. The National Trust asks for dogs on leads near stock, deer and ponies.
Lyndale is a Town Council pay car park, £1.40 an hour or £14 all day on the 2025/26 tariff. There is no station near; the nearest is Barnstaple, about 24 km away.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Up the East Lyn through its wooded gorge to Watersmeet, where Hoar Oak Water joins
- Watersmeet House, a fishing lodge of 1832, now a National Trust tea garden
- Up through Horner's Neck Wood to Countisbury and back along the high cliffs
- Exposed cliff path with steps on the way down
Getting there
Start: Lyndale car park, Lynmouth · Pay and display. 51.22955, -3.82846
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Lyndale car park: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
