Circular walk from Lynmouth
Route facts
Waterways:
River East Lyn »
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Everyone
Circular route from: Lynmouth car park
A pleasant woodland walk with many opportunies to stop and rest - and even have a cuppa at the National Trust Watersmeet tea shop.
This popular route takes you from the holiday town of Lynmouth upstream along the River Lyn. Once past Watersmeet, there is a steep climb up to Countisbury, but walkers are rewarded spectacular views over the Lyn valley.
Getting there
Parking: There is ample parking in Lynmouth. If the town car park is full then you should try the larger car park at the other side of the cliff railway.
Waypoints
1. Lynmouth car park
Head for the gap in the wall and follow the river upstream along the tarmac path. Cross over the bridge and continue upstream, ignoring the second wooden bridge. You are following signs marked 'Watersmeet riverside walk'. After some time you will reach yet another wooden bridge, cross this one and continue your walk along the right bank
2. Myrtleberry House
Continue straight on through what is left of an old mineral water factory. The river will widen around Myrtleberry House. Cross the stone Chiselcombe Bridge and turn right to find Watersmeet - a 19th Century fishing lodge which is now a National Trust tea shop. Enjoy a cream tea by the spectacular waterfalls.
3. From Watersmeet to Countisbury
Return to Chislecombe Bridge and this time follow signs marked 'woodland walk'. This will take you down the right bank of the river and up a hill into the woods. Turn right at the end of a stone wall signed 'Countisbury'. You now have a steep climb up the centre of the valley, but fear not, there's a pub at the top!
4. Countisbury and the Sandpiper Pub
At the top of the valley the route turns left, signed 'Lynmouth'. However, you may well wish to continue straight on to the hamlet of Countisbury and enjoy a well-deserved break at the Sandpiper Pub. Once refreshed, retrace your steps back and take the appropriate turn for 'Lynmouth'. Cross the top of the valley, notice a manmade pool, and turn left again. At the end of the valley pass through a wicket gate and follow the stone wall on your right.
5. Alternative path to Lynmouth
You will soon come to a wooden seat and a path marked 'Alternative path to Lynmouth'. Turn right along this path and wind across the top of the valley, enjoying the panoramic views of Lynmouth. Bear left at the T junction and follow the jagged path back down to the river. You will find youself slightly upstream of where you started - and simply need to retrace your steps back to your car.
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