Walk - Lynmouth / Lynton to Combe Martin

13.7 miles (22.0 km)

Lynmouth / Lynton Combe Martin

Challenging - Strenuous. An easy start on tarmac to Castle Rock. There are some challenging climbs, including reaching the summit of Great Hangman - which at 1,043 feet (318 m) is the highest point of the South West Coast Path.

An easy start on tarmac to Castle Rock turns to grassy clifftops, which then lead to the spectacular rock formations of The Valley of Rocks. This is part of R. D. Blackmore’s Lorna Doone territory and the landscape is so extraordinary that legend has explained its origin as the acts of the Devil. From here there are some challenging climbs, including reaching the highest point of the South West Coast Path, and lovely views along beautiful stretches following the edge of the land, away from civilisation.

There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Martinhoe Cleave Cottages

Three lovely cottages within Exmoor National Park close to the SW Coast Path and the dramatic moorland and coastal scenery of north Devon

Heddon Orchard Bothy

Heddon Bothy is a simple, basic four person hideaway. Bring your cooking and sleeping equipment. This is indoor camping for adventurers.

Exmoor Coast Holidays

Campsite on working Cider Farm, Shop, off Licence, Restaurant and Bar

The Fox & Goose Inn

Local Ales Good Food Cosy Rooms ...and a warm welcome await you at this proper Exmoor inn.

Nutcombe Holiday Cottages

Three dog friendly, barn conversions sleeping 2-6 (14 in total). Quiet and peaceful location with parking, stunning views, luxury showers, WiFi and enclosed gardens

The Denes Guest House

The Denes offer locally sourced food and comfortable en-suite bedrooms, facilities to dry outdoor gear and a selection of maps. Books, DVDs and board games for relaxation.

South View Guest House

Small and friendly Edwardian B&B in the heart of Lynton adjacent to the SWCP. Quiet rooms, comfy beds and hearty English breakfast.

The North Cliff Hotel

Right on SWCP, friendly,homely atmosphere. Full English,licensed bar,dinner,drying room,luggage transfers,families,groups,dogs,EV charger,free parking,wi-fi & bike storage

North Walk House

Right on the SWCP, friendly, homely atmosphere. Full English, licensed bar, dinner, adults only, groups, no dogs, luggage transfers. Lounge, terrace, free wi-fi, some parking

St Vincent Guest House

Beautiful Grade II Georgian B&B in the heart of Lynton, minutes from the coastal path. Packed Lunch available by arrangement & all diets are catered for.

Sinai House

4 Star accommodation with incredible sea views, offering peace and tranquillity. "Where Exmoor meets the Sea". Ideally located for the South West Coast Path.

West Challacombe Bothy

A remote bothy near a dramatic part of the South West Coast Path, on the edge of the Exmoor National Park. 4 Guests/1 Bedroom/2 Dogs

East Lyn House

Bed and Breakfast accommodation, with terrace overlooking the river and down to the sea

Pack O Cards

Grade2**listed ancient monument offering comfortable, modern accommodation. King size beds, enduite showers.. Varied menu.

The Smugglers Rest

Boutique bed and breakfast on the SWCP. A fully restored victorian residents with 8 en suites rooms and ground floor bistro. specific SWCP holidays available.

Sea Stone

Sea Stone - Premium Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Combe Martin, offering spacious en-suite rooms with superb sea views.

Berry Lawn Linhay Bothy

Sleeps 4. The former farm building offers a simple, basic walkers’ overnight shelter.

Channel Vista Guest House

This friendly, hikers' haven is open Feb-Nov. By SWCP, beaches & amenities. Free Wifi & Parking; Conservatory Bar; Laundry & Drying
You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.
What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Lynton & Lynmouth Tourist Information Centre

Information on where to stay, local food and drink, festivals and events and things to do in these picturesque twin villages on the edge of Exmoor.

Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre, Lynmouth

Discover walking routes and information on places to visit in the Exmoor area

Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre & Museum

Discover local history and join in with fun events - including dressing up as a pirate. Coast Path stamping point.

Interactive Elevation

Highlights

  • Rounding a corner to see Castle Rock towering above Wringcliff Bay as the Path enters the famous Valley of Rocks.
  • The jagged tor known as Rugged Jack. Local legend has it that some Druids were inappropriately dancing here on a Sunday and were turned to stone by the Devil.
  • Taking in the breathtaking views of Exmoor, the Welsh coast and Lundy from the highest point on the South West Coast Path: Great Hangman standing at 1043 feet.
  • The hanging oakwoods around Woody Bay, protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to Red Deer and a wide variety of birds.
  • Enjoying the many cliff top flowers, especially the abundance of bluebells, campions, violets, celandines and primroses present in the springtime.
  • Searching for the herd of feral goats that inhabit the cliffs.
  • Hollow Brook: one of the highest waterfalls in Britain which drops 200 metres to the sea.
  • The fantastic names of rock formations such as Rugged Jack and the Devil’s Cheesewring, home to R. D. Blackmore’s Mother Meldrum.
  • The sense of achievement on reaching the village of Combe Martin after the many steep ascents and descents of the day.

Shorter option

As this is a challenging walk (particularly the steep climb up to Great Hangman from Sherrycombe near the end of the walk)  many people stay in Heddon's Mouth roughly half-way along, where is a selection of accommodation and a pub.

A large part of the Heddon valley is owned by the National Trust and so there are a range of scenic walks and places to explore if you have time to linger.

Longer option

Continue to Ilfracombe (an additional 5.3 miles, 8.6 km).

Public transport

Taunton is the nearest mainline railway station. You can catch the number 300 bus from here to Minehead, but there is currently no direct service from Minehead to Lynton . The number 309 bus runs between Lynton and Barnstaple and the 301 between Barnstaple and Combe Martin. For further details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Parking

Lynton (Postcode for Sat Navs: EX35 6BT), above Lee Bay, above Woody Bay, the valley of Heddon’s Mouth, Trentishoe Down and Combe Martin.

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