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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.

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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.

Blair Lodge

Quiet location on the Coast Path, near the beach, we offer a warm welcome to weary, possibly wet walkers. Tea and cake awaits and, if required, dinner, laundry facilities and lifts.

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Martinhoe Cleave Cottages

Stay at these lovely, well-appointed cottages (2 cottages sleep 2 people and one cottage sleeps 2-4 people) and explore the dramatic South West Coast Path. Tel: 01598 753987

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Cranleigh House B&B

01271 889325 m07985928461

Set in the heart of Combe Martin, we are a comfortable, dog friendly, vegetarian/vegan, Yoga B&B. Bike storage and overnight drying facilities available.

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Marlyn B&B

We've three en-suites with fine bedding, good food, views and 3 nearby pubs. Parking and coast road buses for break days and longer stays.

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Stowford Farm Meadows

Stowford Farm Meadows is a superb camping & caravan site, from which to explore the best of North Devon

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Longlands Glamping

Luxury Glamping, multi-award winning lodges with hot tubs & boating lake. Mid-week offers. Dogs welcome. Optional catering

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Longmead House

One of Lynton’s best kept secrets, beautiful Victorian B&B offers plenty of comfort after a long day’s walk with picturesque gardens, en-suite bedrooms and breakfast like no other.

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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.

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Gable Lodge Guest House

Family run guest house offering family friendly bed and breakfast accommodation. Freshly prepared evening meals using local produce.

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South View Guest House

We look forward to welcoming you to our newly refurbished & upgraded Edwardian Guest House. Ideally located for pubs, restaurants, shops and the spectacular North Devon Coast Path.

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The Crown Hotel

A warm welcome awaits at the Crown Hotel, originally a coaching inn. Located in the heart of Lynton, a quiet base to explore N.Devon's rugged coastline. One night stays and dogs welcome.

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St Vincent Guest House

Beautiful grade II Georgian B&B in the heart of Lynton, minutes from the coastal path. Packed lunch by arrangement & all diets catered for.

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Manleigh Holiday Park

Comfy Chalets, Cabins & Caravans at Manleigh Park, Combe Martin. A perfect place to catch up on some ZZZZs after a walk.

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Orchard House Hotel

Friendly, homely atmosphere. Full English breakfast, licensed bar, kit drying, luggage transfers,single occupancy reductions,walking parties welcome as well as pets & children

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The Old Sea Captains House

Set against the mouth of the East Lyn River, the Captain’s House offers an ideal base from which to explore the Exmoor and North Devon coastline.

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Lorna Doone House

Licensed guest house ideally suited for the Coast Path. Evening meals by request.

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Cornwall House

A self-catering apartment and ensuite double room situated minutes from Combe Martin's stunning beaches, shops and cafes and a short walk from the path.

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Fontennay B&B

A family run bed and breakfast within very close proximity of the coast path. We offer a warm friendly welcome along with our home products and cooking.

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Mellstock House B&B

A free pick up/drop off service is available to the Coast Path, we offer boot trays, drying room, laundry service, packed lunches, cosy bar and evening meals. All our rooms are en-suite and have TV/DVD, tea/coffee etc with free WIFI.

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Newberry Beach Lodge

A pebbles throw from the award winning Newberry & Combe Martin beaches, local pubs and cafes. Enjoy a soak in a roll-top bath after a day's walking!

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Channel Vista Guesthouse

This friendly, hikers' haven is open Feb-Dec. By SWCP, beaches & amenities. Free Wifi & Parking; Conservatory Bar; Laundry & Drying

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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.

Section 3: Lynmouth / Lynton to Combe Martin

Starts 21 miles (34 km) from Minehead

Ends 598 miles (962 km) to Poole

Previous section in South West Coast Path Porlock Weir to Lynmouth / Lynton

Next section in South West Coast Path Combe Martin to Woolacombe

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