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.

Martinhoe Cleave Cottages

07866876673

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

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Heddon Valley Campsite

01598 741190

Tucked away in two meadows bordering the river surrounded by Oaks, quiet and isolated yet within easy walking distance of the National Trust visitor centre & Hunters Inn

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Heddon Orchard Bothy

0344 800 2070

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

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Exmoor Coast Holidays

01598 753967

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

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Nutcombe Holiday Cottages

01271889379

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

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Silver View Campsite

07415122557

Silver View offers traditional camping adjacent to Exmoor National Park

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The Denes Guest House

01598 753573

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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Lee House Bed & Breakfast

01598752364

A comfortable and welcoming peaceful bed and breakfast with comfy beds and a great breakfast. Packed lunches and cream teas and laundry service also provided.

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South View Guest House

01598 753728

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

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North Walk House

01598 751010

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

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Sinai House

01598 753227

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

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St Vincent Guest House

01598 752720

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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Lion House Bed & Breakfast

07731369300

A former Public House/Inn built in 1890, Lion House offers Bed and Breakfast accommodation with four light and spacious rooms providing our guests with the highest levels

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Bath Hotel

01598 752238

The Bath Hotel is a family run hotel overlooking the harbour in the picturesque village of Lynmouth, where Exmoor meets the sea.

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Lynmouth Holiday Retreats

01598753349

Set in a truly picturesque part of the country; the Exmoor National Park has stunning views from almost every pitch on the park you can admire the view

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East Lyn House

01598752540

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

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Tors Park

020 020 3488 6980

Nestled amongst dramatic cliffs, Tors Park is the perfect place for walkers to recharge. Beautiful self-catering apartments including woodland sauna and icebath plus spa treatments.

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Pack O Cards

01271 882300

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

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Sea Stone

01271649987

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

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Beach Cottage

07835099274

Beach Cottage sits directly on the North Devon Coast Path. A beautiful property that sleeps 6 and dogs welcome. Opposite cottage is as dog friendly beach.

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Newberry Beach Lodge

01271 883709 / 07922571331 / 07710664513

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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Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park

01271 882 563

Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park offers a haven of peace in a picturesque valley, including a woodland walk and natural surroundings for children to roam free and the best sea views in North Devon. Clubhouse with restaurant and bar on-site.

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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.

The North Cliff Hotel

01598 752 357

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

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Castle Inn

01271883706

TRADITIONAL VILLAGE PUB

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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

01598 753313

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.

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Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre, Lynmouth

01598752509

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

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Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre & Museum

01271 883319

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

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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.

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.

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