Watersmeet to Lynmouth Circular Walk

Watersmeet is a popular beauty spot on Exmoor National Park, located at the confluence of the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water. A National Turst property, Watersmeet House stands where the rivers meet. The former fishing lodge now serves as a tea room. Both river valleys have walks along their gorges and there are some spectacular waterfalls on route. Free parking and picnic site at Combe Park by Hillsford Bridge. This article describes a six mile walk along public footpaths from Watersmeet to Lynmouth through woodland by the river and over the high ridge on the return journey.

Take the public footpath from Watersmeet House along the east bank of the river. The river drops away and there are fine views of the steep wooded valley. The path is fairly level walking through pristine woodland at Wester Wood.

For the return journey from Lynmouth, follow the high ridge path by taking the (hard to find) path opposite the church in the village centre. This path zigzags steeply up through Lyn Cleave until reaching the rocky summit at Oxen Tor, where great views can be had.

This is the route of the Two Moors Way and Tarka Trail.

At Myrtleberry Cleave, remains of an Ironage settlement can be seen. Either take the left fork that descends to Watersmeet House or continue around the contour toward Hillsford Bridge.

Car Parking

There is free parking at Hillsford Bridge, by the river and also just within Combe Park.

Hillsford Bridge is where the B3223 joins the A39. The added attraction of walking from here is some impressive waterfalls can be viewed from the path high above the river. From the car park at Combe Park, cross the bridge and take the public bridleway on the east bank of the river. The river will drop quickly away and the path arrives at a rocky outcrop above Watersmeet. Descend to Watersmeet and cross the footbridge to Watersmeet House, follow the public footpath along the east bank of the river.

Birds

Wood Warbler and Redstart can be seen on the return path from the ridge at Myrtleberry Cleave down to Hillsford Bridge car park. This should also be ideal territory for Pied Flycatcher. Dipper and Grey Wagtail should be spotted on the fast flowing East Lyn River. Buzzard, Raven and Peregrine Falcon should be over the valley.

Exmoor Walking Maps and Books

Last Updated: 2009-07-19 15:04:33