Route Highlight
Lynton & Lynmouth
The road winds down steep, wooded cliffs into the old fishing village of Lynmouth. At the rocky mouth of an Exmoor River that becomes a torrent during storms, Lynmouth’s magical location makes it a popular tourist day-trip from the North Devon resorts – but it’s usually easy to avoid the crowds.
Explore walks into the woods or along the coast that offer world-class views. You’ll see why romantic poets came here to be inspired and the Victorians called this Britain’s ‘Little Switzerland’. Today there’s a quirky selection of cafes, bars, gift shops… with the highlight being the thatched Rising Sun pub on the harbourside.
Peering over the cliffs above is the town of Lynton, a charming mix of formerly grand Victoriana. Take a wander to find even more stunning views. Try the walk through trees along the Lyn Valley gorge to the National Trust riverside tearoom at Watersmeet or up any of the paths onto Hollerday Hill above the town. Here you can find the overgrown remains of Hollerday House, mansion of the town’s enormously wealthy Victorian benefactor. George Newnes made his fortune from publishing Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories.
During your trip
Other Route Highlights
Recommended Detour
Drive west from Lynton or, even better, take the short walk to the Valley of the Rocks. This coast path winds between wild flowers and bare rocky outcrops with plunging views across the sea.
Porlock Bay
Follow the A39 as it sweep across the curves of Exmoor and down the steep bends of Porlock Hill. The heather-swathed shadow of Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest peak, overlooks the wide sweep of this quietly unspoilt bay.
Dunster
Catch Dunster at a quiet time and you’ll see why it can be one of the most popular and busy visitor spots along this whole stretch of coast. The romantic towers of a National Trust castle peep from trees above half-timbered cottages, cobbled streets and a much-photographed medieval market hall.
