Lynton And Lynmouth – Where Exmoor Meets The Sea

The twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth can be found on the North Coast of Devon. In the beautifully rugged Exmoor National Park with its dramatic sea cliffs, moors and forested valleys. Lynton sits on the top of the cliffs while the little village and harbour of Lynmouth lie on the Bristol Channel, 500 feet below.

Getting There

Due to the relatively remote location on the edge of Exmoor, there are fairly limited public transport links. Driving is the most convenient option and will give you the chance to explore the rest of Exmoor National Park.

It’s only 80 miles from the M4 junction with the M5 near Bristol.

Once you leave the motorway the roads get rather narrow, this makes the journey time about 2 hours but don’t rush. Just enjoy the beautiful Devon views and the view over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales.

We would recommend parking in the clifftop village of Lynton when you first arrive.

Lynton

The village of Lynton overlooks the Bristol Channel and the South Wales coast. It’s only 18 miles from our home town of Porthcawl, as the crow flies. Although the actual drive all the way around the coast from South Wales takes over 3 hours.

We recommend taking a look around Lynton and then walking down the cliff path to the Lynmouth and the harbour below. There’s an easy way to get back up that hill to the car park, so don’t worry.

Lynmouth

As you walk down the steep path to the harbour don’t surprised to see a goat or two perched on a rocky outcrop.

The pretty village of Lynmouth is clustered around the small harbour at the foot of the cliffs. Fishermen’s cottages and little shops line the narrow street.

Along the seafront, you’ll find the bottom station of the world-famous Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. This is how we’re going to get back up the cliff to Lynmouth.

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The Victorian funicular railway connects the two villages along an 862-foot track and is completely water-powered. As you travel between the two villages there are spectacular views over the North Devon coast.

The railway opened in 1890 and has been in continuous use since. It remains the world’s highest and steepest water-powered cliff railway in operation.

The Lynmouth Flood Disaster

On the 15th of August 1952, an intense rainstorm occurred over Exmoor. The runoff from the moor ran down the valleys. The debris created a dam across the West Lyn river. When this gave way, a huge wave of water and debris cascaded down the river into the town.

The flood destroyed or damaged more than 100 buildings and 28 bridges. 34 people died in the disaster. When you visit Lynmouth in the future, be sure to look at the Flood Memorial Hall near the harbour.

Lynton And Lynmouth North Devon – Pin For Later