Words and pictures can only tell part of the story.
Enjoy some of the most spectacular views that you are ever likely to see out over Lynmouth Bay, Exmoor and beyond.
Rising above Lynton explore the many footpaths that climb Hollerday Hill standing some 800ft/243m above sea level at its summit. Today the hill is mainly wooded with some beautiful walks that head west along the cliffs to the spectacular and magnificent Valley of Rocks.
Hollerday Hill
A good place to start is the old driveway up behind Lynton Town Hall where the famous publisher of Titbits and Strand magazines, Sir George Newnes, built a great mansion called Hollerday House. This unfortunately burnt to the ground in 1913 in some very mysterious circumstances. The site of the house and the old tennis court can still clearly be seen along with the remains of an Iron Age settlement on the hilltop. Even though there is little to nothing remaining there are plenty of short walks that weave their way around the hill.
It’s a great place for a romantic stroll, exploring with the family or a romp with your dog.
Valley of Rocks
A major natural beauty attraction and a popular tourist spot situated about a mile out of Lynton. It is accessible from the centre of the village by road or by North Walk, a scenic coastal footpath forming part of the South West Coast Path and running along some of England’s highest cliffs.
This stunning ‘dry valley’ is truly unique in running parallel with the sea unlike any other combe on the north coast. It is an extraordinary area of strangely weathered rock formations with names such as The Devil’s Cheesering, Castle Rock, Ragged Jack and Mother Meldrum’s Cave, home of the soothsayer from R. D. Blackmore’s novel ‘Lorna Doone’. It was probably created during the Ice Age and both Iron and Bronze Age human settlements together with the remains of stone circles have been discovered in the area.
The picturesque rocks in the valley have their very own population of feral goats and Exmoor ponies are often seen scrambling amongst the rocky outcrops and scuttling precariously along the paths. The valley also plays host to the local cricket club whose pitch has one of the most beautiful settings in the country.
Several enchanting bays including Lee Bay and Woody Bay lead westward along this dramatic coast towards the breathtaking Heddon Valley and beyond.
This is truly wonderful walking country, where the trees offer shade and shelter, and nature provides outstanding views and beautiful countryside.