Where to start? Spring, I think … and a little tour.
There must be many reasons that you may choose to visit Lynton and Lynmouth. The stunning Exmoor countryside and North Devon coastline goes hand in hand with an astonishing collection of flora and fauna and wildlife. From the coast to the moors we have walked, photographed and observed for many years.
Lee Abbey to the Valley of Rocks – spectacular wood and coastal walks.
Spring brings the guillemots and razorbills onto their precarious ledges on the cliffs. From North Walk, you can see them below bobbing on the sea in groups. Binoculars are useful in this area. Fulmars also nest here and suffer much predation from Great Blackback Gulls, Raptors etc.
Our summer bird visitors arrive in the Valley of Rocks to breed, Wheatear, Redstarts, Whitethroat, and Common Warblers are all worth looking out for, stunning birds who have wintered in Spain and Africa. Early morning is best as they settle in and sing in their search for mates. This is a good area for the beautiful Goldcrest. If you are lucky there’s always a chance of a fox, roe deer and red deer higher up towards the field line.
Local birds, Robin, Blackbird, Wren, common species of Tits, Linnet, Pipit, Stonechat, Goldfinch Woodpecker, etc. We don’t have an abundance these days so you need to watch, listen and maybe learn a little about habitat, Well worth it and certainly enhances the joy of walking.!!
Dolphin and Porpoises are often seen from North Walk quite close to the North Devon coast. Looking towards Countisbury would be a good place to find our beautiful Exmoor Ponies and Red Deer.
We shall now walk down to Lynmouth and along the East Lyn River to Watersmeet …
Lynmouth, such a sad history but all ok now, the harbour and maybe a Kingfisher catching tiny crabs as the tide goes out or skirting the tide lines. The Dippers breed here and are probably the most amazing little swimmers against a strong river current. Grey Wagtail on the rocks and pools breed here too.
We had a Goosander and young on the river last year but I think they were predated by Gulls and the mother flew off alone!!!.
The walk up to Myrtleberry and Watersmeet is stunning, the chance of all these birds along the way and of course one or two Heron. Summer visitors here are spotted also including Spotted and Pied Flycatcher, Redstarts, Warblers and Blackcaps. There is so much else to discover. We will tell you more about our travels later in the spring.
[ Words and Images by John & Jenny Elvin @ Tarka Photography ]