guest house and b&b, lynton, north devon
34 lee road, lynton EX35 6BS tel: 01598 753328
Not much in the way of new walks or activities to report lately. Everyone has been sticking to small favourite walks when the weather has allowed. It was interesting yesterday that our guests Bruce and Helen did the Watersmeet via Countisbury walk, which takes three to four hours, but they didn't start until about 4.30pm. We cannot remember anyone doing this type of walk this late in the day. It's a great idea because so often the late afternoons are nicer walking weather than early in the day.
The other evening we went for a walk to the Valley of Rocks via North Walk. When we left there was not a cloud in the sky. By the time we got to Castle Rock we could see heavy rain coming (first picture), we soon got drenched, there was a wonderful rainbow starting and finishing in the Valley of Rocks, then the rain was gone again. This is how changeable the weather has been! The rainbow in the second picture went all the way to the ground on the other side. We didn't have a wide lens camera with us. Of course we should have taken two pictures and joined them together, but didn't think at the time!
Our guests Matthew and Krista enjoyed a circular walk in the Doone Valley yesterday, and gave us this lovely picture. Many of our guests explore the area, and we have done a similar walk ourselves starting at County Gate Car Park, but this walk (taken from a book) sounds nicer. It is 7.7 miles, starting from Malmsmead car park, taking you through the countryside in which RD Blackmore set his novel. There is somewhere to eat at the beginning (and end) and also in the middle. We have photocopies of the walk in the lounge.
With the improvement in the weather it has been good to see everyone getting back into walking again. Watersmeet is probably the most popular walk for most people, and lately we have noticed how our guests have all got there different ways:
1. If you are unable to walk too far, it is possible to drive to the car park and walk down. It is quite a steep walk down (especially back up). It is possible to take a car right down to the bottom, but only by special arrangement.
2. The most popular way is to walk is along the river from Lynmouth. It is about a 40-minute walk, and is quite steep in places, but not too challenging. The path is quite good, although sometimes wet in places. You should be ok in trainers or shoes.
3. 'Over The Cleaves' Our favourite walk takes you inland via Summerhouse Hill and Myrtlebury Cleave to Watersmeet, then back along the river to Lynmouth. This is about four miles and takes a few hours. It is hilly and the path can be uneven . . . walking boots are advised. The views over Lynton and Lynmouth are spectacular. We have details of this walk written out (pick one up in the lounge), so you don't need a map.
4. Over Countisbury. This takes a bit longer than 'Over The Cleaves, and starts with a serious climb to the Sandpiper on Countisbury Hill, then down through fields and woods to Watersmeet. It is also possible to extend this to Brendon, approaching Watersmeet along the river. Details of this walk also in the lounge.
5. From Hillsford Bridge. It is possible to drive to the car park at Hillsford Bridge, then walk back along the river to Watersmeet. The scenery is similar to walking from Lynmouth, but it is a bit shorter, and not quite as hilly.
July 7th
We had been told that the big tree in front of the National Trust property at Watersmeet had been cut down. It was really old and had become dangerous. We got there ourselves to have a look today, and it has really changed the appearance of the area. Of course there is less shade now, but it does make the garden feel bigger. In the first picture below the mound in the foreground is where the stump is. The top floor of the building would not have been visible. The second picture shows the new bridge which was built last winter.
