Day 3 - Friday 12 May 2017
Lynmouth to Combe Martin (14.5 miles)
Awoke to a rather ropey looking weather forecast which promised a dull day with the possibility of a bit of a downpour later. Undeterred we headed downstairs for a nice large brekky at Orchard House. Serving us was Kevin who was an eccentric and very loud Welsh bloke - blimey could he talk!! In addition to breakfast with Roy & Bernie, we also met 4 lads walking Minehead to Braunton - second to last outing before completing the entire path.
From Lynmouth the walk to Lynton up North Hill is a really good wake up call for the legs - although you can cheat and catch the railway which can be seen as you make the ascent. At the top of the hill we were both blowing for tugs therefore Angie popped into Lynton for supplies. The section through the Valley of Rocks is just superb cliff walking and a little while later this was followed by a steep descent and ascent in and out of Heddon's Mouth. Before leaving Heddon's Mouth we stopped to sort Angie's foot out as she had developed some rubbing on her heel where the protective micro porous tape had moved.
Tape replaced, we moved on and shortly after met a chap called Bill and his Cocker Spaniel Dylan who were coincidentally from Poole. Above Elwill Bay we were attacked by a swarm of black fly beasties who gave us a good chasing for 5 minutes before buggering off to annoy someone else. Inevitably the rain came just after Trentishoe Down and then left us alone before giving us a really good drenching as we entered Combe Martin. Our B&B at Channel Vista was a short walk from the harbour and on arrival we were given a lovely welcome by one of the owners Colin who served us tea & cake in the Conservatory. After settling in we walked back into the village for a top up of supplies and a nice Pizza in The Dolphin - the locals made a right old fuss of Fudge.
From Lynmouth the walk to Lynton up North Hill is a really good wake up call for the legs - although you can cheat and catch the railway which can be seen as you make the ascent. At the top of the hill we were both blowing for tugs therefore Angie popped into Lynton for supplies. The section through the Valley of Rocks is just superb cliff walking and a little while later this was followed by a steep descent and ascent in and out of Heddon's Mouth. Before leaving Heddon's Mouth we stopped to sort Angie's foot out as she had developed some rubbing on her heel where the protective micro porous tape had moved.
Tape replaced, we moved on and shortly after met a chap called Bill and his Cocker Spaniel Dylan who were coincidentally from Poole. Above Elwill Bay we were attacked by a swarm of black fly beasties who gave us a good chasing for 5 minutes before buggering off to annoy someone else. Inevitably the rain came just after Trentishoe Down and then left us alone before giving us a really good drenching as we entered Combe Martin. Our B&B at Channel Vista was a short walk from the harbour and on arrival we were given a lovely welcome by one of the owners Colin who served us tea & cake in the Conservatory. After settling in we walked back into the village for a top up of supplies and a nice Pizza in The Dolphin - the locals made a right old fuss of Fudge.
Another overcast day as we leave Lynmouth - hopefully the weather will improve soon
Lynmouth Harbour entrance
Which way?
"The Walker" at Lynmouth
The Walker was commissioned to mark the end of The Coleridge Way long-distance walking route and also indicates the closing stage of The Two Moors Way, as well as pinpointing where both these walks intersect with the South West Coast Path. Designed and constructed by local craftsman Richard Graham, the statue is made from reinforced 8mm marine quality stainless steel wire and shows a larger-than-life walker stretching out his hand in greeting.
The Walker was commissioned to mark the end of The Coleridge Way long-distance walking route and also indicates the closing stage of The Two Moors Way, as well as pinpointing where both these walks intersect with the South West Coast Path. Designed and constructed by local craftsman Richard Graham, the statue is made from reinforced 8mm marine quality stainless steel wire and shows a larger-than-life walker stretching out his hand in greeting.
And so begins the calf busting ascent up to the village of Lynton - you can cheat and catch the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway train
The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
This historic Victorian railway opened in 1890 and has connected the twin towns of Lynton & Lynmouth ever since. The 862 feet of track rises 500 feet with an impressive gradient of 57% providing stunning views across Lynmouth Bay. The railway is a fully working listed heritage monument and is the steepest fully water powered railway in the world. With no need for electricity, gas or diesel the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway remains the UK's only fully water powered railway and one of only three examples left in the world.
This historic Victorian railway opened in 1890 and has connected the twin towns of Lynton & Lynmouth ever since. The 862 feet of track rises 500 feet with an impressive gradient of 57% providing stunning views across Lynmouth Bay. The railway is a fully working listed heritage monument and is the steepest fully water powered railway in the world. With no need for electricity, gas or diesel the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway remains the UK's only fully water powered railway and one of only three examples left in the world.
The view from Lynton down to Lynmouth
Valley of Rocks
Lee Abbey
America for us today
Above Woody Bay looking back towards the Valley of Rocks
Passing Woody Bay, this was a lovely section of the path
Looking down on Heddon's Mouth
Crossing the River Heddon
Elwill Bay
Dylan
Heading along Trentishoe Down with Great Hangman ahead
The Great Hangman NT sign below Holdstone Hill
The summit of Great Hangman - it was getting forebodingly dark now and the rain was not far away
Leaving Great Hangman with Little Hangman ahead of us
There is the option to visit Little Hangman - we had been already a few years ago therefore cracked on to Combe Martin
Day 3 Data
|
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage Time Cumulative Time Total Ascent Cumulative Ascent |
14.5 miles
39.6 miles 7 hrs 20 mins 20 hrs 05 mins 5725 ft 12776 ft |