Looking for a new spot to explore this summer? Why not head to Valley of Rocks on the outskirts of Lynton? The beautiful, rugged valley is not only home to a herd of wild mountain goats but has also been named by Countryfile as a top place for a spring walk!
BBC’s Countryfile released a list of their 23 best locations for a spring walk across the UK and Valley of Rocks, made the cut. Countryfile said: “On a quiet spring day, there’s a lost world feel to North Devon’s enigmatic Valley of Rocks, despite the serpentine ribbon of road that curls through the vale in a place where a river once ran.
“Here ancient fossil rich fingers of Devonian stone form shadow puppets against the sky, framing one of South West England’s most dramatic views as Exmoor stampedes off the edge of towering cliffs and down to the churning sea. Exult in these cliffs where feral goats clamber skilfully between Devonian crags on our short circular walk around the Valley of Rocks in Devon.”
While Countryfile recommends Valley of Rocks as a great place for a spring walk, it is also a great option for a summer time walk, with bright blue skies and the sun rippling off the ocean below, this is a truly beautiful walking route.
This area of Exmoor as long been a source of inspiration and awe, with many of Britain’s best loved writers and poets spending time in the area and using it in their work. Fancy seeing for yourself if what Countryfile says is true?
How to get here:
Valley of Rocks can be found near Lynton and Lynmouth in the Exmoor area of North Devon. It is located along the South West Coast Path, for those of you using GPS or sat nav, use the postcode EX35 6JH to get to this part of the path.
Countryfile’s recommended route is a short circular walk that will last around an hour and a half and is rated as moderate.
1 – Start at Hollerday Hill. From the Exmoor National Park carpark at the eastern entrance to the valley, walk across the road and follow the footpath directly ahead, which ascends the western cheek of Hollerday Hill. The path elbows right and meets a T Junction., Turn left and follow the South West Coast Path with the sea to your right.
2 – You should then pass under Rugged Jack, a tor. It is here that you should be able to see the goats, which have been present here since the time of the Domesday Book.
3 – The path will round the head and descend which will bring you towards Castle Rock and give you amazing views over Wringcliff Bay. This part of the Valley served for the inspiration for RD Blackmore’s novel, Lorna Doone.
4 – You’ll come up to a roundabout, a return trail leads down to Wringcliff Bay itself, which is a lovely, quiet cove.
5 – Once you’re back on the road, you will begin to descend towards Lee Abbey. Take the track that branches left and climb the hill, as you approach Six Acre Wood, take a sharp left to follow the bridleway along a gentle incline.
6 – Leave the bridleway and go straight to join a path heading east above South Cleave, which is a protected part of the valley. Here you can see the remains of an iron Age Hill fort and more beautiful views. Stay on this trail and bear right, which will then descend towards the car park where you started, you should pass a cemetery on the right.
Fancy seeing more walks around the area? Check out the South West Coast Path here.