LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

We parked in Lynton Village car park and climbed the hill to the Valley of Rocks Hotel, shops and St Mary's Church. There were excellent views across Lynmouth Bay to steep high cliffs to the sea. We turned left along the path which passes the famous Lynton Railway, only powered by the weight of water. We continued onwards along the tarmac path to the steep high cliffs, passing a sign requesting pedestrians to mind the wild grazing goats. We soon passed several goats perched precariously on protruding ledges. Turning the corner we had breathtaking views of Castle Rock and the fantastic coastline towards Ilfracombe. Tracey rested on a bench while Phil, Tom and I climbed the rocky Castle Rock to the summit, much to the delight of Tom with his boundless energy. After a short break with Tracey we continued to Mother Meldrum's Cave. It was a steep climb to the cave from the road, but the cave was not obvious. At the entrance to the estate, private road and toll house, tea cottage, we spotted a grass snake on the road, or was it an adder? The field next to the tea cottage was occupied by brown cows and a black bull. There were good view of the Priory from the path. As we climbed the hill through the woods and emerged on the steep open slopes, the views were spectacular. We then had a steady walk along the edge of the Valley of Rocks with a stop at a bench for photographs, where Tracey lost her glasses. It was a long slow descent back to Lynton and the car, to end a magic walk in the sunshine.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk
Start & Finish: Lynmouth

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Number 597 and Number 765. Also the South West Costal Path Number 437