Day 3 - Lynton to Combe Martin/Watermouth Castle - 15 Miles

This was to be a long day. We got up slightly later than the first two days. I think I went for a shower at about 7.15am. When we'd finished and put down the tent, we set off for the day after posting our money through the shop letter box as it didn't open until 8.30am. We made our way to Lynton and stopped at the shop to buy some breakfast and something for lunch. I had a Cornish Pasty for breakfast and some coronation chicken sandwiches for lunch with two packets of Walker's sweet chilli crisps.

We tried to find the coast path by the cliff railway station but failed and so went back down the hill to join it there. We followed a tarmac road, which became a tarmac path perched high over the sea with great views all the way to Castle Rock and the Valley of the Rocks – which were lovely rocky outcrops.

Above: The little town of Lynton perched above Lynmouth, connected by the cliff railway.

Right: Simon on the tarmac path out of Lynton as we approach Castle Rock.

Castle Rock by the Valley of the Rocks
and the way ahead beyond Lee Bay

From here we took to the small toll road, which was lovely and wound its way slowly down hill to Lee Bay (another one!) past Lee Abbey, which is now a christian centre. The scenery was magnificent! When we reached Woody Bay we took a fairly flat cliff path which made its way through oak woodlands clinging to the cliffs. We eventually emerged from these woods to have fine views over the sea from our high perch.

Eventually we reached the valley of Heddon's Mouth, which was spectacular, but we had to cut right inland, descending gradually to almost Hunter's Inn – temptingly close but both too tired!!! – and then hellishly ascend back out of the valley and zig zag upwards on the opposite valley side to our descent.

No more diary entry for this day.

Looking back from around Woody Bay. The furthest headland is Foreland Point from the previous days walk

The beautiful Heddon's Mouth after our long climb back out of the valley.. puff, pant, puff!

The view ahead from the highest point of the entire South West Coast Way, namely Great Hangman, with Little Hangman in the foreground below, and behind that the inlet of Combe Martin. The descent from here was slow and agonising with my knees playing up:/ We sat with several drinks in Combe Martin and then decided to carry on around the coast to Watermouth Castle where there was a choice of campsite for the evening.

The wonderful sunkissed view back the way we have come, as the sun sets and we approach Watermouth Castle campsites. Little hangman can be clearly seen with Great Hangman less pointy behind.

Map of the day's walk:(click to enlarge)

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