Bank Holiday Weekend - SWCP Lynmouth to Combe Martin

SWCP PIII Lynmouth to Combe Martin 15 Miles

It took as a while, but we are back again to do some more of the Coast Path. This time, as well as Pog (Rosie the dog) and the lovely Amie, we are joined by our daughter Bethany and Tom her husband. 


After arriving on Thursday evening, and with a Marathon looming at the end of September, Friday was the day for running. I left early and ran from the camp site the 2.5 miles down to Woolacombe and then enjoyed a 3 mile run barefoot in the sand along the beach, before returning to the campsite. Refueling on Jammie toast we then left along with Amie and Pogs to take the Traka Trail the 5 miles into Ilfracombe and the verity statue in the harbour. It was a lovely cool run through the woods, past the reservoir and then into the town. After a photo stop we headed back the long drag to the caravan and after a short extra loop completed 11 miles and 19 in total and in time for lunch. The rest of the day was spent relaxing with Bethany and Tom arriving late in the evening.

The next day was a day for walking, with the section from Lynmouth to Combe Martin planned with an estimate of 13 miles and lots of climb we knew a long day was coming on already tired legs. The day dawned sunny and after a few hiccups trying to find enough change to park cars at both Combe Martin and Lynmouth we left Lynmouth.

The path climbed steadily before nearing the valley of the rocks. Goats and lovely outcrops of rock greeted us and we turned inland into the valley of the rocks we were meet by rehearsals for Lorna-Doone an open-air play being performed in the evenings later in the week. After a short stop watching proceedings, we then climbed to the top of an outcrop to enjoy the view across the cliffs. (Or it could of been a wrong turn ;-) ). 

After a look at the map we retraced our steps and then followed the road through the Lee-Abbey estate, where Tom made friends with some South Devon Cows with wobbly horns. After a long section of tarmac we eventually left the road at Woody Bay and ventured onto cliff tops covered in heather and bracken.

Lunch time was soon upon us and high above the mouth of Heddon valley we stopped and eat lunch on the rocks enjoying the view. High cloud had encroached upon the sun meaning it was ideal walking conditions, not too warm, and cooling breeze.

Suitably refreshed we dropped down into the valley and ventured inland to the 'Hunters Inn' for refreshments and to refill empty water bottles.

The pleasant valley floor soon gave way to another steep climb as we made our way out of the valley. The path left Heddon Valley mouth and kept climbing, again on lovely open heath land with great views across to wales, from Pembrokshire, the Gower peninsular, to Cardiff, and the mountains behind. Closer to home glimpses of Lundy along the coast were visible.

Ahead lay more climbing as we could see the high points of Holdstone hill, which we skirt and then Great Hangman, which we climb at 318 metres or 1043 feet the highest point of the cost path. The path around Holdstone hill was a carpet of heather, with  a constant drone of bees making the most of the late summer feast. 

The path dropped sharply before we reached Great Hangman, so it was one last slog to the top. The views as they had been for most of the day were spectacular as we started are final decent into Combe Martin via Little Hangstone and Lester Point. 

The day finished with an Ice-cream before a BBQ at the Caravan. A perfect days walking.