Lynton and Lynmouth - autumn colours
We chose late November to visit one of our favourite locations, Lynton and Lynmouth, to see the beautiful autumn colours. As we arrived and parked up at Lynton, the rain started! To allow the rain to pass, a "full English" at the cafe "Charlie Friday's" was a great start.
So leaving the cafe, we headed out towards the coast path in the direction of Valley of the Rocks. There are two paths, my favourite being the upper path which is more grassy and natural - the lower pathway is tarmacked with easy access but and the views are equally beautiful. The path hugs the coastline and with each twist and turn you are treated to views that keep beckoning you to walk further.
We walked on past the Valley of the Rocks and followed the coast path sign posts. The late autumn sunshine is truly beautiful and the colours so rich. Today the sky and clouds were stunning. I could literally keep walking all day following the coast path, but we had to make our way back to Lynton so took a left turn following an uphill path through some woods.
 |
Instead of the lovely views we were treated to the company of the mountain goats, so famous for the area.
On previous visits, we have only seen them from afar, but today, we were amongst them. I'm inspired to paint them, particularly with this misty backdrop!
Heading along the pathway we were now beginning to go downhill again, towards Lynton. Normally this walk would be "enough" for the day but madly we decided to extend in the other direction and walk to Lymouth for a cup of tea by the river.
There is a normally a cliff railway operating which carries you up and down the hill but not today, so we crazily did on foot - probably never again!
The railway is really fabulous and well worth a trip as the views are really beautiful. I'm not sure whether it was closed for covid, or seasonal.
This is the view from the pathway from Lynton down to Lymouth, it is a very steep hill!
 |
| View towards Lynmouth |
We chose to stay at an Airbnb, but there are lots of hotels, pubs and lovely holiday rentals so you won't have a problem finding somewhere to stay, particularly out of the main season.
So, the following morning and after another breakfast at Charlie Fridays, we relocated the car down to Lynmouth for a walk to the National Trust Cafe at Watersmeet. A real family favourite from the past. Within 5 minutes we had spotted a dipper on the water, a tick in the box!
 |
The walk along the river goes gently uphill and the cafe is about 2 miles up the valley (roughly).
Had the weather been better, the colours would have been truly stunning. We will definitely try and repeat this time next year but most probably do a "last minute" booking for the overnight stay if good weather.
I think you really need good sunshine to see the colours in their full glory. Lynton, Valley of the Rocks and Lynmouth have such a variety of trees and moorland shrubs that the colour of leaves are amazing.
After a quick cup of tea and walk back down the valley, we headed for home.
One of my paintings inspired by the break (sold):
The dipper is a bird that feeds from the water and is well camouflaged so quite hard to spot.
You are likely to catch a glimpse of it on the rocks with a flash of white on the chest. They frequently disappear under water!
