Cloud Farm Campsite to Foreland Point walk
This rewarding circular trail begins with a gentle stroll along Exmoor's East Lyn River, before becoming slightly more challenging as it takes in breathtaking views at Foreland Point (the northernmost tip of Devon) and County Gate.
Enjoy a cream tea
If you need a rest along the way, head for the tea-room at Watersmeet, an idyllic riverside spot where you can enjoy a cream tea or a slice of cake.
Total steps: 10
Total steps: 10
Start point
Cloud Farm Campsite, EX35 6NU. Grid ref: SS794467
Step 1
From the campsite, cross over the footbridge (down from the shower block) and turn right to follow the bridleway.
Step 2
At the road, continue down the hill. At the entrance to the Buttery Café garden, turn right and cross over the old stone bridge. Following the road, go past the entrance to the campsite. After around 250m (275yds), you'll reach a footpath marked 'Public Bridleway County Gate'. Follow this path over the footbridge and you'll join the Coleridge Way, heading in the direction of Brendon.
Step 3
Arriving at a set of steps to the road, turn left to pass the bridge. Continue on the Coleridge Way along the East Lyn River for several miles until you reach Watersmeet.
Step 4
At Watersmeet, continue past the tea-room and turn right. Follow the footpath uphill towards Countisbury.
Step 5
After following the footpath uphill, you'll reach a main road. Cross over it and follow the road up to the church to join the South West Coast Path.
Step 6
Turn left and continue towards Foreland Point. At a fork in the path, you have two options: If the weather is good, you can head left and follow the tiny goat track around the tip of Foreland Point for a stunning view of the lighthouse (as per the mapped route), before returning to the coast path. The other option is to head right and continue following the coast path, travelling downhill to Coddow Combe. If the weather is poor or you have no head for heights, please choose the latter option.
Step 7
Continue along the South West Coast Path for around 2½ miles (4km). Cross the drive to Glenthorne and drop down on the marked path until you reach Sister's Fountain.
Step 8
Just after Sister's Fountain, leave the South West Coast Path and turn right uphill to follow the woodland boundary to County Gate.
Step 9
From County Gate car park, take the footpath heading south-east, down the hill. You should see Lorna Doone Valley in front of you. Eventually, you'll rejoin the road mentioned in step 1.
Step 10
From here, you can either retrace your steps in reverse – going over the old bridge, following the road to your left and heading along the bridleway – or walk down the entrance track to Cloud Farm Campsite.
End point
Cloud Farm Campsite, EX35 6NU. Grid ref: SS794467
Trail map
More near here
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Lorna Doone Valley short river walk
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Get in touch
Lorna Doone Farm, Malmsmead, Lynton, Devon, EX35 6NU
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We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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