Lorna Doone Valley to County Gate circular walk
This is a short walk with one steep incline at the start but your effort will be rewarded with great views of the Bristol Channel. The walk takes in some of the best views of the East Lyn River and follows sections of the Coleridge Way. At the right time of year, the walk is perfect for seeing vibrant purple heather and bright yellow gorse along the valley sides. Halfway through the walk treat yourself with a hot drink and snack from the Ramblers Rest at County Gate.
Total steps: 5
Total steps: 5
Start point
Lorna Doone Farm, grid ref: SS791478.
Step 1
From the carpark walk around to the front to the Buttery Tea Room and cross over the medieval pack horse bridge. Continue up the road past the entrance to Cloud Farm Campsite. The road bends around to the right here take a left following the footpath signs pass Parsonage Farm using a small gate on the left. Follow the footpath over the footbridge turning right on the other side of the river.
Step 2
Immediately on the left walk in between two hedges. At the end of the two hedges there is fingerpost for County Gate here follow the footpath uphill towards County Gate. The path up the valley is steep but levels out after 400m. Follow the path until the County Gate car park.
Step 3
Cross through the car park to the bottom left-hand corner where there is a metal information panel. In the corner of the carpark is a fingerpost for Brendon follow the path towards Brendon.
Step 4
Follow the path along the ridge of the valley for around 800m until you reach another fingerpost. At the fingerpost turn left downhill into the woodland. The path descends into the woodland and eventually levels out alongside the East Lyn River. Continue along the footpath passing in front Glebe House and to gate on the other side. Keep alongside the river until you reach a footbridge.
Step 5
Cross over the footbridge and continue along the path past Parsonage Farm turning right on the road. Continue along the road until you reach the Lorna Doone car park.
End point
Lorna Doone Farm, grid ref: SS791478.
Trail map
More near here
Lorna Doone Valley short river walk
A tranquil stroll along Badgworthy Water through the picturesque Lorna Doone Valley to the memorial to the author of Lorna Doone R.D.Blackmore.
Doone Valley circular walk and ride
A challenging walk through the picturesque Doone Valley to discover the remains of an abandoned medieval village. Experience the dramatic wide-open landscape of Exmoor as this trail loops around the moor. Keep an eye out for the Exmoor ponies who roam across the moor.
Get in touch
Lorna Doone Farm, Malmsmead, Lynton, Devon, EX35 6NU