North Devon Short Walking Breaks at Mellstock House

Holiday Summary

Why not enjoy walking two of the best stretches of the South West Coast Path in North Devon with this Mellstock House short break. Your Mellstock House break offers two walks on the The South West Coast Path from Lynmouth/Lynton to Combe Martin(13.0 miles / 21.0km graded Strenuous) and Combe Martin to Woolacombe (13.0 miles / 21.0km graded Moderate). Shorter distances can be arranged if you prefer. You will have the opportunity to explore the sister villages of Lynmouth and Lynton, with the unique water-driven funicular railway - an eco-friendly Victorian invention - before a roller-coaster journey over high cliffs and secluded bays, along the coast path. You will enjoy gems such as the Valley of the Rocks, where feral goats roam freely, Great Hangman, the highest point on the South West Coast Path, and pretty resorts such as Combe Martin and Ilfracombe. Mellstock House in Combe Martin is an Edwardian 4 star bed and breakfast offering high quality accommodation with a warm welcome and unrivalled hospitality. Ideally situated only a minute from the beach, Mellstock House has a fully licensed bar and intimate dining room where they serve their renowned home cooked breakfasts using the highest quality local produce. All dietary requirements and food allergies are catered for. All bedrooms are en-suite, tastefully decorated, most with countryside and sea views.

Day 1: Lynmouth to Coombe Martin

(13.0 miles/21.0 km strenuous)

The pretty harbour village of Lynmouth is also the start/end of Devon's own Coast to Coast, the Two Moors Way. From here to Barnstaple, the route is also followed by the Tarka Trail. Take the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway or climb the steps up to Lynton, its sister village and then it is a cliff top walk to Castle Rock and the Valley of Rocks, equally famous for the feral goats that roam the valley as well as the rocky crags and pinnacles. The path passes Woody Bay; the surrounding area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, famous for its "hanging" oakwood and red deer. It also crosses a couple of deep valleys at Heddon's Mouth and Sherrycombe, before reaching Great Hangman, which, at 1,043 feet (318 m), is the highest point on the Coast Path before dropping down to Little Hangman and onto Combe Martin.

Day 2: Combe Martin to Woolacombe

(13.0 miles/21.0 km moderate)

Combe Martin is a small pretty resort in a sheltered valley. A succession of coves and headlands follows until Ilfracombe, where there is the opportunity to take a day off to explore the nearby Lundy Island & Marine Nature Reserve. The Path straightens out after Ilfracombe before again hugging a number of headlands and coves to Mortehoe and then drops to Woolacombe.