Watersmeet

We had a lovely walk this morning along the banks of the River East Lyn from straight outside our hotel to Watersmeet seen here. This property and much of the path is owned by the National Trust up a beautiful wooded valley.  Strangely enough having never been to Lynmouth before we have been to Watersmeet on a previous occasion when returning from RHS Rosemore near Great Torrington which we visited a couple of times. Then it had a lovely shop but like many NT places the shop is no more. We did have a coffee though and they had wonderful looking Rhubarb and ginger scones but we were still too full from breakfast!  It was quite an up and down walk so although only 2 miles there and 2 miles back it was enough. We took the riverside path there and the higher woodland path back. 
Sunny and pleasant all the way and not that muggy heat we had yesterday.

We took a look around the Memorial Hall back in town. We’d passed Lynrock Fountain on our walk, the natural spring could still be seen where there used to be a mineral water and ginger beer factory. You could see a fireplace with its mantel but the whole of the rest had been washed away in the 1952 disaster. The event is represented in the Memorial Hall. 34 lives were lost including whole families and two visiting Australian  girls  who were hiking and seeking shelter. 

We then took the funicular railway up to Lynton. Had a cup of tea at the top and walked to the Valley of Rocks. I’d never heard of this place before. We walked back on some of the SW Coastal path.
There are 4 trails here. This morning we were on the Coleridge Trail. There is also a Two Moors Trail from coast to coast in Devon taking in Exmoor and Dartmoor and the Tarka Trail - maybe a cycle path

We diverted off the coastal path to zig zag back down through the woods into Lynmouth, where we had a drink. Over 21,000 steps today. (I accidentally had a pint of cider and am feeling a bit sleepy but dinner calls!)

I know I’ve ordered seafood tonight, crab salad, very disappointed last night as the catch of the day was all gone but Chris enjoyed his meal!