Countisbury Lodge Lynmouth

Walk the valley, to a cream-tea, or a nice pub

Temperate rainforest, deep pools, waterfalls, bridges

Times: probably around an hour each way at a leisurely pace

Effort: moderate - reasonable distance, some rough underfoot and moderate climb

Suggested footwear: sturdy trainers on a dry day or light walking boots in the wet

Follow the track from the Lodge, down to where it joins Tors Road at the river. Turn left here and walk to the footbridge, where you can either stay on the road or cross and walk down the footpath to the next footbridge, which might gain you a better view of ducks, herons and dippers. At the start of he path down the side of the Lyn is a good chance to check seasonal opening times for Watersmeet, if you plan to get a tea and scones or other treats. Follow the rugged path through oak forest, always near the river, either close enough for dogs to drink, or higher up with impressive views of deep pools and small waterfalls. You will cross at Black Pool, giving a natural break from the walking and a minute to to appreciate the sound of the churning water. You will now stay on the right side of the river, passing the remains of the old Lynrock mineral water factory, with a ginger beer bottle sealed into the rock. Skipping the next crossing, you will pass MyrtleBerry, a private house on a low oxbow, with its hedgehog highways in a high fence. This is where the valley widens and the trees give way to a little bit more sky. As you follow the last few bends, skip the next bridge (although maybe go up for a photo) and you will climb a little just as Watersmeet appears on the other side of the now much shallower water. Take the left path down to the first bridge, crossing in front of an impressive waterfall, and finally a second bridge over to the wide lawn and tables outside of the Victorian fishing lodge of Watersmeet. Stop here for a cream tea, or lunch, or press on to Rockford (see below).

The return trip can be made more interesting by starting on the same side as the Lodge. The path does climb slightly higher on this side, but with a good amount of dappled sun on a good day. Keep left on all of the path joins, unless you feel like an adventure uphill to the coast. And the path will finally rejoin the main route you started out on, back to Lynmouth.

There are many good spots for dogs to drink from the river at several points

There are several very nice pools for a dip along the river, but for some, access is potentially slippery and steep

The East Lyn River in Autumn colours

Keep going for an excellent pub lunch and even more dunking spots

Times: An extra 45 minutes each way

If you want a longer walk, then there is nothing better than continuing past Watersmeet, on to the dog-friendly Rockford Inn, which does excellent lunches and has a really good bar.

Walk around the back of Watersmeet (and a good opportunity for a toilet break) to continue up the East Lyn. This route is a little higher to start, and there are excellent rock formations and twists and turns along the river all the way to your destination. There are several amazing spots for your dog to get in the water (or yourself, as long as you have plenty of warm, dry clothes for the rest of your walk). This part of the walk is a lot quieter than Watersmeet. Ignore the footbridge for now, as you can cross it on the way back. Continue up the left hand bank of the river until you eventually see some houses. Keep going and you will see the welcoming sight of the Rockford Inn on the other side of the water. There is a narrow footbridge just past here.

To vary your return journey, follow your way back the way you came on the right hand bank. But, when you get to the footbridge, cross and follow the left bank back to Watersmeet. This route heads slightly further from the river at points, through the woodland, and brings you back to your starting point just by a small cave as you get back to the Lodge.

You can also just drive and park at Watersmeet if you want to try this part of the walk separately on a different day.