Thursday 1 October 2015

The Valley of the Rocks

Our Saturday walk started on the edge of Lynton where we walked down to the Valley of the Rocks. This extraordinary dry valley with its rugged sides runs parallel to the sea. In contrast to its craggy look is the smooth grass of the cricket ground in its centre.


The area has feral goats grazing on it to keep the grass short. These can be seen and heard on top of the most rocky outcrops. The central hill as you approach the sea is castle rock and it is possible to walk up this.


Some of the rocks do look as if they are in place simply by chance.



We set off down the coast towards Lee Abbey through bracken and heather which look their best at this time of year.



We were being watched...


As we climbed up into the hills we had a view back towards Lee Abbey which is ideally situated for a retreat and conference centre.


Several miles on we dropped back into the same valley where we had well earned refreshments in the garden of the cafe.


We were watched this time from a nearby tree....


The second part of our walk took us on the outer path between the sea and the rocks. Not the best for any vertigo sufferers!



The path took us round to Lynton with glimpses of Lynmouth from through the trees.


We passed over the famous Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway that  links the two towns together.


This is run in a totally eco friendly manner where gallons of water balance the two carriages as one descends and the other rises. Sadly we didn't have a chance to ride on it.


The view from Lynton churchyard must be one of the best.


On our return to the car park we passed another churchyard with this beautiful carving from a tree stump. It was certainly proving to be a weekend of curious trees and there is another one to come tomorrow too!


We then eagerly returned to our accommodation for a delicious Devon cream tea before refreshing ourselves and relaxing ready for supper!

















2 comments:

  1. You really did have some glorious weather amazing photos

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  2. A really beautiful location. Curious as to why the handing "people" in the tree. I like the horse head tree craving. A town just north of us has done themed related carvings to all the stumps - the town is Fergus so all the stumps are Scottish related ...it is quite interesting.

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