Lynmouth, Watersmeet and Ash Bridge woodland circuit

A woodland circuit from Lower Lyndale car park in Lynmouth, following the East Lyn through Wester Wood to Watersmeet and returning from Ash Bridge through Barton Wood. The water, bridges and changing woodland give the walk its shape. Lynrock Fountain marks the former mineral-water factory destroyed in the 1952 flood; farther upstream, Watersmeet House began as a fishing lodge in 1832.

Leave the north-east corner of Lower Lyndale car park by the riverside steps and path. Cross the small footbridge at Tors Road, cross the road carefully and follow the Watersmeet signs upstream. Pass the first woodland bridge. At the Riverside Walk fork, descend to Blackpool Bridge, cross it and turn left upstream past Lynrock Fountain. Continue on the signed path to Watersmeet. Cross the first bridge by the confluence, then take the Rockford path before the second bridge. Keep left at the Rockford sign and at the Barton Wood fork to reach Ash Bridge. Cross Ash Bridge and turn left for Watersmeet. From the house, take the gravel track towards Lynmouth, then follow the Woodland Walk. Cross the woodland bridge near Middleham and return downstream past the memorial gardens to the parking steps.

Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes of walking on uneven woodland paths, with steps and repeated short climbs. Wear shoes with good grip; roots and stones can be slippery after rain. Stay on the signed paths, keep away from the fast river and keep dogs on leads. This is not a step-free route. The separate Hillsford Bridge bridleway branch is closed for a landslip until 7 November 2026; this circuit approaches Barton Wood from Watersmeet and does not use that branch. Follow any newer local notices.

Start at the public pay-and-display Lower Lyndale car park, Watersmeet Road, Lynmouth, EX35 6EP. Check the payment board and choose a stay long enough for the walk. Toilets and refreshments are available in Lynmouth; facilities at Watersmeet depend on opening hours. Carry water and take litter home.

Route based on the National Trust Lynmouth to Ash Bridge circular itinerary, with the start connected to Lower Lyndale parking by its riverside steps. Access and closure information checked against Exmoor National Park and local parking information.