Art on Exmoor since 1893

The Drive to Lynton Along the Coast

 

The picturesque drive to Lynton, on the North Devon/Somerset coast to stay at Gunn's apartments.  So you’re finally heading to the North Devon coast, to stay in the town of Lynton where Exmoor meets the sea.

This is the way we like to use, getting off the motorway at our earliest convenience.  Exit the M5 at Junction 23, Bridgewater the Home of the Carnival. then head for Minehead along the A39.  This route is shorter in miles, but a lot longer in time – but it’s worth it for the views and the interesting places on the way. Not many places to overtake and you can get caught behind a slower car. Allow about 2 hours from the motorway

For a short time you will drive through the Quantocks Hills, designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.  The first stop to consider is Williton with a possible detour to Watchet Harbour. At Williton you will find the Bakelite Museum. Wonderful Place. The next stop to consider is Dunster.  Take time to explore its medieval village with its Yarn Market and the incredible Dunster Castle. National Trust members can use the Castle car park, well worth it, the turning is just before the traffic lights, drive slowly.

Continue on the A39 again, avoiding Minehead, heading for Lynton & Lynmouth to Porlock. Look out for the National Trust village of Selworthy on the right. A real chocolate box village with beautiful thatched cottages nestled amongst the trees. A stop offers some spectacular scenery and views with walks around the Selworthy Beacon.  You could call in at the award-winning Periwinkle Tea Rooms, a beautiful thatched cottage with glorious views from its gardens.

From Selworthy and the Holnicote Estate head back to the A39 through Allerford to Porlock. You might want to return to Allerford for the Bird of Prey Centre later in your visit.

On to Porlock, a quaint village. You enter it via a steep hill and keep an eye out for the car park just around the first bend if you wish to explore the shops and galleries. A slight detour from Porlock takes you to Porlock Weir. A 17th Century settlement around a picturesque harbour with a few little shops and pub

Return to the A39 again, and drive up Porlock Hill, it is steep with a wicked bend to the left half way up, choose a low gear, over the cattle grid and your first views of Exmoor. This stretch of Exmoor's Heritage coastlone is glorious, with rugged cliffs, moorland, rolling hills and valleys.  Slow down to see famous Exmoor ponies and take care to keep an eye out for the sheep that sometimes just lie on the road. Lots of pheasants in the season and of course Deer. You may be lucky enough to see them, try the fields on the left. Stop a while at the carpark on the right where there is normally an Ice-Cream van, incredible views back along the coast and into Wales.

After County Gate you are now in Devon beginning your descent through Countisbury, past the Blue Ball Pub down into Lynmouth.  The views of Lynton & Lynmouth are quite breathtaking.

Through Lynmouth, up a steep hill to Lynton, around a tight right hand turn, past the church and we are opposite the Town Hall. The car park where you can get a £20 weekly ticket is right behind the gallery, tickets from the Studio next door.

There are three other exits from the M5 to North Devon

Junction 23 (Bridgwater) is the shortest in miles but the longest in time on a winding road that can take over 2 hours to reach Lynton. Many Sat Nav systems will bring you off at this junction. But the best way I think.

Junction 25 (Taunton) taking the A358 to Minehead joining the A39 to Lynmouth is a lovely scenic route in the daylight and will take approximately 1hr 30mins from the motorway depending on traffic. Not for me as the Taunton Traffic can be a nightmare.

Junction 27 (Tiverton to Barnstaple A361 link road) then A399 to Blackmoor Gate and A39 to Lynton, sign-posted will take about an hour and 30 mins from the motorway depending on the traffic, the link road can get busy but this is the quickest, just don't forget to turn off at South Molton to follow the valley to Lynton. My second choice

 

 

Dunster Castle
Dunster Castle

Dunster Yarn Market
Dunster Yarn Market

Thatched Cottage at Selworthy
Thatched Cottage at Selworthy

Allerford Bridge
Allerford Bridge

Porlock Weir
Porlock Weir

Wild Ponies from the top or Porlock Hill
Wild Ponies from the top or Porlock Hill

Where we are

Gunns Gallery,
11 Lee Road,
Lynton,
Devon,
EX35 6HW

Contact us

01598 753352

© Gunns Gallery 2024