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West Anstey - Lynmouth

Distance: 29 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
End points:
- West Anstey (Grid Ref SS853274)
- Lynmouth (Grid Ref SS724495)

Entering Exmoor, the Way descends to cross the River Barle at the famous beauty spot of Tarr Steps. The valley of the river is then followed through the villages of Withypool and Simonsbath, the lush wooded valley gradually becoming more moorland in its character. The Way then crosses an area of high moorland, passing the source of the River Exe on its way. The final length, high above the deep wooded valleys converging on Lynmouth, is a truly spectacular finale to the walk, views encompassing not only moorland and valleys, but the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, one seemingly perched on top of the other, and the sea beyond.

Mileages between towns on route:
West Anstey - Withypool; 10 miles
Withypool - Simonsbath; 7 miles
Simonsbath - Lynmouth; 12 miles

Relevant maps/guides: 1:25,000 scale: Explorer no. 114 Exeter and the Exe Valley; OL9 Exmoor. 1:50,000 scale: Landranger no. 181 Minehead and Brendon Hills; 180 Barnstaple and Ilfracombe

Facilities along route: All facilities at Lynmouth; pubs and shops at Withypool, Simonsbath.

For more information on the route of this walk, please click here