Hunters Inn at Heddon Valley to Lynton Cycle ride

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton

Probably one of the most stunning coastal cycle rides in England. You can start the ride at the Hunters Inn at Heddon Valley in Exmoor National Park.

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton
Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton

You can extend this ride by starting at Combe Martin, Ilfracombe or for really long ride from The Gallery Lodges at Braunton.

Starting at The Hunters Inn you may need a stiff drink to tackle the steep climb out of the valley. To avoid this park at the parking areas nearer to Lynton.

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton

Once you have climbed the hill through the woods you get great views across the hill tops to the coast

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton. Through the woods obn the way down to Woody Bay.

Soon you reach the coast and the stunning vistas begin of the amazing North Coast.

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton. Road really hugs the coast above Woody Bay.

Woody bay is a fun detour if it s hot for a swim, or hang on for Lee Bay further on.

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton. If like me you tread with caution when it comes to planning trips round cafes, I rang ahead to check it was still open in Sept and arrived in full anticipation drooling only to find it was shut. Did I fall off my bike in shock or not?

The descent down to Lee Bay near Lynton (not the one near Wolacombe which is a great ride also) is a real treat and if like me the main focus on the trip is a great cafe don’t rely on the beautiful cafe at Lee Bay. They have quite a short season. But don’t worry there is a more reliable cafe just a mile up the next hill with a lovely garden with large portions of pudding pies.

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton. Climb up to Valley of the rocks towards Lynton

Once down in Lee Bay climb up through the Valley of the Rocks past the Lee Abbey Christian retreat, probably the most scenic place to try your hand at some religious pursuits.

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Looking back down Valley of the Rocks to Lee Bay. Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton

At Lynton check out the historic cliff railway and if you need to stretch your legs further descend the steep road into Lynmouth.

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Cliff Railway at Lynton. Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton.

 

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton

The way back is a real treat as from Woody Bay you take the old Victorian Carriageway which hugs the cliffs and bluffs all the way back to the pub at Heddon Valley.

Heddon Valley Hunter's Inn to Lynton
Exotic views from the cliffs. Heddon Valley Hunter’s Inn to Lynton
Start of the Victorian Carriageway
Start of the Victorian Carriageway

From Heddon Valley there is also the stunning short walk out to Heddon’s Mouth Cove.

 

 

 

Stunning route back along this amazing trail. For off road bikes this section. Road bikes head back the same way you came.
Stunning route back along this amazing trail. For off road bikes this section is a dream, almost completely flat with amazing views across to South Wales. Road bikes head back the same way you came.
Descent down to the Hunters Inn at Heddon Valley.
Descent down to the Hunters Inn at Heddon Valley a bit stoney.
The final Goal, Back to the Hunters Inn for a beer.
The final Goal, Back to the Hunters Inn for a beer or two.

If you get it all right you get your rewards right here at the splendor of the Victorian Era Hunters Inn, which together with the Victorian Carriageway and Woody Bay formed the start of a very ambitious Victorian Holiday Resort to rival Ilfracombe.

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