Navigating the North Devon Coast: Your Guide to Travel from Lynton & Lynmouth to Combe Martin

The picturesque North Devon coast offers breathtaking scenery, but travelling between its charming villages can sometimes present a logistical puzzle. If you find yourself at Lynton & Lynmouth station and need to reach the coastal village of Combe Martin, or vice versa, understanding your transport options is key to a smooth journey. This guide will provide you with the essential information, whether you're looking for a direct taxi service, considering public transport, or even planning to embrace the dramatic landscape on foot.

Taxi Services: The Direct Route

For those seeking the most straightforward and convenient way to travel between Lynton & Lynmouth station and Combe Martin, a taxi is your best bet. Two local providers are frequently recommended:

• Riverside Taxis
• Lyn Valley Taxis

These services offer a direct connection, eliminating the need for transfers and allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey. While the exact fares can vary depending on the time of day and demand, booking in advance is always advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons. The distance between Lynton & Lynmouth and Combe Martin is approximately 14 miles. A taxi journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Public Transport Options: Buses and Connections

Public transport offers a more budget-friendly alternative, though it often involves more planning and potentially longer travel times. The primary bus services connecting the area are:

• Services 309 and 310: These buses provide a regular service between Lynton/Lynmouth and Barnstaple. Services are generally hourly, making Barnstaple a key hub for onward travel.
• Service 300: This route runs a few times daily to Ilfracombe via Combe Martin. Its frequency can be limited, particularly outside of the summer months, so checking schedules is crucial.
• Service 301: Connects Barnstaple and Combe Martin.

To get from Lynton & Lynmouth to Combe Martin using public transport, you would typically:

1. Take bus services 309 or 310 from Lynton/Lynmouth to Barnstaple.
2. From Barnstaple, catch bus service 301 to Combe Martin.

Alternatively, if the 300 service is running at a convenient time, it might offer a more direct link from Barnstaple to Combe Martin. It's important to note that bus services can be significantly reduced on Sundays and public holidays.

Important Note for Public Transport Users: If you are planning to undertake the coastal walk described below and wish to return by public transport, it is often recommended to park in Combe Martin and take the bus into Lynmouth. This allows you to complete the walk back to your parked car at your leisure.

The Lynmouth to Combe Martin Coastal Walk: An Adventurous Alternative

For the active traveller and nature enthusiast, the coastal path between Lynton and Combe Martin offers one of the most spectacular walking experiences in the UK. This challenging, approximately 14-mile trek, is graded as ++++ (indicating a strenuous walk) and takes you along the highest sea cliff in England, the formidable Great Hangman, soaring to 318 meters (over 1000 feet).

The Journey Highlights:

• Lynmouth to Lynton: The walk begins in the charming harbour town of Lynmouth, nestled in the Lyn Valley. The initial ascent to Lynton is steep, often following paths that zig-zag up the cliff, crossing the unique, gravity-powered Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway.
• Valley of Rocks: From Lynton, the path leads west through the dramatic Valley of Rocks, a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers, known for its sheer rock formations and often inhabited by hardy mountain goats.
• Lee Bay and Lee Abbey: The route continues past the secluded Lee Bay, with its rocky beach and the historic Lee Abbey.
• Woody Bay: Further west, you'll encounter the beautiful Woody Bay, another picturesque, albeit isolated, coastal spot.
• The Hangman Cliffs: The most demanding section involves navigating the heathland leading to the imposing Great Hangman and Little Hangman cliffs. The path here is often rocky and undulates significantly, offering unparalleled sea views.
• Combe Martin: The descent into Combe Martin brings you to a village nestled in a deep valley, renowned for reputedly having the longest single village street in England.

Practicalities for Walkers:

• Navigation: An Ordnance Survey Explorer map OL9 (Exmoor) is essential for this route. The path is generally well-signed, but conditions can be demanding, and visibility can be poor in fog.
• Terrain: Expect a variety of surfaces, including tarmac paths, bridleways, grassy tracks, and rocky sections. Significant ascents and descents are a constant feature.
• Footwear: Sturdy walking boots are a must.
• Weather: Coastal weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for wind, rain, and sun.
• Water and Supplies: Carry ample water and food, as facilities are scarce along much of the route.
• Parking: If walking from Lynton to Combe Martin, consider parking in Combe Martin and taking a bus to Lynton to start, allowing you to finish back at your car.

Key Locations and Their Features

The journey between Lynton & Lynmouth and Combe Martin encompasses some of North Devon's most iconic landscapes:

• Lynton & Lynmouth: Often referred to as "Devon's Little Switzerland" due to its steep topography. Lynmouth sits at sea level in a gorge, connected to the clifftop town of Lynton by the unique water-powered Cliff Railway. Lynmouth suffered a devastating flood in 1952, a stark reminder of the power of nature in this valley setting.
• Valley of Rocks: A truly unique geological formation immediately adjacent to the coast, offering dramatic scenery and opportunities for scrambling.
• Combe Martin: A large village with a long main street, a bay suitable for exploring rock pools, and amenities like shops, pubs, and cafes. The historic Pack O'Cards pub is a notable landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does a taxi take from Lynton & Lynmouth station to Combe Martin?
A taxi journey typically takes between 30 to 40 minutes, covering approximately 14 miles.

Q2: What is the best way to travel by public transport?
The most reliable public transport route involves taking a bus from Lynton/Lynmouth to Barnstaple, and then connecting to a bus service to Combe Martin.

Q3: Is the coastal walk between Lynton and Combe Martin difficult?
Yes, it is considered a strenuous walk with significant ascents, descents, and challenging terrain, particularly around the Hangman cliffs.

Q4: Are there car parks in Lynmouth and Lynton?
Yes, there are pay and display car parks available in both Lynmouth and Lynton.

Q5: Which bus number goes from Lynton to Barnstaple?
Bus services 309 and 310 operate between Lynton and Barnstaple.

Whether you choose the speed and comfort of a taxi, the adventure of the coastal path, or the practicality of public transport, reaching Combe Martin from Lynton & Lynmouth station is an achievable goal, opening up the wonders of the North Devon coast to all travellers.

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