Watersmeet
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The beautiful area of Watersmeet is one of the last remaining ancient woodlands in the West Country, just above Lynmouth Harbour. Something else which is unique to the area and got its name from its local situation is the No Parking Whitebeam.
This tree is the first specimen of a newly identified species of tree and botanists decided to keep the name, latinizing it to "Sorbus No Parking", because that it how it was known locally since being discovered in the 1930s.
Although the No Parking sign has been removed to avoid damaging this unique species of Devon whitebeam, the name it seems has stuck!
Visitors to Watersmeet will find this a beautiful part of the Exmoor National Park, from
Oaks, whitebeams, bilberry, woodruff and many types of moss and lichen can be found in the damp river gorge.
Watersmeet includes a stunning stretch of the South West Coastal Path for those wanting a bracing walk high above the sea spray.
The path runs along the Glenthorne Cliffs towards Foreland Point, Devon's most northerly headland. The walk is archaeologically interesting as it incorporates the Iron Age hillforts which can be explored at Countisbury and Myrtleberry.
Watersmeet is one of Britain's deepest river gorges. Within earshot of the rushing river, in a shady glade is a 19th century fishing lodge known as Watersmeet House.
It was built in 1832 by the Revered W. S. Halliday at a time when Exmoor was popular with wealthy writers such as Wordsworth and Shelley, and a poem written for the family by Wordsworth hangs above the doorway.
The quarry which provided the stone for the house can be seen nearby, along with old lime kilns and the remains of a former hydro electric power station.
The lodge is now used as an Edwardian tea room, National Trust shop and information point. The
The fast-flowing River Lyn provides challenging canoeing conditions during the wet winter months when the river is high.
From March to September it is popular with fishermen whose patience is rewarded with fine specimens of trout and leaping salmon. The river valley is a haven for wildlife including colourful butterflies, otters and birds and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Walkers also enjoy the many paths which run along the Lyn Valley. Woodland walks from time to time open out to reveal pretty waterfalls or stretches of boulder-filled riverbed. The National Trust guidebook of local walks offers coastal walks and circular moorland walks which all enjoy scenic views.
Warden-accompanied walks are organized from time to time and there is a children's quiz sheet and nature trail available from the National Trust shop.
Those wanting to stay in this scenic area will be pleased to know that the National Trust has several holiday cottages in Watersmeet as well as a stone barn which sleeps 18 in hostel accommodation at the remote-sounding Exmoor Base Camp.
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Watersmeet Postcode for SatNav: 35 6NT
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Days Out near Watersmeet
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Lyn & Exmoor Museum (1 Mile)*
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Wildlife & Dinosaur Adventure Park (9 Miles)*
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Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre. (9 Miles)*
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Allerford Museum (10 Miles)*
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Watermouth Castle (11 Miles)*
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Chambercombe Manor (12 Miles)*
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Old Cornmill & Tearoom (13 Miles)*
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North Devon Farm Park (14 Miles)*
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Marwood Hill Gardens (14 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Watersmeet
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Porlock (6 Miles)*
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Culbone (6 Miles)*
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Ilfracombe (13 Miles)*
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Minehead (13 Miles)*
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Barnstaple (14 Miles)*
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Exton (15 Miles)*
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Dulverton (16 Miles)*
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Umberleigh Bridge (17 Miles)*
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Braunton (17 Miles)*
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Woolacombe (17 Miles)*
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