This is a National Trust walking trail, starting at Watersmeet House. It’s an easy, dog friendly circular walk for all the family and takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour. You will see a dramatic river gorge, ancient woodlands, a tea garden and a shop in stunning surroundings. It’s about 1.5 hour drive from Bowerland on the North Devon Coast – perfect for a day trip if you’re staying with us. 🙂 Click HERE for driving directions.
Watersmeet House
Cross over the road and go down the steep path. At the bottom of the path you’ll arrive at Watersmeet where the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water meet. It is worth stopping for a while to look at the waterfalls as they are a wondrous sight. You will be able to hear the sound of the water cascading noisily over the rocks and boulders.
Once you have had a quick look around the house, retrace your steps back over the first bridge. Turn left upstream. and the East Lyn river will be on your left.
Keep a look out for a mine adit – A horizontal passage leading into a mine for the purposes of access or drainage. If you look carefully you will spot it on the rock face close to the bridge. This is one of the last remains from the mineral exploration work that was carried out in the area by local landowners.
Bluebells in Spring
You will come to a signpost – keep to the left signed Rockford 1.5 miles. At the fork in the track you will see a 3 way signpost named Barton Wood. Follow the footpath to Rockford to your left, down through Barton Wood towards the river. You will come to a beautiful beech wood. During spring this whole area is covered in bluebells.
Ash Bridge
When you reach Ash Bridge, cross the river and turn left at the signpost on the other side marked Watersmeet. Walk downstream with the river on your left and remain on the path back to Watersmeet House. When you arrive back at Watersmeet House you will be then able to visit the lovely tea garden, and partake in a Devon cream tea. You may also wish to visit the gift shop and toilets.
The Return
Finally, after enjoying a well earned rest, cross both the bridges next to Watersmeet House, past the waterfalls and return up the steep path to the car park.
We hope you enjoy this beautiful walk. Read more of our Wednesday Walks HERE. And see Devon Dog’s Calendar of Events HERE.
Come and stay with us in our cottage style apartments, right in the heart of Dartmoor, and try out our amazing Wednesday Walks for yourself.
Featured image by Mark Percy | CC BY-SA 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons