Top 5 Waterfalls around Exmoor

Yes, several waterfalls in Exmoor are suitable for families. Glen Lyn Gorge near Lynmouth is a great option, offering steep paths to various waterfalls and viewpoints, with benches and picnic spots available. Watersmeet, where the East Lyn River meets Hoar Oak Water, also provides riverside walks and a National Trust tea room, making it a pleasant outing for all ages.

Exmoor offers diverse waterfall experiences. You can witness a waterfall flowing directly into the sea at Woody Bay, which is part of the Coast Path and View of Woody Bay trail. Another unique spot is Snowdrop Valley, where a stream cascades down a hill, surrounded by thousands of snowdrops in late winter, creating an enchanting scene.

A beautiful waterfall in Western Cliff Wood is very close to a public path, making it an easy stop for those exploring the area. It originates in the hills above Comberow and flows into the Washford River.

Exmoor offers a variety of walking routes near its waterfalls. For example, the area around Watersmeet is known for its riverside walks and spectacular coastal views. The Coast Path and View of Woody Bay provides varied terrain with scenic coastal vistas and features waterfalls along its path. For more general easy hikes in the region, you can explore options like the Barton Town loop or the Riverside Path loop from Simonsbath, detailed in the Easy hikes around Exmoor guide.

Yes, Glen Lyn Gorge is a dramatic gorge near the mouth of the River Lyn, featuring steep paths leading to various waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints over the gorge, across Lynmouth, and even to the Welsh coast.

The best time to visit depends on what you want to see. For a unique seasonal display, late winter (typically late January/February) is ideal to visit Snowdrop Valley, where thousands of snowdrops carpet the banks of a cascading stream. During other seasons, the waterfalls are generally accessible, with spring and autumn offering lush greenery and vibrant foliage.

Beyond waterfall viewing, Exmoor offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as those listed in the Easy hikes around Exmoor guide. For cyclists, there are gravel biking routes like the Watersmeet Trail loop from Malmsmead, detailed in the Gravel biking around Exmoor guide. Running enthusiasts can explore trails like the Tarka Trail and Chains Barrow Loop, found in the Running Trails around Exmoor guide.

Yes, near Watersmeet, you can enjoy a traditional Devon cream tea at Watersmeet House, a 19th-century fishing lodge managed by the National Trust. If you're visiting Glen Lyn Gorge, its proximity to Lynmouth means cafes and pubs are readily available in the village.

Visitors frequently appreciate the dramatic scenery, the variety of trails, and the sense of tranquility. Many highlight the breathtaking views, the opportunity to spot wildlife like red deer and herons, and the unique experience of waterfalls meeting the sea. The area's natural beauty and diverse terrain are often mentioned as key attractions.

For those seeking a more challenging hike and a sense of wilderness, Hurlstone Combe along the South West Coast Path features a waterfall within its rugged landscape. This area is known for its remote and rocky terrain and dramatic sheer cliffs, offering breathtaking views.

Absolutely. The Coast Path and View of Woody Bay offers spectacular views over Woody Bay, where a waterfall flows into the sea. Additionally, Glenthorne Beach provides a viewpoint where you can see a stream rushing down to the sea, with views across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coastline.