Day 80: Lynton to Barnstaple
📏 Distance: 18.2 miles (29.29 km)
☀️ Weather: Hot and dry all day
⏰ Start: 08:22 | Finish: 15:30
An early start today, with the sun already promising a scorcher. I left our campsite which was just outside Lynmouth and hit the trail before the heat of the day really set in.
I began by following the West Lyn River, and then climbing steadily uphill until I reached the top of the moor. The views towards Lynmouth and out to the coast were simply breathtaking.
The route then took me across open country, and I stopped for a welcome break and a coffee at a charming community shop and café in the village of Parracombe. A lovely little village with a friendly feel.
The high hedgerows along much of today’s route offered much-needed shade from the sun. Thankfully, most of the walking was on quiet country lanes—far more manageable than battling through the overgrown footpaths I’ve encountered on previous days.
Tonight, we’re on a lovely campsite just short of Barnstaple. The owners have been incredibly kind and have generously offered one night free as we will be here for two nights.
Tomorrow is a shorter day—just 14.5 miles—and with another early start, I’m hoping to finish by early afternoon. Adam will pick me up at the end of the walk and bring me back to the site.
