The Valley of the Rocks is one of those places that genuinely stops you in your tracks. It’s hard to put into words — it almost doesn’t feel real until you’re standing there taking it all in.
Located in Exmoor National Park, it’s easily one of the most iconic spots to visit in North Devon.
There are a couple of ways to experience it. You can drive straight to the valley and explore the rock formations on foot, parking at either the Valley of Rocks Car Park or nearby South West Coast Path parking.
But if you’ve got the time, and are able to, the best way to see it is on foot — starting from the beautiful town of Lynton.
The Route Overview
- 📍 Start/Finish: Bottom Meadow Car Park, Lynton
- 🥾 Distance: Just under 3 miles (circular)
- ⏱ Time: ~1.5–2 hours (plus exploring time)
- 🧭 Route type: Well-marked coastal paths
- 🔁 Direction: Anti-clockwise
Once you’re done, definitely leave time to explore Lynton, hop on the famous Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway down to Lynmouth, and grab yourself a proper Cornish pasty.
Parking
The walk starts at Bottom Meadow Car Park, which is ideal if you’re in a campervan or motorhome.
- Small charge applies
- Overnight stays permitted for campervans/motorhomes
- SatNav: Castle Hill, Lynton, EX35 6JD
Please Be Aware
If you’re driving into Lynton & Lynmouth via Cointisbury Hill… brace yourself.
This hill is seriously steep — the kind you don’t forget in a hurry. In a campervan especially, it can be brutal. We actually ended up overheating our brakes on the way down, even while using low gears.
If you want to avoid it, use the A39 via Barnstaple instead. The hills are much more manageable, especially in a campervan.
The Route
Follow your map as you walk and you shouldn’t get lost. Make sure your location is turned on so you can see exactly where you are. Alternatively, download the GPX file and use it with your preferred route tracking app.
This is a circular route. Follow it anti-clockwise.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Start at Bottom Meadow Car Park
Exit the car park and turn left onto Castle Hill. Follow the road until you see a turning on your right for North Walk Hill.
2. Join the Coast Path
Head up North Walk Hill, cross over the tramlines, and continue onto the footpath signposted for the Valley of the Rocks.
3. Optional Viewpoint Detour
You’ll come to a split in the path:
- Left: Leads up to a viewpoint (worth it if you’ve got time)
- Straight: Continue the main route
4. Continue to the Valley of the Rocks
Follow the path as it winds along the cliffs until you reach the valley itself.
Take your time here — this is the highlight.
5. Head Down to the Road
From the valley, take the path off to your left which leads down to the road.
6. Return to Lynton
Turn left onto the road and follow it all the way back into Lynton, looping back to Bottom Meadow Car Park.
Final Tips
- 📶 Signal can be patchy — download your route in advance (GPX recommended)
- 🥾 Wear decent footwear — some sections are uneven
- 🐐 Keep an eye out for the wild goats — they’re usually around
- 🌅 Sunset here is unreal if you can time it right
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Planning more walks in Devon?
Check out some of my other hiking guides across the county: Devon
