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117 waTersmeeT, LynmouTh A fine series of pools and falls. The NT tearoom has been serving teas in the old fishing lodge since 1901: try the Exmoor speciality, whortleberry jam. A good location to watch salmon leaping; see otters, red deer and buzzards, too. Bluebells in May. , 300m upstream there is a series of rocky pools down beneath the path on R. Another ½ mile, before Ash Bridge, find several beachy areas and deep corner pools. Lots of paddling for kids. Another 1½ miles upstream leads to Long Pool. 5 mins, 51.2262, -3.7908 s q
119 BadgworThy pooL, maLmsmead Charming but small plunge pool underneath shallow waterfall and big tree in popular Doone Valley woodland walk. , Malmsmead is a tiny village off A39 Lynmouth–Minehead road and is at the heart of Doone country (tea rooms). Park here or drive ½ mile up to Cloud Farm campsite to use their shop or campsite (EX35 6NU, 01598 741278). From here cross footbridge, follow path 1 mile upstream until woods clear and path bears R up onto moor. On L, under a lip of bank, find small pool by large tree. 20 mins, 51.1951, -3.7285 q
118 Long pooL, rockford Deep, long secluded pool in a small, verdant ravine beneath a waterfall. , From Watersmeet, or descend from excellent Rockford Inn (EX35 6PT, 01598 741214, turn onto B3223 from A39, just N of Lynton, then immediately L up steep narrow lane). Or for a real adventure do the whole route to Watersmeet in wetsuits, but beware the various waterfalls and drops. 15 mins, 51.2203, -3.7873 a T w
120 squaBmoor Lake, BudLeigh Lily pond and reservoir high on East Budleigh Common. , Head N on B3179 from Budleigh Salterton. About 1½ miles from roundabout (with B3178) turn R at brown sign for ‘reservoir’ (opposite farm shop sign). Pass pretty Bystock lily pond on L to find parking on R. Continue on track through trees down to reservoir. 5 mins, 50.6486, -3.3592 U
121 coLaTon raLeigh, r oTTer Lovely little beach and deep corner pool beneath red cliffs with ivy and ferns. , Turn down Church Rd off B3178, opposite Woods Village Shop. Pass church and follow footpath from botton of road (near farm) to river and downstream for 5 mins. You could also try the beaches 1 mile N at the bend 50.6862,-3.2957 (footpath off Church Rd). 10 mins, 50.6745, -3.2925 1 q 122 fLuxTon weir, r oTTer Good pool above the weir in pastures S of Ottery St Mary. Interesting old mill house on way. , Follow signs for Tipton St John from A3052/Sidmouth, pass Red Lion pub and bridge and up Tipton Vale to find parking behind bus stop (½ mile) and footpath beyond on R. Weir is just under a mile, 5 mins beyond Fluxton Mill. Continue 1 mile (20 mins) up river to a deep corner pool on the inside of a deep hairpin bend/oxbow (50.7397, -3.2827). 20 mins, 50.7267, -3.2891 1
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