These four villages lie in the valley
of the East Lyn River, which flows
East-West and joins Hoaroak Water at
Watersmeet, a couple of miles West of
Rockford. This is "Doone Country" -
the setting for the famous story 'Lorna
Doone' by R. D. Blackmore. The little
church at Oare is where Lorna was shot
on her wedding day.
A thorough account of the real
history of this area can be
found in "Exmoor" by S. H. Burton
(published by Robert
Hale, London: ISBN 0 7091 7153
6).
The valley between Watersmeet and Oare
(about 5 miles) is steep sided and the
road closely follows the winding
river. The scenery is very pleasant
with much of the valley clad in ancient
woodland.
There are two notable watering
holes;
The Staghunters Inn in Brendon
(01598-741222 EX35 6PS) and the
Rockford Inn, Rockford (01598-741214
EX35 6PT). Good beer and food at
both.
There are some great walks in the area,
the most popular to the West being
along the river between Watersmeet
(SS745486) and Rockford and also up the
hill North to Countisbury.
At Malmsmead, super views reward the
walk up to County Gate
(SS794487).
There is also a lovely walk up "Doone
Valley" to the South following
Badgeworthy Water; cream teas can be
had en-route at Cloud Farm.
In Malmsmead there is a picnic spot and
a tea room.
Footpath sign at County Gate
The 65 page Guide to the
Brendon Valley and Doone
Country contains lots of
information including history,
geography, walks,
accommodation, contacts etc.
Essential reading for
visitors.
Copies are available in many of
the local shops.
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Brendon Hotels
B&B,
Brendon Holiday Cottages
Public
Transport
OS map of Malmsmead
The Brendon Valley from County
Gate
Oare Church
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Accommodation in Brendon, Rockford,
Malmsmead and Oare
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Weir
Bungalow Self Catering Holiday
Cottage, Brendon
Weir Bungalow directly overlooks the
East Lyn River and all its wildlife.
Surrounded by the most beautiful
countryside, the bungalow is ideal for
walking or riding and is close to the
twin coastal villages of Lynmouth and
Lynton. The Bungalow is comfortably
furnished and well equipped throughout
with central heating and double
glazing. It has Living room, Bedroom
with double bed, Shower room,
Conservatory/Dining room, Kitchen,
Fully enclosed small front patio, Rear
balcony overlooking the river. Suitable
for 2 persons.
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The
Hayloft Self Catering Holiday
Cottage, Oare
Luxurious en-suite self catering
holiday cottage accommodation for up to
4 people set within its own combe in
Lorna Doone country at the heart of
Exmoor National Park on the
Somerset/Devon border.
Kemps Farm is completely private and
secluded, yet is only one mile from the
most beautiful coastline in England and
close to both Lynton and Porlock.
The Hayloft offers total seclusion from
the outside world and if you truly want
to get away from the madding crowd then
this is the place for you.
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Little Mead
Brendon Self Catering Holiday
Cottage
Peaceful, spacious cottage in large
garden beside the East Lyn River.
Kitchen/diner, sitting room, large
sun-lounge, bathroom, separate shower
and WC. 3 bedrooms, 2 double and 1
twin. Close to moorland and the
spectacular coastal path, where Exmoor
meets the sea.
Superb walking riding and game fishing.
Take a boat trip from Lynmouth Harbour,
see red deer with an Exmoor Safari and
try the Lynmouth to Lynton cliff
railway. Walk to the pub (Brendon)
which serves food.
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The
Rockford Inn B and B / Full Board
Brendon
The Rockford Inn is a secluded country
pub dating back to the 17th
Century.
The Inn nestles in the Brendon Valley
amongst a hamlet of houses beside the
East Lyn River, deep in the Exmoor
National Park near Lynton &
Lynmouth.
Good food, real ales and log fires.
Beer garden overlooking the East Lyn
River. Separate "Guests only" TV lounge
with log burner.
Salmon & trout fishing permits can
be purchased from the bar. Great walks
through the oak woods down to
Watersmeet. 2 family rooms, 3 double
rooms, 1 single. No pets. B&B or
full board. Wifi. Plenty of parking.
All major Credit Cards accepted.
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Millslade Country
Guest House B and
B Brendon
A North Devon Guest
House B&B providing tranquil,
relaxing accommodation and fine cuisine
in Brendon Valley, Exmoor.
Millslade can comfortably accommodate
up to 10 guests in a mix of double and
twin rooms - making an ideal venue for
large family gatherings or group's who
would like to takeover the whole house
for a few days or a weekend.
Resident proprietors Keith and Carol
offer a warm and friendly welcome for
all those wishing to enjoy the raw
beauty of the Exmoor countryside, yet
wish to retain all the pleasures of
home. Decorated to a high standard,
Millslade House is comfortable with a
relaxed atmosphere. Pets welcome
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Leeford
Cottage B and B Brendon
16th century former farmhouse offering
high quality, 4 diamond,
character accommodation at reasonable
prices. The cottage is kept spotlessly
clean with prettily decorated
olde-worlde rooms all sporting
beautiful views. A haven of peace and
tranquillity with a warm and friendly
atmosphere. Our "Best of British"
cuisine is highly acclaimed. AA 4
Diamond rated.
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Meadpool
House B and B Brendon
Delightful and peaceful Edwardian house
on the South bank of the East Lyn
river, offering friendly, high quality
B&B accommodation. Dedicated
guests' lounge and separate dining
room. Three bedrooms of good size, each
with luxurious en-suite or private
bathroom. All rooms are carefully
furnished and full of character, with
superb views. We regret that the
accommodation is not suitable for
children or dogs. Private fishing
from our garden by arrangement.
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