A very hot Sun day, even with a light breeze on the coast. We had Cherry Pie at Mother Meldrums, and took in the epic views below Castle Rock. I have no head for heights but I challenge myself to go a little further along the path each time but looking over the edge its a long way down and a long way up!!. TBF its an easy walk for most people.
This trail forms part of the South West Coast Path, from here you can enjoy the fabulous views across the Bristol Channel, clear azure water across to Wales, sit a while or walk further on to complete the loop or head for Lynton. No goats today but the sound of leather on willow as the Lynton and Lynmouth Cricket Club played a perfect pitch under Rugged Jack.
It’s an epic site geology-wise but also a place of myths and legends that inspired poets and writers. As you walk down passed the cricket pitch Rugged Jack and Castle Rock formations veer up beyond on the right, looming over the valley on the left is another rock formation known as the Devil’s Cheese Wring, home of white witch Mother Meldrum who featured in RD Blackmore’s Lorna Doone. The tearoom is named after that, there was for years, a scarecrow witch on a broomstick, hanging from a tree but this was taken down for fear of upsetting folk.
There was a smattering of heather, mainly bracken and coastal grass filled this time of year and I noticed what looked like a lot of Ragwort, a pretty yellow, daisylike wild flower dotted through the grassland and between the rocks. It’s brilliant for insects and pollinators, harmful to cattle and horses, not sure about feral goats, lets hope not.
I've made a compilation of photos and a video of a snippet of the match see Youtube link below:
Pat Adams' North Devon Focus. My North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle
#valleyofrocks #lyntonandlynmouth #cricket #southwestcoastpath #northdevon #exmoor #coast #walking #hiking location
"Lynton
and Lynmouth Cricket Club was established in 1876. The ground, which is
thought of by many as the most picturesque in England, is situated in
the centre of The Valley of Rocks, between two giant tors, with sweeping
views down to the sea.".
