explore

Located in the beautiful East Lyn Valley within Exmoor National Park, The Rockford Inn is the perfect base for discovering some of the most scenic landscapes in North Devon. Just a few minutes from the historic twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, the inn sits beside the peaceful East Lyn River and is surrounded by some of the best walking, cycling and wildlife-spotting opportunities in the region. Visitors can explore stunning river walks through ancient woodland to Watersmeet House, enjoy coastal views at Valley of Rocks, or discover charming Exmoor villages and dramatic North Devon coastline. Whether you're planning a relaxing countryside escape, a walking holiday in Exmoor, or simply searching for the best things to do near Lynton and Lynmouth, The Rockford Inn offers an ideal starting point for exploring the natural beauty and heritage of Exmoor National Park.

Visit Lynton & Lynmouth (15 minutes away)

Nestled on the dramatic North Devon coast, Lynmouth and Lynton are twin villages that feel straight out of a storybook. Lynmouth sits prettily at sea level, with its charming harbour, riverside walks, and cosy cafés, while Lynton perches high above on the cliffs, offering sweeping views across Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. Linking the two is the historic Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, a unique, water-powered funicular that’s an attraction in its own right. Together, they make a perfect base for exploring rugged coastlines, wooded valleys, and the wild beauty of Exmoor—ideal for walkers, nature lovers, and anyone craving a slower, sea-salted pace of life.

East Lyn river

The East Lyn River winds through the heart of Exmoor with a quiet, untamed beauty. Rising on the high moor, it cuts deep wooded valleys and rocky gorges before meeting the sea at Lynmouth. Along the way, it passes right by the Rockford Inn, where the river flows close enough to be heard from the garden—an iconic pause point for walkers tracing the valley. Wild, atmospheric, and ever-changing, the East Lyn feels like a living thread stitching together moorland, forest, and coast.

Explore the Valley of Rocks

The Valley of Rocks is a dramatic dry valley on the northern edge of Exmoor National Park, near the village of Lynton in North Devon, England. Known for its towering sandstone rock formations and sweeping views over the Bristol Channel, the valley was carved during the Ice Age when a river was diverted, leaving behind a striking landscape of jagged cliffs and unusual rock stacks.

It is especially famous for its herd of wild goats that roam freely among the rocks, adding to the area’s rugged charm. Popular with walkers and photographers, the Valley of Rocks offers a unique blend of geological interest, coastal scenery, and peaceful natural beauty.

Walking and Wildlife in Exmoor National Park

Nestled in the Brendon Valley on the banks of the East Lyn River, The Rockford Inn is a perfect starting point for a variety of walking adventures across Exmoor National Park.

Riverside Stroll to Watersmeet – One of the most popular short walks follows the riverside footpaths upstream toward Watersmeet, climbing through wooded valleys and over stone bridges. The route from Watersmeet back down past Trilley Wood and along the riverbank brings you straight to The Rockford’s doorstep (about 3½ miles in total). It’s a lovely way to enjoy river views and woodland terrain before settling in with a meal or a pint.

Short Local Circular Routes – There are several shorter circular walks in the immediate area. One gentle option loops out toward Wilsham before returning along the East Lyn River back to the pub, offering a mix of pastoral valley scenery and riverside paths.

Extended Hikes Across Exmoor – For longer days out, the rugged high moorland and classic ridge paths of Exmoor open up beyond Rockford. Routes incorporating sections of the Coleridge Way or Two Moors Way let you explore broader landscapes and link to coastal paths or deep valleys — though these are best attempted with a map and good footwear due to their length and terrain.

Lynmouth & Coast Paths – If you’re up for a full day walk, you can head downriver into Lynmouth and then join the South West Coast Path for dramatic cliff-top views and coastal vistas, linking riverside and seaside scenery in one big loop.

Whether you’re after a relaxed riverside wander or a more ambitious moorland trek, the paths radiating from The Rockford Inn reward walkers with wild valleys, woodland tracks, and quintessential Devon countryside — perfect for exploring before or after a hearty pub lunch.