|
|
Lynton and
Lynmouth as the names suggest both these pretty North Devon villages
take their name from the River Lyn, which flows from the high moor. The
twin villages of Lynton, and Lynmouth, were described in
Victorian times, as the 'English Switzerland.' And like so many of the
West Country resorts were 'discovered' during the 'Napoleonic Wars'
when the fashionable French resorts, were denied to the wealthy: unable
to visit France, they started to explore England. And the beauty of the
West County, soon became apparent. Gradually they flocked to Lynton in
such large numbers it soon gained the distinction of a small Town.
Lynton, is where they stayed but it was in Lynton's beautiful little
sister, Lynmouth,
situated far below where they promenaded. Watersmeet,just
as one enters Lynmouth, one will find a wonderful special place
it's name, Watersmeet. And just as the name suggest it is the place
where the East Lyn, West Lyn, and Hoare Oak Water, meet in a
beautiful wooded valley, to make their way to the open sea. But in 1952
tragedy struck this beautiful tranquil spot. For after 48 hours of
heavy rain water cascading off the high moors swelled the rivers
causing the East Lyn to break her banks thus flooding the valley.
People, and buildings, were swept away in the maelstrom. In all 28
people lost their lives on that tragic day. But they, and the events of
that awful day are not forgotten. For a museum on Lynmouth's sea front
acts as
a memorial to them. The photograph of Lynmouth Village above is by kind
permission of a great photographer Roy Churchill who's photographs can
be viewed on the link on right of screen
Lymouth is a very busy little place in the summer. For besides lying in
a lovely coastal location, it is also one of North Devons many gateways
on to Exmoor. There are plenty of souviner shops, and café's
, for the
holiday maker to browse, or eat in: and all the cafes, serve my
favorite
snack when I am not on yet another diet.!!! The famous, and delicious
Devon cream tea's, any one feeling hungry, I am.? One can walk along
Lynmouth's harbour wall and gaze up at the high cliffs of Exmoor or
wonder at the quaint cliff railway. In fact if one is thinking of
visiting Lynton the cliff railway is a great and exciting way for you
to travel to Lynmouth's sister perched high above her. The railway was
a
gift from the media magnate Sir George Newens, powered by water each
car has a 700 gallon water tank,that is filled at the top of the cliff
and emptied at the bottom. Although the railway opened in 1890, it is
still used today. And is a integral way of joining the twin villages.
But before you take a trip on the railway. I implore you take a few
hours to explore Watersmeet. It will not disappoint you, this I can
guarantee. It is some of the most fantastic scenery you will anywhere
in the world. There is a nice café, and a more beautiful
place to enjoy
a snack, or have a meal, well sorry I can not think of one. All around
the
twin villages are plenty of register walks. And one I highly
recommend is towards 'Hunters Inn' and the reward, after a long hot
walk a great pint of beer in the Hunters Inn a walkers refuge, and you
will meet walkers and people from all over the world for it is a
favorite watering hole for casual and dedicated walkers to take a well
earned rest. Last time I visited, it was on a very hot summers day, and
I met a American couple who were walking the whole length of the
south west coastal path. Who was it that once said, "only mad dogs and
Englishmen
go out in the midday sun"?
Lynmouth, also has the Royal Lifeboat Service stationed in the village.
And on the 12th of January 1889, the postmaster one Edward Pedder,
received a telegram for the coxswain of the lifeboat one Jack Crocombe,
which informed Jack, that a large freighter was in trouble off Porlock
Weir, and the weather was so sever in the area that the Watchet
lifeboat could not be launched, and the Lynmouth boat was the only one
which could affect a rescue. But the gale was just as server at
Lynmouth, and it was impossible to launch their boat. But Jack Crocombe
and his crew would not hear of giving up on a rescue attempt. So it was
decided to take the boat by road to the more sheltered Porlock
Harbour and launch from there. This meant getting all the men
and horses, they could find and hauling a 10 ton lifeboat 13 miles. A
route that included the ascending the 1 in 4 Countisbury Hill, and
descending the 1 in 4 Porlock Hill. Eventually the boat aided by 100
men reached the top of Countibury Hill, but alas disaster struck when a
wheel came off the cart and most of the men dispirited gave up. But 20
men plus the lifeboat crew refused to admit defeat, repaired the cart.
By the evening the boat had reached Porlock. They did not hesitate the
lifeboat was immediately launched into the dark storm ravaged sea even
though the men were exhausted wet and hungry. By this time the
freighter, had managed to drop anchor off Hurleston Point, though it
was perilously near the rocks. The ship 'Forrest Hall' was outward
bound for Liverpool. ( my home port actually Yes I am a Liverpudlian or
more commonly called a scouser ). Because of the severity of
the gale, the 'Forrest Hall' had been under tow down the Bristol
Channel. When disaster struck the tow rope parted. And the "Forrest
Hall" was in imminent danger of coming to grief on the dangerous rock's
off Hurleston Point and as I stated earlier the crew of the
freighter managed to drop anchor. And as long as the anchor
held the boat was safe. But never-the-less the Lynmouth lifeboat stood
bye all night in case the anchor dragged. Thankfully however it held.
At daybreak, the original tug, which had been frantically searching all
night for its lost charge appeared on the scene. And the lifeboat crew
helped to get a line aboard the freighter, they also helped the
exhausted crew of the freighter to raise the anchor. Another tug was
required, and obtained. Then with the ship safely under tow they set
out for the port of Barry in South Wales, all the time they were
accompanied by the lifeboat just in case the tow parted again. However
with darkness falling the ships finally reached Barry and safety.
Granted this is not a story of a heroic rescue, but it does show the
true spirit, and determination, that drove men of Jakes ilk. Yes
another
remarkable feat performed with great bravery, and disregard, for their
own safety by the men of the Lynmouth lifeboat service, and the men of
the Royal Lifeboat Service everywhere.
The R. N. L. I . has always held a special place in my heart. For as a
5 year old growing up in New Brighton on the Wirral. I remember well
one very very stormy January evening, when for the very first time in
my young life. I heard dreaded bang of the maroon signal and our lounge
glowed red. My father turned to me and said " get your coat. I am
taking you to see a sight you will never forget". My Father was right.
I have not ever forgot the sight I saw that night of the courageous men
of the New Brighton station, of the River Mersey R.N.L.I. lifeboat
service launching themselves, in to that terrifying storm tossed sea.
It is especially humbling: when one remembers these brave men are all
volunteers. Thankfully to-day these men have the finest equipment and
boats that can be possibly provided by the R. N.L.I. And one must
remember also that the
R. N. L. I. receive no government funding at all but rely solely on
donations. And the fact that the R.N.L.I.. can provide the finest boats
and
equipment purely through donations, shows just how much we an Island
race, hold the lifeboat service, and the men that serve in such high
regard. For all that these
brave men do is in the name of humanity.You can visit and support the
lifeboat service on the right of screen link
Lynton, looks down on Lynmouth from a great hight, And believe me the
road between them is another white knuckle ride, and the run-off's do
not inspire confidence (laughing). Although some what over-shadowed by
the infamous Porlock Hill, so is Lynton some what over-shadowed by its
more picturesque neighbor. Lynton has many lovely guest houses to
offer
the visitor, a typical one being Fernleigh Guestv House, run by Ray
& Kate
and reasonably priced. there is a link to Ray and Kates website on the
right of screen. Lynton never the less its own secret. Granted by
the number of people who visit it each year it's not a very well kept
secret. It is of course
"The Valley of Rocks." And if time could stand
still this
is where it has. The Valley is unspoilt as the day it was created, a
place both spiritual and mysterious.The rocks even have names " Chimney
Rock" "Ragged Jack" " Cheeswring" "Devils,Rock" the "Witch Rock" and
"Castle Rock" but please don't ask which is which.? If one looks upward
as one will. One will see the wild goats that have made their home here
a wonderful sight. They will be surveying their domain watching you or
doing what wild goat's do naturally. And no its not true that the Rocks
have Blackpool running through them !!! .
Yes if you are tired, or in anyway dispirited this is the place to
visit. It will re-energize, or uplift you thats guaranteed. And hey the
sea views are not bad either. You can even watch a game of cricket if
Lynton are playing at home, as their ground is at the entrance to the
Valley. What stories and mysteries this place must hold. The Valley is
very special to me its where I went to celebrate my divorce. ( joking )
Lynton & Lynmouth, are also one of North Devon's many gateways
on to Exmoor. To find out more on Exmoor please click here Wonderful Exmoor
Withypool, Dunster 'Doone Country' and, Porlock are all within a easy
drive across beautiful Exmoor. So why hesitate pay this beautiful place
a visit this summer, for a wonderful holiday is guaranteed.!
 |
|
|
