Valley of Rocks
Lynton, United Kingdom
A dry valley of rock towers above the sea just west of Lynton, grazed by wild goats. A short path climbs Castle Rock for the view.
The Valley of Rocks is a dry, U-shaped valley in Exmoor National Park, running parallel to the Bristol Channel coast just under 1 km west of Lynton. According to a widely held theory, the East Lyn was diverted during the Ice Age and later returned to its old course, leaving the valley dry. Castle Rock is one of the most striking rock formations. Free-roaming wild goats, whose present herd has lived here since the 1970s, often stand on barely accessible ledges. The cricket ground in the valley has been in use since 1876.
At the Lynton end of the valley you will find public toilets, a picnic area and Mother Meldrum’s café, with parking close by. The valley links up with the South West Coast Path, and the walk from Lynton is especially popular. The light of the “golden hour” suits photography. Allow one to three hours.
- Nearest town
- Lynton, United Kingdom
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 51.2315, -3.8505
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Sunny Lyn Holiday ParkCampsite2 km from Valley of RocksTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Lynmouth Holiday ParkCampsite2 km from Valley of RocksTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Mullacott FarmCampsite20 km from Valley of RocksTentsCaravansMotorhomesToilets
- Little Shelfin Farm CampsiteCampsite21 km from Valley of RocksTentsCaravansMotorhomesToilets
- Hidden Valley ParkCampsite23 km from Valley of RocksTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Tarka Holiday ParkCampsite23 km from Valley of RocksCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Valley of Rocks?
Valley of Rocks is in Lynton, United Kingdom, at GPS 51.2315, -3.8505. It is about 18 km from Porlock.
Can you camp near Valley of Rocks?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Sunny Lyn Holiday Park, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 62 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Valley of Rocks?
Valley of Rocks is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: North Devon and Exmoor on the Atlantic Highway.
What is there to see near Valley of Rocks?
Places worth a stop nearby: Dunkery Beacon (20 km), Tarr Steps (24 km), Three Cliffs Bay (42 km) and Clovelly (47 km).
When is the best time to visit Valley of Rocks?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)