Road Guide · Exmoor Coast
Approaching Lynton & Lynmouth
Exmoor Coast Road Access Guide
Best Approach
Via A39 Exmoor coast road
Road Difficulty
Challenging
Best Time
Early morning, clear weather
Motorhome Friendly
Caution strongly advised
EV Charging
Limited nearby
Best For
Dramatic coastal scenery
Getting to Lynton & Lynmouth
Exmoor Coast Road Access
The approach to Lynton & Lynmouth is one of the most dramatic road journeys anywhere in southern Britain.
The roads cross exposed Exmoor high ground before descending sharply toward the sea through steep wooded valleys and cliff-edge sections.
Beautiful? Absolutely.
Relaxed driving? Not always.
Vehicle Suitability
| Vehicle Type | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Car | Good |
| Small Campervan | Moderate |
| Large Campervan | Difficult in places |
| Caravan | Difficult |
| Large Motorhome | Caution strongly advised |
| Coach | Restricted in areas |
| Cyclists | Very challenging |
| EV Vehicles | Limited nearby infrastructure |
Best Route In
Main Approach
The safest and most practical approach is usually via the A39 Exmoor coast road network.
Avoid tiny moorland lane shortcuts unless extremely confident driving narrow rural roads.
Most Important Thing To Know
Serious Terrain
The area involves very steep gradients, narrow valley roads, sharp bends, exposed cliff sections, and rapid weather changes.
This is serious terrain compared to most southern England touring routes.
Steep Gradient Warning
Descent Toward Lynmouth
The descent toward Lynmouth can surprise first-time visitors.
Large Vehicles Should
- Use low gears
- Avoid riding brakes
- Descend slowly
- Prepare for tight bends
Wet weather increases difficulty significantly.
Weather & Visibility
Rapidly Changing Conditions
Conditions change extremely quickly across Exmoor.
Drivers unfamiliar with exposed moorland conditions should take extra care.
Campervan & Motorhome Advice
Smaller Campervans
Manageable with confidence.
Large Motorhomes
Require careful planning.
Important Considerations
- Parking limitations
- Difficult turning areas
- Steep descents
- Narrow roadside sections
Best Strategy
- Avoid peak weekends
- Arrive early
- Minimise unnecessary vehicle movement once parked
Cycling Notes
Spectacular But Extremely Demanding
Expect
- Brutal climbs
- Fast technical descents
- Exposed weather
- Limited recovery sections
Many cyclists consider this some of the toughest coastal riding in England.
EV Touring Notes
Limited Coastal Charging
Charging availability remains limited compared to larger inland towns.
Charge before crossing Exmoor coastal sections. Do not assume rapid charging exists near Lynmouth itself.
Parking Intelligence
Peak Period Pressure
Parking pressure becomes heavy in:
Large vehicles should use official parking, avoid narrow residential areas, and expect walking between Lynton and Lynmouth.
Touring Reality
Full Scenic Experience
Lynton & Lynmouth are not casual "stop for ten minutes" destinations.
They work best when treated as:
The roads are part of that experience — for better and occasionally for worse.
Continue the Atlantic Highway