Holiday cottages and private salmon fishing

Welcome to our delightful self catering cottages. Situated some 3 miles from Lynton within the Exmoor National park, the hamlet of West Lyn is approximately 300 metres above sea level and sits astride the valleys carved by the East and West Lyn rivers. The area is famed for its magnificent coastal scenery, and the views from the cottages and grounds over Lynton, the Bristol channel and the Gower coast of South Wales are quite simply stunning.

The cottages sit within many acres of grazing pasture, yet within 50 yards of a quiet country lane, and only a few minutes walk to the nearest country pub. Our environment here has virtually no light pollution, minimal traffic noise, and some of the cleanest air in the country.

If you are enthusiastic walkers then we offer the perfect base. Many walks start directly outside the front doors of our cottages. You can step straight on to designated footpaths, and the South West coast path is just 10 minutes away on foot. The two moors way a little further. Whatever your fitness level or walking ambitions there are many other picturesque footpaths to explore across heather clad moorland or in wooded and mysterious river valleys, that are the habitat of red deer and otter.

We are enthusiastic anglers at West Lyn. We can offer excellent fishing for salmon, sea trout and brown trout on our own private beats, extending to over one and a half miles, on both the East Lyn river and Farley water. The fishing is just 5 minutes drive from our cottages.

There is much else to do and see in this part of Devon and Somerset. The twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, connected by the famous cliff railway, are a few minutes away, and offer pubs, cafes and restaurants to suit every taste and pocket. There are beautiful sandy beaches, hidden rocky coves, and many other places of interest, all within a reasonable driving distance of West Lyn.

The self catering holiday cottages

Our cottages were converted over 30 years ago from an original stone barn at West Lyn farm . In late 2004 the cottages were subjected to a complete makeover, which included, brand new kitchens and bathroom suites, new floor coverings and a complete re-decoration. They provide warm, comfortable and modern accommodation, whilst still retaining the character of the old barn. In 2006 the cottages were assessed by the national tourism organisation - VISIT BRITAIN, and were awarded 4 stars for quality.

Both cottages have two bedrooms. Primrose cottage sleeps four people in a double and twin room. Foxglove cottage sleeps a maximum of five people. It has a double room, and an extra large second bedroom with three full size single beds. We have a cot available for infants which can be set up in the room of your choice. Each cottage has a comprehensive inventory that includes, full central heating by radiators, full size electric cookers, microwave ovens, fridge / freezers and washing machines. The bathrooms are on the ground floor and have a bath and power shower. Each cottage has a colour television along with DVD player and VCR. There is also a radio/CD player. We have a well stocked library of videos and DVD's for guest use.

All bed linen and towels are included within your rental, as are heating, light and power. There are NO slot meters to feed at West Lyn and no hidden extras.

Each cottage has a small garden or patio with picnic table. There is also a sunny lawned garden that is available for all guests to use to sunbathe or relax. A gas fired barbecue is sited here for those summer outdoor evenings. There is a large open bay garage with a reserved parking area for each cottage. Additional parking is available on our land if required.

We welcome well behaved dogs and their responsible owners at West Lyn. We do limit the number of dogs at two per cottage.

Smoking Policy: We request that guests do not smoke in the cottages.

Primrose and Foxglove cottages are available all year round. Booking are normally for a minimum of seven nights commencing on a Saturday. We do offer three and four night breaks out of season ie the first weekend in November until the last weekend in March, the exception being school holidays, Christmas and New Year.

Fishing at West Lyn

We can offer some exclusive fishing to our guests on our private beats on both the East Lyn river and Farley water. We own approximately one and half miles of single bank where you can fish for salmon, sea trout and brown trout. The East Lyn is famed for its salmon and sea trout, that run the river from late spring through to autumn. Our fishing is less than 2 miles from the sea at Lynmouth where the fish enter the river following rainfall. The East Lyn is a spate river and rain is required to ensure fresh fish enter in good numbers.

The fishing on the East Lyn starts at Watersmeet House and includes four of the rivers famous salmon pools namely, Lower Stag pool, Horners Pool, Dumbledon pool and Crook pool. In addition there are numerous smaller pools and runs which all hold fish given the right water conditions. The heaviest fish from the river in 2003 weighed 19lb and was caught in Lower Stag pool.

The most successful methods for the fishery are by spinning or worm ( after 16 June ). Fly fishing with a 9' rod will also take fish

There is very good fly fishing for brown trout on the East Lyn beats but priority is given to salmon anglers

.In addition to the East Lyn we have some outstanding wild brown trout fishing on Farley water between Watersmeet and Hillsford bridge. This is fly only and a brook rod and four weight line is the ideal set up. Fish to 2lb have been caught.

The season for salmon on the East Lyn commences on 1 February until 31 October with the best months being May to October.

The season for both sea trout and brown trout commences on 15 March until 30 September.

We limit the number of rods on the East Lyn at two per day. This is to preserve the quality of the fishing and for conservation reasons. There are no rod limits on Farley water. An environment agency rod licence is mandatory when fishing and no salmon are to be killed before 16 June.

Guests at West Lyn have priority when booking fishing. Day tickets are sometimes available to non residents by prior arrangement.

Guests may book a weeks fishing in advance. The charges for which are:

Salmon and Sea Trout before 16 June is £30 per week and after 16 June is £45 per week. Fly fishing for brown trout is free.

Guests may take day tickets if they prefer at £8 per day before 16 June and £10 per day after 16 June.

Non resident day tickets are £15 per day.

We are enthusiastic and knowledgeable owners. We offer a fully guided day on the river with tuition if required at extra cost, otherwise our experience and advice during a walk of the river comes with our compliments.

Places of Interest in Devon and Exmoor

West Lyn is very well situated for exploring Exmoor and North Devon. It is an ideal centre for walkers or ramblers and the Two Moors Way, Tarka Trail and South West Coast Path are only a five minute stroll from the farmhouse; all routes are well marked by the National Trust and Exmoor National Park Authority. Exmoor abounds with both flora and fauna. Beauty spots such as Oare, Robber's Bridge and the Doone Valley, made famous by RD Blackmore's novel Lorna Doone, are well worth a visit. A short car or bus trip will take you to the heart of Exmoor; Simonsbath, Exford, Dulverton and many more, all steeped in history.

There are regular boat trips from Lynmouth harbour cruising along the Heritage Coast where you can see colonies of sea birds nesting on the highest sea cliffs in the country. The Valley of Rocks near Lynton was formed during the Ice Age and features towering rocks with names such as The Devil's Cheesering, and Ragged Jack. Another delightful haunt close by is the National Trust's Watersmeet where Farley Water joins the East Lyn river; you can enjoy a cream tea before continuing your walk.

Lynton and Lynmouth offer a wide variety of attractions and there are many inns and restaurants to suit every taste. The famous funicular Cliff Railway joins the two villages and horse riding, golf and fishing are all available locally. Sandy beaches at Saunton, Woolacombe and Croyde Bay are a short drive away whilst quaint North Devon and Somerset coastal villages such as Lee Bay, Porlock Weir and Dunster are worthy of exploration. Those who get withdrawal symptoms when divorced from large shopping complexes should be able to satisfy their needs in the larger towns of Barnstaple, Bideford and Taunton, all within a one hour drive.