Malmsmead to Lorna Doone’s Waterslide and Lankcombe Walk
This week we’re featuring a beautiful walk shared by Sarah Hailstone of Exmoor with Jack. Sarah and her dog, Jack, are well known for exploring Exmoor’s hidden corners, and this 4.8-mile Malmsmead circular walk is a real gem.
Sarah has kindly provided two maps for this route. The first shows the intended circular path, while the second marks the actual route walked on the day, thanks to heavy rain (and the coat being left behind in the car!). Both come in at around the same distance, so you can take your pick.
Directions
Start from the National Trust car park at Malmsmead. Walk a short distance up the road towards Tippacott to pick up the bridlepath. At the first bend, turn left through the gate and follow the sunken track below the fields until you reach the footbridge opposite Cloud Farm.
Continue alongside the river, passing through a gate into the woods, and carry on until you arrive at the footbridge across Lankcombe. Just a few metres upstream you’ll find the waterslide – the spot described in R.D. Blackmore’s Lorna Doone as the first meeting place of John Ridd and Lorna.
Retrace your steps back to the grassy clearing, then take the path between the hills into Lankcombe. This path is wide but can be very muddy in winter. Follow it until it splits, then take the right fork up over Little Black Hill to reach a gate in the wall.
Continue ahead to meet a wide stony track, then turn right. Soon you’ll come to a second gate. Here you can choose:
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Follow the track left as it bends towards Tippacott, leading back into Malmsmead.
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Or drop down beside the wall over Yearlscombe into the woods, as Sarah did that day, arriving back at the river and retracing your steps to the start.
Malmsmead Circular Walk Maps and Photos
Sarah’s photos, which really capture the Doone Valley in all its moods – from quiet river scenes to dramatic autumn skies.
Final thoughts
This Malmsmead circular walk blends history, story, and scenery in classic Exmoor style. Whether you take the full circular or the woodland alternative, it’s a rewarding 4.8 miles with plenty to see along the way.
Planning your own Exmoor adventure? Find a cottage nearby and make this walk part of your stay.
The Malmsmead circular walk is about 4.8 miles. Depending on pace and stops, allow around 2–3 hours to complete it.
The walk begins at the National Trust car park in Malmsmead, right in the heart of the Doone Valley.
This Exmoor route is lovely year-round, but paths can be muddy in winter or after heavy rain. Good boots are recommended.
It’s a natural cascade on the river at Lankcombe, just upstream from the footbridge. According to R.D. Blackmore’s novel, this is where John Ridd first met Lorna Doone.The waterslide is a natural cascade on the river at Lankcombe, just upstream from the footbridge. It’s famously the spot where John Ridd first met Lorna Doone in R.D. Blackmore’s novel.It’s a natural cascade on the river at Lankcombe, just upstream from the footbridge. According to R.D. Blackmore’s novel, this is where John Ridd first met Lorna Doone.
Yes, Malmsmead has a tea-room and toilets at the car park. You’ll also find more pubs and shops in Brendon, Porlock, and Lynmouth.
Yes, it’s a great dog walk. Keep dogs on leads around livestock and farms, but otherwise the paths and riverside sections are perfect for four-legged companions.