Welcome to Malmsmead
The gateway to the Doone Valley which was made famous by RD Blackmore in his famous novel Lorna Doone.
The hamlet of Malmsmead is in the parish of Oare on the border of Devon and Somerset. The Doone valley can be accessed by following the Badgworthy Water upriver. There is also a memorial to Blackmore by the path up the valley. Malmsmead can easily be accessed from the Coleridge Way by crossing the footbridge instead of carrying along the north side of the river or from the South West Coast Path.
Top Highlights
- Access to the beautiful Doone Valley with varied walks in valley and moorland.
- Picturesque bridge and ford as you come to Malmsmead
- Connections to many of the places found within the novel Lorna Doone such as the medieval village at Hoccombe Combe and the water slide at Lank Combe.
- Facilities including tea rooms, gift shop, toilets and car park at Malmsmead. There is also a tea room at Cloud Farm Campsite about 1 mile up the valley.
Tourist information
A National Park Local Information Point at County Gate on the hill overlooking Malmsmead.
Tourist Information Centres at Porlock and Lynton and Exmoor Park Centre at Lynmouth all about 7 miles away.
