Lynrock Fountain Watersmeet, Lynmouth, England

## Overview Lynrock Fountain is a historic public drinking spring located in the stunning Watersmeet area near Lynmouth, in the heart of Exmoor National Park, Devon, England. This remarkable spring once supplied a water bottling factory — a testament to the quality and reputation of the water that flows here. The old factory building still stands today, and water continues to flow freely from the source. The spring winds its way through the dramatic, wooded East Lyn River valley, passing by sacred and ancient rock formations that have drawn visitors for centuries. Watersmeet itself is one of Exmoor's most celebrated beauty spots, where the East Lyn River meets Hoar Oak Water amid steep, oak-clad gorges. The area is managed by the National Trust and is renowned for its rich biodiversity, mossy boulders, and atmospheric woodland scenery. The water from Lynrock Fountain has historically been valued enough to support a commercial bottling operation, suggesting it was once considered of high quality. Visitors have reported that the water still flows clear and clean, though as with any natural source, conditions can change over time. ## Directions 1. Head to **Watersmeet Car Park** (National Trust), located off the A39 near Lynmouth, Devon. The car park is well signposted from the village of Lynmouth. 2. From the car park, follow the main path downhill through the wooded valley toward the **Watersmeet House tearooms** (a National Trust property). 3. Once at the tearooms, continue walking **downstream** along the river to reach the old water factory and the Lynrock Fountain spring. The factory building is still standing and the spring water can be seen flowing out. 4. **Alternatively**, from the car park you can take the path signposted for **Myrtleberry**, which offers a different route through the valley and connects to the spring area. *Note: The walk from the car park down to Watersmeet is steep in places and can be slippery when wet. Sturdy footwear is recommended. The National Trust car park may require a parking fee for non-members.* ## What to Expect The walk to Lynrock Fountain is a scenic experience in itself. The path descends through one of the most beautiful river gorges in southwest England, with towering oaks, ferns, and mossy rocks lining the route. The sound of rushing water accompanies you throughout. At the spring site, you'll find the remains of the old water bottling factory — a fascinating piece of local industrial heritage — with water still emerging from the source. The flow has historically been reliable, fed by the rainfall and geology of the surrounding Exmoor moorland. Watersmeet House, a 19th-century fishing lodge now operated by the National Trust as a tearoom and shop, is a convenient stop for refreshments before or after visiting the spring. The area offers several interconnected walking trails of varying difficulty, including the Myrtleberry route, making it easy to extend your visit into a longer hike. The valley can be particularly atmospheric in autumn when the foliage turns, and in winter after heavy rain when the river runs high and powerful. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and wildflowers. The GPS coordinates (51.22239, -3.801308) will guide you to the general area of the fountain.