East Lyn River facts for kids
The East Lyn is a river that starts high up in Exmoor, a beautiful area in the English county of Somerset. It then flows through the East Lyn Valley in Devon, eventually reaching the sea.
Quick facts for kids East Lyn River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| County | Devon |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | East Lyn (Upper) Malmsmead 230 m (750 ft) 51°13′05″N 3°43′43″W / 51.21806°N 3.72861°W |
| River mouth | Lynmouth Devon, England 0 m (0 ft) 51°13′53″N 3°49′48″W / 51.23139°N 3.83000°W |
Contents
The River's Journey
The East Lyn River begins as the Upper East Lyn. This happens at a place called Malmsmead. Here, two smaller streams, the Oare Water and Badgworthy Water, join together.
The river then flows for several miles. It passes by the village of Brendon. Later, it meets another stream called Hoar Oak Water at a spot known as Watersmeet. This is where Watersmeet House is located.
After Watersmeet, the river goes through a narrow, deep section called a gorge. It then continues downstream for about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) (4 km). Finally, the East Lyn River meets the West Lyn River. Together, they flow into the Bristol Channel at Lynmouth.
A Look Back: The Lynmouth Flood
The East Lyn River was involved in a major event known as the Lynmouth Disaster. This happened because heavy rains caused rocks and trees to wash into the West Lyn River. These materials formed a large blockage, like a natural dam, near Watersmeet.
As more water built up behind this blockage, the pressure became too great. The water then broke through the dam. It rushed down the East Lyn River, where it joined with the West Lyn. This powerful rush of water flowed into Lynmouth. It caused a lot of damage to houses and buildings. You can still see large boulders from this event along the riverbanks near Lynmouth today.
Fun Things to Do on the River
The East Lyn River is a great place for outdoor activities.
Fishing for Salmon and Trout
If you enjoy fishing, the East Lyn is a popular spot. In the summer, many people come to catch salmon. These fish swim upstream to lay their eggs. You can also find trout here, which are another popular fish for anglers.
Exploring by Foot: Walking Trails
The river area is very popular with walkers. The famous Two Moors Way walking path runs close to much of the river. This makes it easy for people to enjoy the beautiful scenery while hiking.
Whitewater Kayaking Adventures
For those who love adventure, the East Lyn River is a favorite for whitewater kayakers. In the winter, when the water levels are higher, kayakers often come here. The river offers a challenging experience, rated as a Grade 4 paddle. This means it has difficult rapids that require good kayaking skills.
