Valley of Rocks

Valley of Rocks sits just west of Lynton on North Devon’s dramatic Exmoor coast, a north‑facing sweep of towering cliffs, kelp‑filled gullies and boulder‑strewn coves. It’s a classic rough‑ground rock mark offering fast access to deep water, with lure and bottom fishing options for pollack, bass, wrasse and nighttime conger and huss.

This mark is reached via the scenic road and coast path network from Lynton, with a pay‑and‑display car park signposted “Valley of Rocks.” From the parking, a mix of easy paths and steeper goat tracks lead to ledges and coves such as Wringcliff Bay, Lee Bay and the platforms around Duty Point and Castle Rock.

This coastline holds fish year‑round, with the best variety from late spring to autumn. Expect rough‑ground species and summer pelagics tight to the rocks and tide lines.

• Spring (Apr–May): Pollack, ballan wrasse, bass (first push of schoolies), garfish; chance of early mackerel on settled spells.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Pollack (including better fish at dawn/dusk), ballan & corkwing wrasse, bass, mackerel, garfish, scad; bull huss and conger after dark; thick‑lipped mullet in calm corners.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Peak bass and pollack, wrasse to hard baits, late mackerel/scad runs; huss/conger in the dark; pout/poor cod show in numbers.
• Winter (Dec–Mar): Conger, bull huss, rockling, dogfish, pout/whiting on rougher nights; the odd codling in heavy, coloured seas is possible but uncommon.

The ground is snaggy and kelpy, so fish strong and think tactically. Lures shine in clear water at dawn/dusk; baits score for wrasse by day and for huss/conger after dark.

• Lure fishing: 9–10 ft rods rated 10–30 g (up to 40–60 g if it’s pushy) with 20–30 lb braid and 40–60 lb fluorocarbon leader. Work weedless soft plastics (paddle/slug 12–18 cm) and 20–40 g metals along tide seams for pollack/bass.
• Float fishing: 12–16 g floats set 10–20 ft over kelp for pollack/gar; baits include sandeel sections, mackerel strip, prawn. Keep shotting slim to drift naturally.
• Bottom tactics: Rough‑ground rod, 4–6 oz leads on a weak link/rotten‑bottom. Pulley/pulley‑dropper with 4/0–5/0 pennel for huss (mackerel/squid cocktails); simple running ledger size 1/0–2/0 with crab, prawn or rag for wrasse. For conger, 80 lb mono trace and a strong 6/0 hook with whole or half mackerel.
• Handling/landing: Use abrasion‑resistant leaders, keep the fight high in the water, and steer fish over gullies. A drop‑net can help on some higher ledges; avoid gaffing fish you plan to release.
• Timing: Dawn and dusk for lures and bass/pollack; daytime flood for wrasse; full dark for huss/conger.

Tide movement drives this mark; fish sit on the edges of tide runs, kelp tongues and rock points. Water clarity and swell dictate whether to pick lures or baits.

• Tide states: Flood into high and the first of the ebb are prime; neaps are kinder for access and lure control, springs carry more colour and drag.
• Conditions: Light to moderate offshores (southerly sector) bring clarity for lures; a gentle onshore ripple can switch bass on. Avoid heavy Atlantic swell—this coast is exposed and surging.
• Time of day: Grey light periods for pollack/bass; bright days suit wrasse tight to structure; after-dark produces huss/conger.
• Seasonality: Best overall sport May–October; winter can still score on rough‑ground bait work during milder spells.

This is a serious rock mark beneath high cliffs, with loose stone, steep goat tracks and kelp‑slick ledges. Treat it like a mountaineering venue first and a fishing spot second.

• Wear a PFD, grippy boots/cleats and take a headtorch plus spares if fishing into dark.
• Recces in daylight only; identify a safe retreat. Some ledges are cut off by the flood—never drop down without a timed exit plan.
• Avoid fishing in big swell or strong northerlies; surges wrap around points here.
• Helmets are sensible below crags; feral goats and walkers can dislodge rocks from above.
• Not suitable for those with limited mobility; stick to safer high platforms or the beach at Wringcliff if access is a concern.
• This is a popular walking area; keep gear tidy and casts clear of the Coast Path.
• If any local signage restricts access to specific cliff sections or paths, comply—rules can change seasonally for erosion or safety.

Facilities are decent by Exmoor standards, with services in nearby Lynton and seasonal amenities at the valley itself.

• Parking: Pay‑and‑display at Valley of Rocks, plus additional parking in Lynton; summer can be busy—arrive early or late.
• Toilets/food: Public toilets and cafés in Lynton; seasonal refreshments often operate in the valley area.
• Tackle/bait: Closest options are in Ilfracombe and Barnstaple; bring lug/rag frozen or pre‑ordered if you want fresh.
• Signal: Mobile reception varies—generally better on higher ground, patchy under cliffs.
• Other: Bins can be limited; pack out all waste and old line.

A bit of local know‑how goes a long way on this rough, tide‑swept coast. Travel light, fish smart, and keep mobile.

• Work the seams: Cast lures across the edge where fast tide meets slack behind points and boulders—classic pollack/bass ambush lines.
• Colour choice: Natural browns/greens in clear water; darker silhouettes or UV accents when there’s a tea‑stain or overcast sky.
• Wrasse wisdom: Hard crab or prawn outfishes worm once the wrasse are switched on; braid straight to a tough fluoro trace and keep rigs short to pop fish over kelp.
• Rotten‑bottom always: Every lead on a weak link—accept the odd loss to save full rigs and fish time.
• Night game: Big, oily baits for huss/conger, minimal casting—lay baits in clean tongues between kelp heads rather than heaving long.
• Mackerel/gar: Watch for birds working off Duty Point on the flood; scale down to small metals or a float with thin mackerel slivers.
• Wildlife: The resident goats are entertaining but can knock stones—don’t set up under loose slopes.

Valley of Rocks lies within Exmoor National Park and along a section of protected coastline; recreational shore angling is generally permitted. Always check up‑to‑date national and local rules before you fish.

• Bass: European seabass has seasonal restrictions and bag limits for recreational anglers, with a minimum size of 42 cm. Check current MMO/UK government guidance before retaining any fish.
• IFCA bylaws: This area falls under Devon & Severn IFCA. Review their recreational sea angling bylaws (e.g., gear restrictions, protected species) before your trip.
• Conservation designations: Parts of the North Devon coast are within Marine Conservation Zones/SSSIs. Do not damage features, disturb wildlife, or collect from sensitive reef areas where prohibited.
• General: Observe minimum sizes, only keep what you will eat, no littering or discarded line/hooks, and avoid lighting fires on the cliffs. If local signage restricts access or activities, follow it.
• Bait collection: If you plan to gather bait elsewhere on the shore, check local bylaws and landowner permissions in advance—rules vary by beach and designation.