Lynmouth takes its name from the East and West Lyn rivers which meet a few hundred yards from the sea in the town centre. The East Lyn is formed from several main tributaries beginning high on the moor as Weir Water. Later named Oare Water, it meets Badgworthy Water at Malmesmead to become the East Lyn, finally joining Hoaroak Water at Watersmeet; the last couple of miles sees the river flowing swiftly over a rocky bed through a beautiful, steep-sided valley where walkers can see dippers, grey wagtails and the occasional heron by the water.
