Robber's Bridge

The stone arch spanning the East Lyn River near Lynton is properly dramatic - one of those Devon landmarks that stops you mid-walk. The bridge itself is Victorian engineering at its finest, built in the 1820s, and the story behind its name involves a supposed highwayman, though historians reckon the tale's been embellished over the years. Fair enough - it sounds better than "River Crossing Number Three".

You don't need a ticket or booking. Just turn up and walk across it. The real payoff comes from the gorge setting - wooded banks drop away either side, and the river rattles through below depending on rainfall. On a quiet day it's genuinely peaceful; after heavy rain it's properly impressive and slightly intimidating.

Historians and walkers get the most from this one. It's a natural stop on longer rambles through the valley rather than a destination in itself - expect twenty minutes maximum unless you're the type to sit on the banks with a thermos and read about Victorian bridge construction. Families with young kids will find it interesting for five minutes, then want to move on.

The Lynmouth area, just down from Lynton, has proper tourism infrastructure, and if you're basing yourself at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat nearby, the bridge fits neatly into a morning's valley exploration. Pair it with walks up to Watersmeet or along the clifftop paths for a full day. Go early in the week if you can - weekends pull in crowds from Barnstaple and beyond.