| East Lyn River | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Location | |
| Country | England |
| County | Devon |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | East Lyn (Upper) |
| • location | Malmsmead |
| • coordinates | 51°13′05″N3°43′43″W / 51.21806°N 3.72861°W /51.21806; -3.72861 |
| • elevation | 230 m (750 ft) |
| Source confluence | |
| • location | Watersmeet House |
| • coordinates | 51°13′19″N3°47′55″W / 51.22194°N 3.79861°W /51.22194; -3.79861 |
| • elevation | 150 m (490 ft) |
| Mouth | Lynmouth |
• location | Devon,England |
• coordinates | 51°13′53″N3°49′48″W / 51.23139°N 3.83000°W /51.23139; -3.83000 |
• elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
TheEast Lyn is a river which rises high inExmoor, in the English county ofSomerset. It flows through theEast Lyn Valley inDevon.
The river is formed as the Upper East Lyn atMalmsmead from two minor tributaries, theOare Water andBadgworthy Water. It flows for several miles, pastBrendon and makes confluence withHoar Oak Water at Watersmeet, whereWatersmeet House is situated.[1] The river then passes through a narrowgorge section, before flowing downstream for a further 2.5 miles (4.0 km) until the river meets with theWest Lyn River and flows into theBristol Channel atLynmouth.[2]
TheLynmouth Disaster occurred on the East Lyn river[3] due to rocks and fallen trees having been washed into theWest Lyn river. These formed a log jam near Watersmeet, forming alandslide dam. When the pressure behind the dam increased to uncontrollable levels, the water broke out of the dam, and rushed down the East Lyn (via the convergence of the rivers) intoLynmouth, obliterating houses and ultimately resulting in 34 deaths. Boulders from the incident can still be seen today along the banks of the East Lyn towards Lynmouth.
Angling interests especially in the summer are targeted towards thesalmon which migrate up the river tospawn. There is also trout fishing.[4]
It is popular for walkers with theTwo Moors Way near to much of the river.
Whitewater kayakers frequently run this river in the winter when seeking a challengingGrade 4 paddle.[5]
