11k Run Chittlehampton: Picturesque Loop Through Devon Countryside

Route Overview & Local Insights

Tackling the Chittlehampton Loop offers runners a quintessential North Devon experience, spanning a challenging but rewarding 10.7km over 100% paved surfaces. While the route is entirely on-road, don't expect a flat city track; these are winding country lanes characterized by gentle rollers and a moderate total ascent of 120m. You'll navigate quiet backroads that showcase the undulating beauty of the Taw Valley, making it an ideal choice for a sustained tempo run or a scenic long-distance training session where you can find a steady rhythm away from heavy traffic.

Starting and ending in the historic village of Chittlehampton, you are running through a landscape steeped in Saxon history. The village is famously centered around the impressive St Hieritha's Church, known locally as the "Cathedral of North Devon" for its magnificent 16th-century tower. As you loop through the surrounding farmland, you'll pass traditional Devon cob cottages and ancient hedgerows that have defined these parishes for centuries. After finishing your 10k-plus effort, the village square provides a peaceful atmosphere to cool down, with the local pub often serving as a popular congregating spot for the area's active community.