5k Run North Devon: Scenic Loop Around Codden Hill

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.3km loop around Codden Hill offers a quintessential North Devon running experience, blending steady tarmac climbs with rugged, off-road exploration. Starting on a quiet country lane, you’ll enjoy a relatively smooth first half before transitioning onto dirt tracks and grassy trails. The highlight of the run is the ascent to the summit—with 173m of total elevation gain, your lungs will certainly feel the "Hilly" rating. The reward is a panoramic view of the Taw Valley and the rolling Devonshire countryside, followed by a fast, technical descent on grass that will test your downhill footing and agility.

Codden Hill is a prominent landmark near the village of Bishop's Tawton, serving as a historic beacon site for centuries. At the summit, you’ll find a stone monument erected in memory of Caroline Thorpe, wife of former MP Jeremy Thorpe, which marks one of the finest vantage points in the region. Local runners prize this spot for its visibility; on a clear day, you can see across to Exmoor, Dartmoor, and even the distant Lundy Island. The terrain represents the "real" North Devon—steep, green, and wonderfully wild—making it a favorite training ground for those looking to escape the coastal crowds.