5k Run North Devon: Scenic Trail to Butter Hill

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.4km out-and-back trail offers a challenging but rewarding ascent into the heart of North Devon’s coastal wilderness. Starting from the Manor Grounds, the route climbs steadily along the flanks of Countisbury Hill toward the summit of Butter Hill. With nearly 300 meters of vertical gain, runners will feel the burn as the path transitions from paved sections to more rugged terrain. The effort is quickly forgotten, however, as the trail opens up to reveal staggering panoramas of the Bristol Channel and the dramatic cliffs of the Exmoor coastline. It is a perfect route for those looking to build hill strength while soaking in some of the most spectacular maritime views in South West England.

Located within the Exmoor National Park, this area is steeped in both natural beauty and ancient history. Countisbury was famously the site of the Battle of Cynwit in 878 AD, where Saxon forces are said to have defeated a Viking army near the Iron Age hillfort of Wind Hill. As you run toward Butter Hill, you are traversing land that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, characterized by wild moorland and roaming Exmoor ponies. The "OR" (Off-Road) nature of the surrounding landscape provides a true sense of escape, making it a favorite for local fell runners and those seeking the fresh, salty air of the Devon coast.