8k Run Combe Martin: Stunning Views from Little and Great Hangman

Route Overview & Local Insights

Prepare your quads for a challenge on this stunning 7.7km loop that scales two of the South West Coast Path's most iconic peaks. Starting from the seaside village of Combe Martin, the route hits you early with a relentless ascent up Little Hangman before tackling the formidable Great Hangman. With 322m of vertical gain, the terrain is primarily rugged coastal trail characterized by steep, grassy inclines and rocky paths that demand steady footwork. However, the effort is rewarded with arguably the finest maritime views in North Devon, followed by a fast, rhythmic descent back to sea level via a mix of quiet inland lanes and rural trails that allow you to open up your stride and find a smooth cadence.

Running in this corner of Exmoor National Park is like sprinting through a page of geological history. Great Hangman stands as the highest sea cliff in England (reaching 244m), and the "Hangman" names are believed to be derived from 'Hagan's Man' or old Celtic terms for a high place, rather than anything more sinister. As you navigate the coastal segments, look out for the old silver mine workings that once made Combe Martin a wealthy industrial hub in the 13th century. This specific route offers a classic "sea to sky" experience, and after finishing, local runners often reward themselves at one of the village's traditional pubs or with a dip in the sheltered cove to cool down those hard-worked muscles.