8k Run Hallsands: Coastal Views to Start Point Lighthouse

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.0km loop offers a quintessential South Devon running experience, blending challenging climbs with some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the English Riviera. Starting from the Hallsands Village car park, you’ll tackle a steep tarmac ascent that tests your lungs early on, followed by a rewarding descent into the secluded Lannacombe Beach. The terrain is a mix of approximately 40% paved lanes and rugged South West Coast Path trails, with a total ascent of 222m that classifies this as a moderately hilly run. Runners can expect technical footwork along the cliffs past Mattiscombe Sands, featuring salty air, sweeping sea views, and a final rewarding stretch from the Start Point lighthouse area back to the finish.

The area surrounding Hallsands is steeped in a haunting maritime history that adds a profound atmosphere to your run. The original village of Hallsands was famously lost to the sea in 1917 after severe storms destroyed the settlement—a direct result of offshore dredging that removed the protective shingle bank. As you traverse the cliffs toward Start Point, you are passing over one of the UK’s most exposed peninsulas, marked by the iconic lighthouse built in 1836 to guide ships through these treacherous waters. This route isn't just a workout; it is a journey through a landscape shaped by the raw power of the Atlantic and the resilience of the Devon coastline.