13k Run Exmoor: Scenic Loop from Bossington to Selworthy Beacon

Route Overview & Local Insights

Prepare for a breathtaking 13.2km adventure that captures the rugged essence of Exmoor National Park. This loop kicks off with a brief warm-up in Bossington before tackling a significant 394m of vertical gain. Runners will quickly transition onto the iconic South West Coast Path, where the terrain becomes a mix of steep, heart-pumping climbs and technical, narrow single-track sections that hug the cliff edges. Reaching the summit of Selworthy Beacon rewards your effort with expansive, high-altitude paths and panoramic views across the Bristol Channel. The return journey utilizes wider, more manageable trails through open access land, allowing for a fast and rhythmic descent back to the finish.

Bossington and the surrounding Holnicote Estate offer a glimpse into a timeless pocket of Somerset, characterized by thatched cottages and traditional walnut trees. As you navigate the trails above the village, you are running through a landscape managed by the National Trust, where Iron Age hillforts once stood sentinel over the coastline. The area is a haven for wildlife; keep an eye out for Exmoor ponies and red deer that often graze the gorse-lined slopes near Selworthy Beacon. This route isn't just a physical challenge; it’s a journey through a National Character Area where the purple heather of the moorland meets the deep blue of the Atlantic.