🥾 Conquer the Highest Sea Cliff in England
Walk from Combe Martin to Great Hangman on this dramatic coastal circuit, then unwind in a handpicked holiday cottage nearby.
From Combe Martin to the highest point on Exmoor’s 34-mile coast, before returning to the village via the lanes of Knap Down — where hundreds of feet beneath your feet lie some of the historic silver mines of Combe Martin.
The Combe Martin and Great Hangman circular walk is one of Exmoor’s finest coastal routes. Starting from the seaside village of Combe Martin, the path climbs along the South West Coast Path past Wild Pear Beach and over Little Hangman before reaching the summit cairn of Great Hangman — the highest sea cliff in England. The return journey follows quiet country lanes through farmland with sweeping coastal views, passing above the ancient silver mines that made this village famous.
This is a challenging but hugely rewarding walk that packs dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife-rich heathland, and over 600 years of mining heritage into a single morning.
📋 In This Guide
1. Quick Facts
📍 Walk at a Glance
- Distance: 7.5 km (about four and a half miles)
- Total Ascent: 359 metres (1,178 feet)
- Duration: About 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging — significant ascent to England’s highest sea cliff
- Start/End: Borough Road car park, Combe Martin
- Postcode: EX34 0DJ
- OS Grid Reference: SS 577 472
- What3Words: twigs.dashes.tablet
- Terrain: Coast path, grassy clifftops, country lanes, one dog-friendly stile
- Dog-friendly: Yes — one stile (dog-friendly). Keep dogs on lead near livestock.
2. Step-by-Step Route Directions
Follow these seven waypoints to complete the circular walk. The route follows the South West Coast Path outward and returns via quiet inland lanes.
After leaving Little Hangman, continue eastwards along the coast towards Great Hangman. After passing through a gate, follow the path to the left (not signposted) and continue upwards to the cairn at the top of Great Hangman.
3. Route Map
Route map: Combe Martin & Great Hangman circular walk (7.5 km / 4.5 miles)
🗺️ Route Summary
- Start/End: Borough Road car park, Combe Martin (EX34 0DJ)
- Outward: South West Coast Path via Wild Pear Beach, Little Hangman, Great Hangman
- Return: Inland via Girt Down Farm, Knap Down Lane, Netherton Cross, North Challacombe
- Navigation: Well signposted throughout — follow Coast Path markers outward, fingerpost signs for return
4. What You’ll See
This walk packs an extraordinary amount of variety into under five miles. Here are the highlights along the way:
Wild Pear Beach
Shortly after leaving Combe Martin, the path passes above this secluded cove. Wild Pear Beach sits below dramatic cliffs and is one of the hidden gems of the north Devon coast — accessible only on foot.
Image Credit: Shaun Davey
Little Hangman (218m / 716ft)
The most westerly high point on the Exmoor coast. A short detour from the main path takes you to the summit, where a 2007 landscape survey uncovered ancient sheep folds and enclosures — stone walls possibly dating back thousands of years. The views along the coast in both directions are superb.
Great Hangman (318m / 1,043ft)
The highest sea cliff in England. The summit is marked by a cairn, and the views from the top are extraordinary — stretching along the coast in both directions with the Bristol Channel beyond. The cliffs on Great Hangman’s northern face are the highest in England.
Coastal Scenery
The outward leg along the South West Coast Path provides constant drama:
- Lester Point and Lester Cliff
- Rawn’s Rocks and Blackstone Beach
- Blackstone Point
- Sweeping views across the Bristol Channel
Farmland & Country Lanes
The return route offers a completely different character — quiet lanes winding through North Devon farmland past Girt Down Farm, through Netherton Cross, and past North Challacombe. Look out for wonderful views back towards Little Hangman and the coast from Knap Down Lane.
Silver Mine Country
As you walk the lanes of Knap Down on the return leg, you’re passing above some of Combe Martin’s historic silver mines — hundreds of feet below the surface. Silver Dale and the remaining mine shafts lie just to the south of the route.
🏡 Stay Near the Walk
After conquering Great Hangman, unwind in one of our handpicked Combe Martin cottages — from cosy retreats for two to spacious barns for groups.
5. History & Heritage
600 Years of Silver Mining
Silver was mined in Combe Martin for around 600 years. It was first discovered at the end of the thirteenth century and the mines were worked intermittently until the nineteenth century. At one time the village sent silver to the Royal Mint in the Tower of London.
One of the deepest shafts was St John’s Mine, opened in 1581 by Sir Bevis Bulmer. The last working mine closed in 1880, and today the only evidence of the industry consists of remaining underground passages and existing shafts — some of which are still being explored to this day.
Image Credit: Shaun Davey
The Village of Combe Martin
Combe Martin has had a colourful history following the Norman Conquest, shaped by its silver mining industry as well as its granite, fruit and vegetable trade. Remarkably, Combe Martin once grew the largest strawberries in England.
The village is one of the longest streets in England at two miles in length, stretching from Borough Road to Leigh Lane and Sandy Cove. As the population grew, the village expanded along the valley. Welsh cattle were brought across the North Devon coast at the Strand, while coal to fuel the silver smelters was shipped in. Rope walks on the beach, quarrying of limestone, and manufacturing of lime also contributed to the local economy.
The Exmoor Coast
The Exmoor coast stretches for 34 miles (55 km) from Minehead in the east to Combe Martin in the west. This walk takes you along the western end, where the coast is at its most dramatic — towering cliffs, secluded coves, and spectacular headlands.
6. Practical Information
Getting There & Parking
Head to Combe Martin and park in the Borough Road car park, near the beach. The walk starts from the top of the car park.
Postcode: EX34 0DJ
Grid Reference: SS 577 472
Facilities
- Toilets: Available at the car park
- Refreshments: Shops, cafes, and pubs in Combe Martin village (at start/end of walk)
- No facilities on the route — bring water and snacks for the walk
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on this walk. There is one stile on the route, and it is dog-friendly. Keep dogs on a lead near livestock — you are likely to encounter sheep and cattle grazing on the route. If you feel threatened by cattle, drop the lead. Please bag up any waste and take it with you until you reach a bin.
What to Wear
- Footwear: Sturdy walking boots with good grip — the coast path has steep and uneven sections
- Layers: The clifftop sections are exposed — be prepared for wind, even on warm days
- Waterproofs: Weather can change quickly on the coast
Waymarking
The outward route follows the South West Coast Path, which is well signposted. All rights of way on Exmoor use handmade fingerposts — footpaths are waymarked with a yellow tip and bridleways with a blue tip.
⚠️ Safety Note
This is a challenging walk with 359 metres of total ascent. The clifftop sections are exposed and can be windy. Stay on marked paths and take care near cliff edges. Allow at least 2-3 hours and start with enough daylight to complete the circuit.
7. Where to Stay in Combe Martin
Make the most of your Great Hangman adventure by staying in one of our handpicked cottages in Combe Martin. All are set on the beautiful Coulscott Estate, just minutes from the walk’s starting point.
Bantam Cottage
Combe Martin · Sleeps 2
A cosy retreat for couples on the peaceful Coulscott Estate, ideal after a day on the coast path.
Aylesbury Cottage (Sleeps 2)
Combe Martin · Sleeps 2
Intimate cottage for two on the Coulscott Estate — a perfect base for walking the coast path.
Aylesbury Cottage (Sleeps 4)
Combe Martin · Sleeps 4
Comfortable cottage sleeping four, perfectly placed for exploring the Combe Martin coast.
Peacock Cottage
Combe Martin · Sleeps 4
Charming cottage for four on the Coulscott Estate with countryside and coastal walks on your doorstep.
The Old Farmhouse
Combe Martin · Sleeps 6
Spacious farmhouse sleeping six, perfect for families wanting to explore the Great Hangman walk.
Pipistrelle Barn
Combe Martin · Sleeps 6
Beautifully converted barn sleeping six on the Coulscott Estate, surrounded by countryside.
The Georgian House
Combe Martin · Sleeps 9
Elegant Georgian house sleeping nine — ideal for larger families or groups exploring Exmoor’s coast.
Old Barn
Combe Martin · Sleeps 10
Impressive barn conversion sleeping ten — perfect for group walking holidays on the coast path.
Coulscott House
Combe Martin · Sleeps 15
The grand Coulscott House sleeps fifteen — bring the whole family for an unforgettable Exmoor adventure.
Browse All Combe Martin Cottages →
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Combe Martin Circular Walk
The Combe Martin and Great Hangman circular walk is one of Exmoor’s most rewarding routes — a stunning combination of dramatic coastal scenery, England’s highest sea cliff, and centuries of mining heritage. The climb is challenging, but reaching the summit cairn of Great Hangman is an achievement you won’t forget.
Add in the charm of Combe Martin village with its cafes and pubs for a post-walk reward, and you have the makings of a perfect day on the Exmoor coast. Stay a while longer in one of our handpicked cottages and explore more of this magnificent coastline.
Ready for the Great Hangman?
Browse our collection of holiday cottages in Combe Martin — the perfect base for exploring Exmoor’s dramatic coast.