A Walk to Feel on Top of the World!
Holdstone Hill – Sherrycombe – Great Hangman
An exhilarating high-level walk, from Wander Women, that will leave you feeling energised, inspired and on top of the world!
I love this route because it’s so beautiful and varied – two high peaks (Great Hangman is the highest coastal cliff in mainland Britain, and Holdstone Hill the highest point on the southwest coast path), a deep valley, spectacular countryside, and coastal views, with just the right balance of hills and more level stretches. It’s challenging in places, but so worth it for the great feeling and amazing views you get reaching those peaks! We love to talk on our walks and even though the conversation diminished somewhat as we climbed Hangman Hill (ok it was very quiet!), we were soon chatting away again as we walked the more level stretches, crossing the countryside in glorious sunshine.
We walked this route together on a beautiful early autumn Sunday morning; it had been pouring with rain as we drove to the meeting point, but as we climbed Holdstone Hill, the mist and clouds cleared, rolling back to reveal bright, beautiful colours in the warm October sun. We came prepared for rain wearing waterproofs but were soon walking in our t-shirts as we climbed out of Sherrycombe; that hill is a steep one, zig zagging up the southeast facing valley side in the morning sun definitely got us sweating! We climbed to the cairn at the top of Hangman Hill and paused to just soak up that view – wow! (And of course, to also get our breath back!) Then walking through countryside to return to the car park, stopping to see grazing horses with baby foals, and taking in far-reaching views across the Exmoor countryside.
If you would like to enjoy this varied walk along a peaceful and stunningly beautiful section of the north Devon coast, please follow the directions below. You could bring a picnic or snacks to enjoy at one of the summits or drive a short distance to the village of Combe Martin where there are some lovely local cafes and shops.
~ Wander Women
DIRECTIONS
Start: Holdstone Down overhead barrier car park EX34 0PF
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8km)
Terrain: Moderate to challenging. Coast path, public footpaths, and countryside lanes. Some steep climbs. Footpaths can be rocky and uneven underfoot in places.
- Starting at Holdstone Down overhead barrier car park, turn left on to the road and continue until you reach another small car park. From here, take the path that climbs Holdstone Hill through bright heathland vegetation and heather. The views of Exmoor, the north Devon coast and River Severn estuary from the summit cairn are truly breathtaking!
- Retrace your steps, descending back to the car park and on to the road. Turn left and follow the road until you reach a footpath on your left, turn onto this path, and follow it for a couple of hundred yards to where it meets the coast path and turn left.
- Follow the wide, rocky track to circle around Holdstone Down; staying on the coast path as it begins to descend steeply into Sherrycombe, a deep wooded valley. Walk across the wooden bridge over the stream at the bottom and then begin to ascend the zig zagging path as it climbs the other side of the valley.
- Continue on the coast path until your reach the cairn at the summit of Hangman Hill, enjoying beautiful views of the village of Combe Martin and surrounding bays and countryside. Then retrace your steps back down the hill until you reach a footpath sign on your right. Follow the path through fields to reach Girt Lane, continuing straight to reach Girt Down Farm.
- Walk along the track past the farm until you reach the road, turn left and follow the road for about a kilometer, until you come to a footpath on the left. Take the footpath through fields where you will reach a lane leading to Holdstone Farm, turn right and continue walking to the road. Turn left here and walk back along the road to the overhead barrier car park.
Author and Image Credits
Wander Women North Devon
We are a walking group for Wander Women in north Devon, enjoying treks together all over the beautiful area that we are so lucky to call home. Our walks aim to get you feeling good, having fun, meeting likeminded amazing ladies, and spending time in the abundance of incredible natural local scenery.
If you would like some Devon walk inspiration, or see more of the group’s adventures together, please check out our social media pages:
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We are also on meetup Wander Women North Devon (Torrington, United Kingdom)
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