Combe Martin Walk
This pretty coastal village is located on the north-west edge of the Exmoor National Park, close to some spectacular coastal scenery. Three significant long distance trails also pass the village so it is easy to explore the area on well maintained, waymarked footpaths.
This loop takes you to some of the highlights to the east of the village including the highest point on the South West Coast Path. Starting in the village you pick up the Samaritans Way South West and head east past Lester Cliff and Wild Pear Beach to Little Hangman Cliff. The route climbs east to Great Hangman in the Hangman Hills. There's a cairn and fine views from the 1044 feet (318 metres) high summit here.
The route continues past Girt Down to Holdstone Down where you can follow a circular footpath around Holdstone Hill. The route then returns to Combe Martin via Girt Down Farm, Netherton and Knap Down.
The village is located on the edge of Exmoor where there's miles of excellent walking trails to try. The Heddon Valley is a great option with the climb giving great views back down to Combe Martin.
Combe Martin Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Combe Martin Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Combe Martin OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Combe Martin Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Combe Martin
- The Hangman Hills - A challenging circular walk visiting Little Hangman and Great Hangman Hills near Combe Martin in Devon
- South West Coast Path - This incredible 600 mile walk follows the coast from Minehead in Somerset, through Devon and Cornwall and onto the finish point at Poole in Dorset
- Ilfracombe to Woolacombe Coastal Walk - The coast path between Ilfracombe and Woolacombe runs for about 8 miles along a series of dramatic cliffs, beautiful bays and lovely beaches.
The walk starts on the front in Ilfracombe and climbs to Capstone Point and Capstone Hill - Ilfracombe to Ossaborough Railway Path - This is a nice easy short walk or cycle along the disused London and South Western Railway Ilfracombe Branch Line, from Ilfracombe to Mortehoe and Woolacombe railway station.
The route starts off by the pier in Ilfracombe and soon joins the railway path on the outskirts of the town - Tarka Trail - This wonderful walk through Devon follows the path taken by Tarka the Otter in the book of that name
- Heddon Valley - Enjoy an easy waterside walk through the beautiful Heddon Valley in Exmoor
- Samaritans Way South West - Starting at Bristol follow the Samaritans Way to Lynton, in Devon, and visit the Avon Gorge, the Chew Valley, the Cheddar Gorge, the Mendips, the Quantock Hills and the Brendon Hills
- Heddon Valley - Enjoy an easy waterside walk through the beautiful Heddon Valley in Exmoor
- Ilfracombe to Combe Martin - A popular coastal walk between these two North Devon settlements, using a section of the South West Coast Path
- Arlington Court - This walk explores the grounds of the National Trust's Arlington Court on the edge of Exmoor in north Devon.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
From nearby Ilfracombe you can catch a boat to the beautiful Lundy Island. The island is owned by the National Trust and has some splendid coastal walking trails. It's also a nature reserve with lots of wildlife to see, including the famous Lundy puffins.
Just to the south you'll find the National Trust's Arlington Court. There's a fascinating old carriage museum and some lovely trails through the gardens and parkland of this 19th century house.
Photos
South West Coast Path on Holdstone Down. The track as well as being the route of the South West Coast Path it is also the route of the Tarka Trail, Great Hangman can be seen in the background.
Junction of footpaths on Girt Down on the southern slopes of Great Hangman.
Combe Martin is said to have the longest village street in the country. This large village (or small town) is stretched out for two miles along a single road at the bottom of the valley. This photograph shows the north-western end of the village where it reaches the sea.
The War Memorial attached to the churchyard at the Church of St Peter ad Vincula in Combe Martin
This photograph was taken from the base of Lester Cliff, looking across the beach towards the main street
View of Highveer Point from Holdstone Down. Taken on the South West Coastpath
Footpath junction on Holdstone Down. At this point the South West Coast Path turns right and descends into Sherrycombe.
Combe Martin: Holdstone Down. Looking west to Girt Down and the Great Hangman; seen from the South West Coast Path