Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Kiln car park in Combe Martin the walk climbs the Hangman Path out of the village on to the coast path and the top of Little Hangman. It follows the cliff top east to Great Hangman, 318 m, the highest point on Exmoor's 34-mile coast, above some of the highest sea cliffs in England. The way back leaves the coast and runs inland by Girt Lane and Shute Lane through the farmland of Knap Down, above the old silver mines, to Combe Martin.
It is 7.3 km round with 365 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Moderate: the first 1.6 km climbs steeply to the coast path, and the cliff top then climbs again to Great Hangman. About a third is on lanes.
The cliffs are high and steep and the path runs close to the edge in places: keep well back, especially in wind or mist. Livestock may graze on the cliff land and in the fields, so keep dogs under control.
The Kiln car park in Combe Martin is a pay car park. The nearest station is Barnstaple, about 15 km away.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Up the Hangman Path out of Combe Martin on to the coast path at Little Hangman
- Along the cliff top to Great Hangman, the highest point on Exmoor's 34-mile coast, among some of England's highest sea cliffs
- Back inland by Girt Lane and Shute Lane through the farmland of Knap Down
- Down to Combe Martin, a village with a long history of silver mining
Summits on the way
- Little Hangman · passed close by
- Great Hangman 318 m
Getting there
Start: Kiln car park, Combe Martin · Pay and display. 51.20698, -4.03741
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Kiln car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.