Great Hangman Exmoor
Hike to England's highest sea cliffs for unparalleled coastal views on the dramatic Exmoor National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Great Hangman Exmoor
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to England's highest sea cliffs for unparalleled coastal views on the dramatic Exmoor National Park.
"An uphill slog of 1000 feet but the views are great right across to Wales."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be steep and uneven; good hiking boots are a must for a safe and comfortable trek.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Especially for longer walks, staying hydrated is key. Limited facilities on the path mean you need to be self-sufficient.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 68 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Great Hangman Summit
Exmoor National Park
Stand atop England's highest sea cliff for breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Bristol Channel to Wales.
South West Coast Path Section
North Devon Coast
Trek a stunning segment of this iconic path, offering dramatic cliffside scenery and a true sense of coastal wilderness.
Little Hangman
Adjacent to Great Hangman
Explore the sister cliff, offering equally impressive vistas and marking the edge of Exmoor National Park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer England's Highest Sea Cliffs
Timing Your Visit for Views & Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be steep and uneven; good hiking boots are a must for a safe and comfortable trek.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Especially for longer walks, staying hydrated is key. Limited facilities on the path mean you need to be self-sufficient.
📸 Capture the Epic Views
Bring your camera or phone! The coastal vistas are spectacular, especially from the summits of Great and Little Hangman.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs here, but keep them on a lead due to cliff edges and livestock.
Best spot for coastal hiking in North Devon?
Currently in Witheridge and want to cool off. Looking at Lynton and it looks beautiful but am wondering if there's a better option I'm unaware of.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be steep and uneven; good hiking boots are a must for a safe and comfortable trek.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Especially for longer walks, staying hydrated is key. Limited facilities on the path mean you need to be self-sufficient.
📸 Capture the Epic Views
Bring your camera or phone! The coastal vistas are spectacular, especially from the summits of Great and Little Hangman.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs here, but keep them on a lead due to cliff edges and livestock.
☕ Combe Martin Village
Consider finishing your walk in Combe Martin for refreshments, but check opening times as they can be late.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views from England's highest sea cliffs, calling the hike a rewarding experience despite its steepness. The dramatic coastal scenery and the well-maintained South West Coast Path are major highlights. Some note that amenities in nearby Combe Martin may open late, so early visitors should be prepared.
"Great little walk around the hangman’s in North Devon near Combe Martin. Easy to park and not too busy early on. Great to walk whether you’ve got family or a dog and brilliant views along the coastal path. Finished with a nice walk back into Combe Martin at the end. Wonderful little village at the end of the walk if you want to stop for a snack or coffee but bear in mind that Combe Martin opens a bit late so if you go early in the morning like I did there won’t be anything open."
Graham Todd
"Lovely walk, steep at the start going up to the little hangman but after that it's quite steady up to the peak. Once your up there it's lovely views all around."
Adam Langford
"An uphill slog of 1000 feet but the views are great right across to Wales"
Antony Socrates
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Great Hangman is accessible via the South West Coast Path, often approached from Combe Martin or Holdstone Down. Parking is available near the trailheads.
Yes, parking is available, particularly near Combe Martin, which serves as a popular starting point for the hike. Arrive early to secure a spot.
While direct public transport to the cliff tops is limited, buses run to nearby villages like Combe Martin, from where you can start your walk.
Many hikers recommend starting from Combe Martin for a scenic route, or from Holdstone Down for a potentially shorter, though still steep, approach.
The South West Coast Path is generally well-signposted, making navigation straightforward for most hikers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Great Hangman is a natural landmark and part of the Exmoor National Park, so there are no admission fees or tickets required.
As an outdoor natural attraction, Great Hangman is accessible at all times. However, visitor facilities in nearby villages may have specific opening hours.
Exmoor National Park itself does not have an entrance fee, allowing free access to its natural beauty, including Great Hangman.
The main considerations are safety due to the cliff edges and respecting the natural environment. Always stay on marked paths.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns related to the cliffs and lack of lighting.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The time varies greatly depending on your starting point and pace. A hike from Combe Martin to the summit and back can take 2-4 hours.
The hike is considered moderately challenging due to steep ascents, particularly at the start. Proper footwear is essential.
Expect stunning, expansive views of the coastline, the Bristol Channel, and on clear days, across to Wales.
There are no facilities directly at the cliff tops. Restrooms and cafes are available in nearby Combe Martin, but may open late.
The steepness and cliff edges make it challenging for very young children. Older children who are confident walkers might enjoy it with supervision.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for dramatic coastal photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow.
The summit of Great Hangman provides sweeping vistas, while the cliff faces themselves offer dramatic perspectives. The South West Coast Path offers many scenic overlooks.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for capturing the beauty, but a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for the expansive landscapes.
Drone usage may be restricted in national parks and near coastal areas. Always check local regulations before flying.
While sunny days offer clear views, dramatic skies with some clouds can add to the photographic appeal of the rugged coastline.
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