The 5 Most Amazing Peaks in North Devon

For breathtaking vistas, consider visiting Butter Hill Summit, which provides beautiful views of Lynton and Lynmouth. Holdstone Hill Summit View offers superb panoramic views along the coast, with Lundy Island, Exmoor, and even the Welsh shores visible on a clear day. Codden Beacon Viewpoint is also strategically placed for views towards Dartmoor, Exmoor, and Lundy Island.

The region is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs. Great Hangman, near Combe Martin, stands at 1,043 feet (318m) with an 800-foot (244m) cliff face, making it the highest sea cliff in England and the highest point on the South West Coast Path. Its 'sister cliff,' Little Hangman, is 716 feet (218m) high. Butter Hill Summit also reaches 1,000 feet (302 m) and is one of England's highest cliffs.

Yes, Codden Beacon Viewpoint features a Bronze Age bowl barrow to its east. Additionally, Chapman Barrows, located on a prominent ridge, is a significant prehistoric round barrow cemetery consisting of eleven circular mounds, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

North Devon offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the Valley of the Rocks loop or the Heddon's Mouth Circular Walk. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes and mountain biking trails available throughout the region.

While some peaks involve moderate to challenging climbs, many areas offer family-friendly sections. The South West Coast Path, which passes by many of these peaks, has varied terrain. For easier walks, consider routes like the Valley of the Rocks or Baggy Point, which are generally suitable for families.

Codden Beacon Viewpoint is noted as dog-friendly. Generally, many trails and open access land in North Devon, including sections of the South West Coast Path, welcome dogs, though it's always advisable to keep them on a lead, especially near livestock or cliff edges.

Spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions for hiking in North Devon, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be popular but also warmer, while winter offers dramatic scenery but requires appropriate gear for potentially wet and windy weather. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

The Hangman Cliffs, including Great Hangman and Little Hangman, are formed from thick sandstone known as 'Hangman Grits.' These distinctive rock formations were laid down during the Devonian Period, contributing to the dramatic coastal scenery where Exmoor meets the sea. You can learn more about them on Wikipedia.

Yes, the name 'Hangman' for Great Hangman and Little Hangman is associated with a local legend. It tells of a sheep rustler who, while attempting to steal a ram, fell from the cliff. The rope snagged, leaving him hanging, which a passing sailor discovered the next morning. Additionally, Holdstone Hill is considered a very special place by the Aertherius Society, who believe it to be a site of extraterrestrial contact.

Butter Hill Summit is a high point on the South West Coast Path, reaching 1,000 feet (302 m). The trail is considered moderate, and good footwear is recommended due to the elevation. From the summit, you'll be rewarded with beautiful views of Lynton and Lynmouth, giving a true sense of the climb you've accomplished.

Areas like Combe Martin, near the Hangman Cliffs, and Lynton and Lynmouth, close to Butter Hill Summit, offer various amenities including cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. These towns serve as convenient bases for exploring the surrounding peaks and coastal paths.

Holdstone Hill offers superb views along the coast, with Lundy Island, Exmoor, and the Welsh shores visible. Beyond its natural beauty, it holds a unique spiritual significance for the Aertherius Society, who believe it was the site of an appearance by Jesus to their founder, Dr. George King, in 1958, making it a place of pilgrimage for them.