Top 13 Natural Monuments around Combe Martin

The area around Combe Martin boasts several impressive natural monuments. Among the most popular is Valley of Rocks, known for its dramatic cliffs, sea views, and resident feral goats. Another significant site is Heddon's Mouth Cove, a rocky beach where the River Heddon meets the sea, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The imposing Little Hangman also offers privileged views of the coastline.

Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Valley of Rocks is easily accessible with a car park, and its unique geology and feral goats are often a hit with children. Glen Lyn Gorge offers various trails and waterfalls, providing an engaging mini-hike experience. Additionally, Wistlandpound Reservoir Bird Hide provides a tranquil setting with an accessible path around the lake, perfect for spotting wildlife.

For breathtaking coastal views, the Little Hangman cliff offers a privileged perspective of the coastline. The Great Hangman, the highest sea cliff in mainland Britain, also provides panoramic vistas of the coast and Exmoor's rugged landscape after a challenging hike. The South West Coast Path, which runs through Combe Martin, offers numerous spots with magnificent views of the Bristol Channel.

The area around Combe Martin is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore various trails for road cycling, mountain biking, and running. For road cycling, routes like the 'Combe Martin Beach – Hunter's Inn loop' offer scenic rides. Running trails include the 'Little & Great Hangman loop' for a challenging run. Mountain biking options range from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Valley of Rocks – View over Lynmouth Beach loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the respective guides: Road Cycling Routes, Running Trails, and MTB Trails.

Yes, the South West Coast Path runs directly through Combe Martin, providing access to many natural monuments, including the impressive Hangman Cliffs. A challenging hike up Great Hangman rewards visitors with panoramic views. For a shorter, scenic walk, the path around Wistlandpound Reservoir is an easy 2.6km loop through forest and along the water's edge. You can find various running and hiking routes, including the 'Little & Great Hangman loop', in the Running Trails around Combe Martin guide.

Combe Martin's natural monuments are characterized by dramatic geology, including Devonian limestone, shales, and sandstones. The Hangman Cliffs, for instance, are imposing sandstone formations. Valley of Rocks is a dry valley noted for its unique geological formations and highly fossiliferous Lynton Beds, which are among the oldest Devonian rocks in North Devon. The area also exhibits periglacial features formed during the last Ice Age.

Many natural areas around Combe Martin are dog-friendly, especially the coastal paths and beaches. Newbury Beach, for example, is a peaceful, pebbly cove that is dog-friendly. When exploring, always keep dogs under control, especially near cliffs or livestock, and be mindful of local signage regarding dog access, particularly during nesting seasons or on certain protected beaches.

The summer months are ideal for visiting, offering warmer weather for activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding at Combe Martin Beach. During summer, you can also see interesting plant communities, including common spotted orchids and ling heather, on the Hangman Cliffs. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking along the South West Coast Path, with fewer crowds and vibrant seasonal colours. Winter can be dramatic but requires checking weather conditions due to potential strong winds and rain.

Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, Valley of Rocks has a car park directly in the middle, making access very easy. Lynmouth, near Glen Lyn Gorge, also has a large parking lot with restrooms. For coastal walks and beaches, village car parks in Combe Martin often provide convenient access to the South West Coast Path and nearby coves.

Combe Martin Beach is known for its calm, sheltered waters, making it suitable for swimming. Broadsands Beach, a hidden gem accessible via over 200 cliff steps, also offers a fantastic spot for swimming in its awe-inspiring sheltered cove. Always exercise caution, check tide times, and be aware of local conditions when wild swimming.

The Hangman Cliffs are significant for their dramatic scale and geological importance. Great Hangman is the highest sea cliff in mainland Britain, soaring to 1,043 feet (318 meters) with an 800-foot (244-meter) cliff face. Little Hangman is also an impressive 716 feet (218 meters) high. These imposing sandstone formations are a dominant landscape feature, offering challenging hikes and panoramic views of the coastline and Exmoor, and supporting unique plant communities.

Visitors frequently praise the dramatic scenery, the sense of tranquility, and the diverse outdoor activities available. Many enjoy the panoramic views from the cliffs, the unique geological formations of places like Valley of Rocks, and the chance to spot wildlife, including feral goats and various bird species. The sheltered coves and beaches are popular for rock pooling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, offering a peaceful escape.

Yes, Wistlandpound Reservoir offers an accessible 2.6km path around the lake, suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. This allows visitors of all abilities to enjoy the tranquil natural surroundings and observe wildlife from the bird hide.