How to hike to England’s highest cliff (in Devon!) 🥾

Rising 318 metres above the Bristol Channel, Great Hangman is the highest sea cliff in mainland England.

Located just outside Combe Martin on the North Devon coast, it forms part of the South West Coast Path and is one of Exmoor’s steepest but most rewarding climbs. 

Here’s what you need to know about climbing Combe Martin to Great Hangman! 

🥾 The route: Combe Martin to Great Hangman

The most straightforward way to reach the summit is by following the South West Coast Path east from Combe Martin. The full walk is around 3.5 miles out-and-back, although many choose to continue further along the coast path towards Heddon’s Mouth or even Lynmouth to make a longer hike.

1. Start in Combe Martin – There’s a large seafront car park near the beach (EX34 0DN). From here, follow signs for the South West Coast Path heading east, behind the beach and up the residential lane known as Seaside Hill.
2. The path soon leaves the houses and begins to climb steeply. You’ll first reach Little Hangman, which already gives you wide sea views and a good sense of the landscape.
3. Continue climbing the coast path towards Great Hangman, which is around 2km further on. The route is well-signed and follows a grassy ridge with no major navigation challenges in clear weather. Just follow the South West Coast Path!
4. The summit itself is set back from the cliff edge on a moorland plateau. There’s no trig point, but the elevation is obvious — and the views across the channel to South Wales are spectacular on a clear day!

The return route is the same in reverse.

This walk is part of the Lynmouth to Combe Martin segment of the South West Coast Path, so you could continue for longer if you wish!

🚗 Where to park

Combe Martin Kiln Car Park (EX34 0DN) is the best base. It’s right by the beach and near toilets, a shop, and a few pubs and cafés. Payment is by machine (card accepted when working, but bring coins as backup).

If this car park is full, you’ll sometimes find space in the overflow car park up Castle Street, though this adds a bit of uphill walking through the village.

🧭 Tips for hiking Great Hangman

• This is a steep climb — you gain over 1,000ft or 300 metres in less than two miles. The path is clear but consistently uphill with little shelter.
• Footwear matters — bring boots or trail shoes with grip. In wet weather, the path can be slippery.
• There are no facilities on the trail — no toilets, no café, no water. Stock up in Combe Martin before you set off.
• Avoid poor visibility days — while the path is clear, low cloud can spoil the views and make the summit feel anticlimactic.
• Go early or late in summer — the route can be popular mid-morning in peak season, especially Little Hangman. A sunrise or golden hour walk is far quieter and more atmospheric.

🐐 Can you just walk to Little Hangman?

Yes – and that’s the route I’ve done a few times. It’s a great short option if you’re short on time or don’t fancy the full climb. From Combe Martin to Little Hangman, it’s only about 0.75 miles each way, but still steep and scenic, with views back over the bay.

Why is it called Great Hangman?

The name Great Hangman likely comes from a combination of Old English and local folklore, but there’s no single agreed origin. Here’s a breakdown of the main theories:

🗺️ Historical and linguistic origin

The most credible theory is that the word “Hangman” derives from the Old English “hangra”, meaning a wooded slope or steep hillside, combined with “mann”, possibly referring to a person or a shaped landform. So “Hangman” may simply mean “the man-shaped hill on the slope” — a topographic description that became localised over centuries.

This kind of name evolution is common in southwest England, especially in moorland and coastal areas where Old English terms merged into later English place names.

🧾 Folklore version

Locals have passed down stories suggesting darker origins. One tale says a sheep rustler was hanged on the hill, either by locals or after being caught and executed. Another version tells of a man who hanged himself there in despair. There’s no historical record to support these stories, but they’ve stuck — especially as the name sounds so evocative.

And what about Little Hangman?

Little Hangman is the lower peak on the same ridge. The two together form a ridge line rising out of Combe Martin, with Great Hangman standing taller and further east.