This trail begins by the National Trust Rangers office in Heddon Valley. The path was built by the Victorians and is a well graded wide track that winds along the cliff tops giving superb views of the North Devon Coastline and Bristol Channel. Trampers can be hired from the National Trust offices

Surveyed by: Exmoor National Park Authority Volunteer, July 2016 (Summer)
Accessibility Rating: 2
Distance: 6.8 km

Full Profile

The view back out of the car park. Leave through the main entrance

Turn left once you have left the car park. Head towards the Hunters Inn

Take the road to the right of the Hunters Inn. This is the steepest part of the trail at 7 degrees up slope but the surface is good tarmac and should present few problems.

Continue forward onto the off road path running alongside the Hunters Inn grounds

The trails enters woodland, continue uphill (5 degrees) at the junction

The first glimpse of the sea.

A seat on the hairpin bend. A good chance to take in the views.

A second chance to take in the views across the Bristol Channel towards South Wales.

The start of the optional trail up to the Roman look out point.

The path up is a little steep (16 degrees) for a few metres but soon evens out

There are six 10cm steps as you pass through the Roman wall

A great view on a warm summer's day but less inviting in the depths of winter; looking out for invading Silures from Wales. Now turn and retrace your steps to the Carriageway.

The high point is in sight.

A place to admire the view and congratulate yourself on reaching the high point.

back into shaded woodland.

If you have hired a Tramper you can go on through here.

The turning point.

Those using or accompanying Trampers hired from the National Trust must turn around here and retrace their steps. Don't worry the views are just as good in the opposite direction.

For others there are a number of other ways back. Either take the uphill road and turn right at the T junction or look right for this finger post.

The path heads up hill, 7 degrees, through the woods.

The surface isn't too bad but as the photos show it can get a bit overgrown.

You should see this finger post on your left. The path to the right is rarely passable but would provide a short cut to get here.

Finally you come out on a road at an unofficial a parking area. Those who have come round by road will rejoin us here.

Turn right and walk along the quiet lane.

Coming into Martinhoe.

About 40 yards beyond Martinhoe there is a wide graa opening to the right

The more adventurous could take the field path to Mannacott Farm, just keep the hedge on your right, swinging left to join the farm track.

At the fork keep right ....

... and turn right towards Hunters Inn.

Although quiet these lanes have some sharp bends. Keep to the outside of the bends and take care.

The attractive Upper Mannacott Cottage is passed on our right

Those who have taken the cross field path will re-join the main route at the entrance to Mannacott Farm

This finger post poiunts back up the farm track

The road is downhill all the way now, a reward for all that earlier climbing

Keep left on the public road.

The adventurous can take this bridleway to the left.

They will come out just above the car park and will need to turn right when they reach the road.

Now the end is in sight.

You walked up this slope at the start. You could reward yourself with a visit to the Hunters Inn.

Or you can turn left back to the National Trust buildings and the car park.