Heddon's Mouth circular walk

Setting out from the small village of Martinhoe on the edge of Exmoor, this 3.1 km circuit drops steeply through sheltered woodland toward the sea. The route follows the course of the Hill Brook as it tumbles down its deep, rocky combe, threading between steep valley sides cloaked in oak and ash.

The path opens out at Heddon's Mouth, where the brook meets the Bristol Channel in a striking pebble cove hemmed in by towering scree slopes. This is one of the most dramatic coastal spots on the North Devon coast, and a natural place to pause before the return leg. From here the walk climbs back inland, passing close to Invention Wood before completing the loop at Martinhoe.

With 166 metres of ascent packed into under two miles, the going is moderate and the return climb is the sting in the tail. Allow around an hour, plus extra time to linger at the beach and take in the sea views framed by the mouth of the combe.