Combe Martin Local Geography

The approach to Combe Martin, along the coastal road, offers glimpses of some of the most stunning views in North Devon. The two headlands of Great and Little Hangman dominate the scene which greets visitors to the village as they journey down to the pretty sheltered harbour below.

The beach at Combe Martin is a mixture of sand, pebbles and fascinating rocky shore, which at low tide extends into large areas of firm clean sand. There are also a number of other secluded bays within a short walk of the village centre at Sandy Cove and Newberry Beach. Their rocky nature provides an added attraction especially for children, in the form of numerous rock pools teeming with sea creatures. The beaches are all within the North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation Area which stretches from Combe Martin to Woolacombe.

Combe Martin is an ideal centre for walking and many footpaths and circular walks radiate from the village. The South West Coast Path passes through Combe Martin on its 630-mile journey around the South West Peninsula, and the route also forms a part of the Tarka Trail. Enjoy the spectacular and unspoilt coastal views, the majesty of the coastal heaths and the captivating archaeology of the area.

The main village street is over two miles long, reputed to be the longest in the country, and features a wide selection of inns, cafes and shops. Another attraction in the village is The Pack O'Cards Inn, built by a local landowner in the 17th century from his winnings in a card game. The house was built to represent a pack of cards with 4 floors, 13 rooms and a total of 52 windows.

Gateway to Exmoor

Situated in a beautiful and fertile valley on the western edge of Exmoor, Combe Martin lies at the centre of some of North Devon’s most spectacular coastal scenery. It is the point where the Exmoor National Park and North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty meet. The idyllic village of Berrynarbour slightly inland is a haven for peace and tranquility, even during the height of the summer season.

Unspoilt Exmoor

Exmoor National Park, covering 265 square miles, contains some of the most spectacular and varied scenery in the coutry. The coastline is mainly rugged and wooded with steep valleys and gorges and some of the highest cliffs in England. Inland, sheltered lanes with close beech hedges give way to a fine heather, bracken and wide sweeping moorland rising to Dunkery Beacon – 1708 feet above sea level – from where, on a clear day, one can see for over 50 miles.

Here, the moor remains as it was in the days of the Doones, wild and remote, yet ever changing according to season, light and weather. Ponies, red deer and sheep roam freely, watched by buzzards, ravens, ring ouzels, dippers and even the rare merlin. The moor also bears many man-made relics such as the prehistoric earthworks, old packhorse bridges and centuries old churches. Several good roads cross the moor, but the best way to appreciate the diverse beauty of Exmoor are to walk or go on horseback.

Surrounding Area

Both Combe Martin and Berrynarbour lie within the northern half of the North Devon Area od Outstanding Natural Beauty and are ideally positioned for touring the whole of the North Devon. To the east lies Exmoor, with its dramatic hills and valleys with the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth just a few miles away. To the west can be found the picturesque countryside of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It comprises a great variety of coastal scenery from high cliffs and exposed rocky points to long sandy beaches and secluded coves. Facing both the Bristol Channel and Atlantic Ocean, the countryside marks a transition from the high cliffs of Exmoor to the lowlands of the Taw and Torridge Estuary. The Coastal resort of Ilfracombe lies immediately to the west with its summer season of varied entertainment, while further along the coast are to be found the golden sands of North Devon including Woolacombe, Putsborough, Croyde and Saunton

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