Selworthy Beacon & Hurlstone Point loop from Selworthy — Exmoor National Park

Embark on the Selworthy Beacon & Hurlstone Point loop from Selworthy, a challenging jogging route spanning 9.9 miles (15.9 km) with a significant 1517 feet (462 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult trail, which you can complete in about 1 hour and 56 minutes, takes you through varied terrain including wooded combes, open hillsides, and rugged coastal paths. You will experience steep ascents and descents, particularly when climbing to Selworthy Beacon, and enjoy dramatic coastal views across the Bristol Channel from Hurlstone Point. The path includes natural tracks, stony sections, and areas with gorse and bracken, demanding good grip from your trail running shoes. Expect an energetic experience with continuous changes in elevation. A windproof layer is also advisable for the exposed coastal sections.

For your visit, be prepared for the trail's hard difficulty, which requires very good fitness for jogging. The route passes through picturesque villages like Selworthy and Bossington, known for their traditional thatched cottages. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking details, planning your journey to Selworthy will be your starting point. The trail is accessible year-round, but the heather moorland is especially vibrant in August and September, offering a beautiful backdrop to your run.

This loop is notable for encompassing two iconic Exmoor landmarks: Selworthy Beacon, a Marilyn offering extensive panoramic views, and Hurlstone Point, a dramatic headland featuring a disused coastguard lookout station. Sections of the route follow the renowned South West Coast Path, providing breathtaking clifftop experiences. You will also pass through the National Trust's Holnicote Estate, an area rich in natural and historical significance, where you might spot Exmoor ponies. On clear days, views extend to Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor's highest point, adding to the trail's memorable vistas.