England's highest sea cliff is a 'monstrous climb'

Looking east from Little Hangman to Great Hangman, walkers say the scenery is amazing

"Some people are in awe of it, some are scared of it," says a walker on climbing England's highest sea cliff.

At 1,044ft (318m), Great Hangman - part of the South West Coast Path on the north Devon coast - claims that national title and offers views across to Wales on a clear day.

Walker Rick Cornwall said: "It's a monstrous climb. There's a rocky cairn on the top and unless the fog is in you have also got a superb view all around you.

"You get to the top, your legs are burning and your heart is glad because you've made it to the top of the fabled Great Hangman."

The walker, from west Cornwall, added the section of coastal path was so special to him because it was "a step further than many people ever take".

Rick Cornwall says the walk is "a victory over nature"

The South West Coast Path runs for 630 miles (1,013km), from Minehead on the edge of Exmoor to the shores of Poole Harbour.

"The single trail connects visitors with some of the finest coastal landscapes to be found anywhere in the world," said the South West Coast Path Association.

JMW Turner and Agatha Christie are among the artists and writers inspired by the coastline along the path.

On a clear day walkers can see Wales, the coast to Cornwall and most of the Exmoor coast

Liz Roberts, from Bideford, in Devon, said the Great Hangman, part of the South West Coast Path between Combe Martin and Lynmouth, was the "hardest and most mentally challenging route" she had walked.

She hiked up to the summit with friends in January 2023.

She said: "I had no idea what the climb would be like and I struggled all the way.

"It was pretty horrific. I finished it, but never again. I remember it with much hatred."

She said it was a "cracking walk with amazing scenery" and she was "so lucky to live so close to it, but so unlucky as people ask if we want to climb up it all the time".

Liz Roberts says it was the "hardest and most mentally challenging route" she had walked

The cairn is a prominent landmark on the highest point of Great Hangman

For those who complete the climb on a clear day - the reward waiting at the top can be stunning panoramic views, something that can bring back walkers time and time again.

Huw Davies, who is from north Devon and has climbed to the top about six times, said there were "fantastic views across to Wales, going down the coast to Cornwall and then east along the Exmoor coast".

He said: "There's no easy way to get there. You're climbing from sea level to the top.

"Because it's inaccessible, it's a great place to be, you don't get lots of people up there.

"If you want to get away from people, that's the place to be."

Rachel Simpson says it is "so beautiful, quiet and peaceful" on Great Hangman

It is not just the views that bring walkers to Great Hangman, the physical challenge can appeal as well.

Rachel Simpson, from Fremington in Devon, said: "It's a really good workout and it's just so satisfying to be able to get out there and walk and just see the beauty.

"On a clear day, it's just beautiful. And I always say, without fail, why would you want to live anywhere else other than north Devon?"

However, all walks, particularly those as challenging as this, need proper planning.

Mr Davies urged walkers to check the weather forecast before setting out.

"I wouldn't encourage anyone to go up there when it's windy or wet because you are isolated," he said.

"You need a bit of experience to go up there. If people want to walk it they do need to be prepared. It's not something I would take on lightly."

Walkers are urged to stick to the coast path and to check the weather forecast before setting out

The Ramblers Association said slips and falls from walking and running were the biggest risks.

Although it said coastal walking was "a very safe activity most of the time".

The charity has issued seven tips for staying safe on the coast.