Blackdown Beast 2025

The Blackdown Beast is a very social, self-navigated run.

Its great training for the Grizzly!

Runners follow a picturesque cross country route of 7.6 miles on seldom used footpaths to Smeatharpe.

Here they enjoy a pasty and mulled wine at Smeatharpe Village Hall as a reward for their hard work.

The next leg of the run is 2.8 miles on lanes and country paths which drops down to the village of Upottery and the Sidmouth Arms which will provide more sustenance to the runners.

The 10 mile option finishes here. Minibus transport will be provided to take the 10 milers back to Dunkeswell, BUT please select the 10 mile option on the entry from.

The 16 milers then take the road to Rawridge.

Here they will  turn on to the country, cross the river Otter and climb to the top of the ridge to the viewpoint above Luppitt for a spectacular panorama of the surrounding countryside before running the remainder of the 3.3 miles to the Luppitt Village Hall for hopefully another refreshment stop (TBC) where you need cash.

The last 2.7 mile leg of the day takes you across country over Luppitt Common back to Dunkeswell Airport for a well earned drink and food at the Aviation Cafe. Cash and card payments are accepted. Sorry but to keep the farmers happy no dogs are allowed on the route.

Entry fee of £20 includes pasty and mulled wine