East Devon 8 and 5 Trigs

So, what’s involved?

We’ll be taking a break in 2024, but this will return in 2025 with a few changes.

33 and 21 mile (53km /34km) options
Self navigate
Pairs or teams
Solo entries available for confident navigators
Open to runners and walkers

Trigpoints are the common name for “triangulation pillars”. These are concrete pillars, about 4′ tall, which were used by the Ordnance Survey in order to determine the exact shape of the country. They are generally located on the highest bit of ground in the area, so that there is a direct line of sight from one to the next. By sitting a theodolite (an accurate protractor built into a telescope) on the top of the pillar, accurate angles between pairs of nearby trigpoints could be measured. This process is called “triangulation”.

http://trigpointing.uk/info/trigpoints.php

Our Event

Eight of these trig points sit on a beautifully varied trail loop in East Devon. The route starts on Budleigh Salterton seafront and follows the South West Coast Path to West Down Beacon. Far reaching views from here extend to Berry Head, Portland and Dartmoor. From here, both 5 and 8 Trig routes head inland and cross Woodbury Common, passing 3 trigs on the way. The routes split at Harpford with the 5 Trigs route crossing Mutter’s Moor and on to High Peak. The 8 Trigs route continues to Harford Common and the Sid Valley, before reaching the South West Coast Path again at Weston Cliff. The route climbs multiple hills as is passes through Sidmouth before joining the 5 Trigs at High Peak. A stunning section of coastline with rolling hills leads back to Budleigh Salterton.

8 and 5 Trigs handbook 2023

East Devon 8 and 5 Trigs Flood Diversion

The Route

All trig points can be found without the need for complicated navigation techniques. However, a basic understanding of navigation will be required as the 8 trigs route isn’t way marked. Total distance is approximately 33 miles.

The shorter 5 trigs route avoids the biggest hills on the Eastern part of the course. A total distance of just over 21 miles.

Both routes will be available on Outdoor Active and a GPX file can be downloaded. If you prefer a traditional map, Explorer 115 (Exmouth and Sidmouth) covers the whole route. This is our recommended route, but the exact line you take is up to you! (Please see notes in participant handbook).

The trig points

West Down Beacon – SY045811

Black Hill – SY026854

Woodbury – SY039881

Aylesbeare – SY 055900

Beacon Hill – SY111909 (8 trigs only)

Buckton Hill – SY148908 (8 trigs only) THIS IS CURRENTLY INACCESSIBLE, please use wooden signpost on bridleway as alternative SY148909

Weston Cliff – SY170882 (8 trigs only)

High Peak – SY103859

Results:

Fastest times:

8 Trigs: Sam Kelly (M) 4:21:00 / Alice Kelly (F) 5:24:00

5 Trigs: John Tuner (M) 3:07:00 / Emily Turner (F) 3:40:00

5 Trigs: David Parrott (M) 3:06:00 (With river crossing. This route is no longer permitted)

Full results 2020

East Devon 8 Trigs photo album 2020

8 Trigs & 5 Trigs results 2021 (click here)

8 and 5 Trigs 2021 photos

5 Trigs 2022 results

8 Trigs 2022 results

East Devon 8 and 5 Trigs results 2023

East Devon 18 Trigs

Fancy a bigger challenge? 18 Trigs in East Devon can be linked on foot by a route of approximately 75 miles. Exact route choice is up to you. The aim should be to complete all 18 in under 24hrs, (Like the Bob Graham Round, but in East Devon!)

Further information here: East Devon 18 Trigs