Blackdown Beast
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Blackdown Beast
The Blackdown Beast is a social, self-navigated cross country run in the countryside of the Blackdown Hills. The event includes marked legs, refreshment stops, and options for different route lengths. The start location is the Skydive Centre on Dunkeswell Airfield. The run follows seldom used footpaths to Smeatharpe, where participants are offered a pasty and mulled wine at Smeatharpe Village Hall.
The route structure described by the organisers includes the following options:
- 10 mile option finishing at Upottery with minibus return to Dunkeswell
- 16 mile route via Rawridge and Luppitt finishing at Dunkeswell Airport
The route described in detail comprises a 7.6 mile first leg to Smeatharpe, a 2.8 mile section to Upottery, a 3.3 mile stretch to Luppitt Village Hall, and a final 2.7 mile cross country leg back to Dunkeswell Airport. Refreshment stops include the Sidmouth Arms and Luppitt Village Hall, and the Dunkeswell Airport Cafe accepts cash and card payments. Minibus transport is provided for the 10 mile option but entrants must choose that option on the event entry form. Dogs are not allowed on the route.
The event raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support. In 2024 the event raised over £4,000. The next scheduled date is Saturday, 30th January 2027. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
