Walks To Enjoy from Lyme Regis

If you enjoy walking, then a trip to Lyme Regis won’t disappoint. Not only are we lucky enough to be on the South West Coast Path, one of the best walking routes in the country, but surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside and idyllic villages our nation has to offer.

Lyme 1 Hotel is perfectly positioned in the heart of Lyme Regis.  You can enjoy fantastic circular routes, suitable for all ages and abilities, right from our front door.  You can also venture further afield, by walking and getting the bus back from East Devon, deeper Dorset or even inland from Somerset too. 

The stunning South West Coast path is England’s longest waymarked footpath, stretching all the way from Minehead in Somerset to Poole harbour in Dorset. Crossing hills, beaches, nature reserves and some of the country’s prettiest villages. If you plan your route right, you’ll also never be too far from somewhere beautiful to enjoy a delicious pub lunch or a cream tea!

You might choose to head West from  Lyme Regis to Seaton through the undercliffs, a 7 mile walk through the wild and tumbling ground of the nature reserve formed by a series of cliff falls in the 1800’s. Bluebells and wild garlic in spring and plenty of mud from the clay rich soil in rainier months! It’s difficult terrain and once you have committed there is no path leading off the route, but the reward is well worth it and there’s plenty of refreshments at either end!

Alternatively, you might head in the other direction and walk along the beach towards Charmouth at low tide. If you don’t get too distracted finding sea glass and fossils at the base of the cliffs here, you can stop for a refuel at the café on the beach in Charmouth and head back to Lyme following the South West Coast Path back over the cliffs, enjoying the stunning views from the top on Lyme Regis Golf course.  

Another popular walk is to head in-land along the footpath beside the River Lim to Uplyme.  This pretty path takes you past the brightly coloured houses of Lyme, over open fields and through woodlands until you eventually cross into Devon and the village of Uplyme. Here you can take a detour for a delicious cream tea/ lunch at the Black Dog Tea Room or a tasty homecooked meal at  The Talbot Arms.

Back on the road, you can meander through the fields and country lanes to the Cannington Viaduct. This stunning piece of architecture was built in 1903 and used to carry trains up to 9 times a day, forming part of the Bluebell Line from Axminster at the height of train travel. Sadly, the trainline closed in 1965, but the viaduct stands proudly across the landscape as fine reminder of a bygone era.  To return, you can walk up the hill beside the viaduct and loop back to Lyme, either turning right into Gore Lane and returning over the cliffs or looping left back into Uplyme and back along the River Lim.

If you want to venture further afield you can take a 15-minute drive or hop on a bus to Seatown.  From here, there is a lovely beach and you can challenge yourself to a walk up Golden Cap or explore the coastal path towards West Bay.  Either direction will reward you with spectacular coastal views from the top! Better still, on your return you can refresh at The Anchor Inn, a fantastic gastro pub, nestled into the hillside with incredible views along the coast.

If you want more ideas  or detail there is plenty of inspiration on Lyme Regis or The South West Coast Path websites, and if you are looking for somewhere to stay don’t forget Lyme 1 Hotel! We have 8 unique rooms each decorated with warmth and style, the perfect ‘home from home’ for your walking adventures.

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