The Best Walks in Lyme Regis

To put it simply, Lyme Regis is a walker’s paradise. Situated on the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits across Devon and Dorset, walks around Lyme Regis are full of stunning sea views, craggy cliffs and nature galore.

From the historic, sea-swept Cobb, to beaches full of fossils and secluded woodland paths, you’ll never run out of places to explore on walks in Lyme Regis.

Whether you’re a seasoned walker looking for a ramble or simply a chance to stretch your legs on a family day, this list of the best walks in Lyme Regis will have something for you.

Lyme Regis to Charmouth Walk

Length: 5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

There’s a reason that this circular walk is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. It has stunning views, varied scenery, and dramatic cliffs. The first half of the walk heads inland from Lyme Regis, along the diverted South West Coast Path, through Timber Hill Woods which is a top spot for dog-walkers.

After crossing Lyme Regis Golf Course, the route winds down towards Charmouth, where you’ll be rewarded with an expanse of sea and sky. If you fancy a pick-me-up, you can stop for a quick coffee and cake on Charmouth Seafront, before returning along the beach back to Lyme Regis. Whilst in Charmouth, you can also check-out our blog : 6 of The Best Pubs in Charmouth for more places to refuel.

Top Tip:

• Make sure you come back at low tide along the beach, as it is inaccessible when the tide is in. You might even be lucky enough to find a fossil!

Golden Cap Walk

Length: 4 miles

Difficulty: Challenging

At 191 metres, Golden Cap is the tallest point on the South Coast of the UK. It is part of a National Trust Estate which is home to many beautiful walks near Lyme Regis.

The most popular route to climb Golden Cap starts in the small village of Seatown, following the South-West Coast Path up Golden Cap, and then back across the fields towards the ‘lost village’ of Stanton St Gabriel.

It is a steep ascent up the hill, but boy is it worth it when you get a glimpse of the view from the top! Learn more about this National Trust site with a read of our blog “7 Impressive National Trust places near Lyme Regis“. Or, to learn more about this stunning coastline read: Everything You Need to Know About the Jurassic Coast.

Top Tip:

• If you’re a seasoned trekker looking for an even more challenging ramble, you can walk all the way from Lyme Regis to Golden Cap, which is about 7 miles.

Church Cliff Walk

Length: Under 2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Stroll under the famous Black Ven cliff, and discover the place where Mary Anning found her first ichthyosaur! The church cliff walk is a long section of path on a sea wall that extends out from Lyme Regis, east towards Charmouth. It is one of the most popular local walks in Lyme Regis, as it’s easy to access from the town centre.

If you’re on a family trip, the easiest route is to park at Charmouth Road car park, where there is a well-maintained path down to the seafront, and then walk along into Lyme Regis. You can even stop for a photo opportunity at Church Cliff Beach, where ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’, starring Meryl Streep was filmed! For more beautiful coastal walks, read our guide to 11 of the Best Lyme Regis Beaches.

Top Tip:

• If you explore the beaches next to the path, make sure to stay well away from the bottom of the headland in case of landslides, and be careful to check the tide times.

Lyme Regis to Seaton Undercliff Walk

Length: 7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging

Explore 7 miles of world-heritage cliffs, woodland and coast on this breath-taking walk from Lyme Regis to Seaton, along the undercliff. A protected nature reserve, the undercliff landscape is like nowhere else, with unique vegetation and rock formations. It is considered one of the most beautiful, and unique places to walk in Dorset.

This scenic route is perfect for keen walkers and their four-legged friends. The terrain can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain, but the spectacular views and pre-historic scenery on this section of the South West Coast Path make it worth the trek!

To fuel the day ahead, check-out our blog: Must Try Places for Breakfast in Lyme Regis. Or why not enjoy one of these tasty food places: 17 Must-Try Restaurants in Seaton.

River Lim Path

Length: 1.5km

Difficulty: Easy

This charming country walk follows the River Lim path, all the way to the village of Uplyme, in Devon. Part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this short walk along well-maintained paths showcases the beautiful Devonshire countryside. If you’re lucky you might even spot an otter or a kingfisher along the way!

You can park at Charmouth Road or Holmbush car park and walk into Lyme Regis town to start the walk. If you want to stretch your legs even further, there is an optional 1.8 mile extension to Cannington Viaduct.

Top Tip:

• Don’t miss the ancient Lyme Regis Town Mill, near the start of the walk, which still produces stoneground wholemeal flour every day! The mill also houses a restaurant which serves daily coffee and cakes if you fancy a bite of something a bit more contemporary.

Has this list of wonderful walks in Lyme Regis inspired you to book a break on the Southwest Coast? Browse our seaside holiday cottages in Lyme Regis today. If you enjoyed this blog, then be sure to read 13 Unbeatable Boat Trips in Dorset.