Walks in and around Lyme Regis
“Lyme Regis – perched like a herring gull on a ledge suspiciously peering both ways into Devon and Dorset”. Thus wrote one of Lyme’s most distinguished citizens, John Fowles, and no-one enjoyed walking in and around Lyme more than he did. This small town is a walkers' paradise – it literally has something for everyone of all ages and abilities. Within the town itself there is the gentle stroll along the Marine Parade from Cobb Gate to the beach, with shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants on one side and the sea on the other. For the historically minded, there is a wonderful walk within Medieval Lyme. For those more interested in architecture, there is Georgian Lyme. And for nature lovers, there is a spectacular walk along the Lym Valley, taking in the flora and fauna which is there in abundance.
All this and more, plus a network of footpaths, is right here within the town and its immediate environs. But step just a little way out of town and you come to the Undercliff, one of the first of Britain’s National Nature Reserves, which was created over the years from a series of landslips, the most spectacular of which occurred on Christmas Eve, 1839. This steeply undulating and winding path stretches from Lyme Regis (Dorset) to Seaton (Devon) – hence the Fowles’ analogy with the herring gull peering suspiciously in both directions. This is rugged terrain and it is not unusual for more than 40 species of birds to be spotted in one afternoon.
The South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path passes through Lyme Regis. From here, you can go north and east into rural Dorset and west into Devon – and don’t miss that part of the coastal walk which brings you to the top of Golden Cap. It is the highest point on the South Coast, and rewards hill walkers with breathtaking views over Lyme Bay.
Safety and The Fossil Code
Be safe while you're on the beach, walking along the coast path or collecting fossils. Read more …
"Always consult tide tables before collecting. It is advisable that you go collecting on a falling tide. A particular hazard is the beach immediately east of Lyme Regis, which is cut off shortly after low tide. For further advise please contact the Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre on 01297 442138."
