Lyme Regis is a walkers' paradise – it literally has something for everyone, from experienced walkers to novices. 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. For nature lovers, there is a spectacular walk along the Lym Valley, taking in the local flora and fauna.
All this and more, plus a network of footpaths, is right here within the town and its immediate surroundings. The local Ordnance Survey map is OS Explorer 116 for Bridport and Lyme Regis.
Please be safe while walking in Lyme Regis - read about advice on coastal walking in the area.
Undercliff
Step just a little way out of town and you come to the Undercliffs, one of the first of Britain's National Nature Reserves, which was created over the years from a series of landslips, one of the largest which occurred on Christmas Eve 1839. This steeply undulating and winding path stretches from Lyme Regis (Dorset) to Seaton (Devon). This is rugged terrain and it is not unusual to spot more than 40 species in one afternoon.
For more information about the route, visit the South West Coast Path website.
South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path National Trail is rated as one of the top walks to be found anywhere in the world and passes through Lyme Regis.
You can go north and east into rural Dorset and west into Devon – and don't miss the 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 stunning views over Lyme Bay.
Liberty Trail
The 28-mile Liberty Trail starts from Ham Hill in South Somerset and finishes on the Dorset coast at Lyme Regis. This trail follows the footsteps of people who, in 1685, walked to join the Duke of Monmouth who was expected to land at Lyme and lead a rebellion against the King.
The trail takes in Crewkerne and Forde Abbey. Then the route carries on through Dorset into Lyme past the Iron Age hillforts of Lambert’s and Coney’s Castles for spectacular views and where the trail joins the Wessex Ridgeway. Then finally ends in Lyme Regis at the Cobb.
Liz Jones Walking Routes
Liz Jones loved walking and sourced over 70 circular walks in the area. For several years she and her husband David led the U3A Walking Group and after she died in April 2013 members of the group decided to make some of her walks available to a wider audience as a tribute.
There 12 walks, all between four and seven miles, and starting within easy reach of the town.
Please be aware of ticks whilst walking
Be aware that ticks can be found throughout the countryside in this area, and on the South West Coast Path. Ticks attach to your skin and can pass on diseases, including Lyme disease. They tend to be found in long grass and vegetation where they are protected from drying out. They can be as small as a poppy seed and go unnoticed. Brush off your clothing and the fur of pets before going inside to remove any unattached ticks. It is important to check yourself after walking and remove any ticks found as soon as possible with a tick removal device which avoids squashing the body.
For further information see the Lyme Disease Action website.
