Circular Walk Around Lyme Regis

8 miles (12.2 km)

This circular walk around Lyme Regis makes use of the Monarch's Way and the Wessex Ridgeway to take you up into the countryside above the town before exploring the beautiful coast. The route runs for about 7.5 miles with some moderate climbs to the north of the town around Penn Hill. There's spendid views to the coast from the high points, lovely countryside views and some nice riverside paths to enjoy on the way.
The walk starts on the seafront just to the east of the famous Cobb. From here you can pick up the Wessex Ridgeway and follow it north west along the River Lim. You continue past Sleech Wood and through the woodland on Hole Common to Penn which marks the high point of the walk at nearly 500ft.
You continue north east to Stubb's Farm where you pick up the Monarch's Way long distance footpath. You follow this all the way back to the coast to Charmouth. You can then walk along the beach back to Lyme Regis but please check the tide times first. If the tide is in then you could follow the inland path along the South West Coast Path to return to Lyme Regis. Along the beach you'll pass the striking cliffs at Black Ven and the Spittles which are a well known fossil hunting spot.
For a shorter circular walk you can try the Lyme Regis to Charmouth Walk which heads along the beach before returning along the South West Coast Path through the golf course.
You could also head west along the coast on the popular Lyme Regis to Seaton Undercliff Walk or visit the splendid Golden Cap Estate.

Circular Walk Around Lyme Regis Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Circular Walk Around Lyme Regis Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Circular Walk Around Lyme Regis OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Circular Walk Around Lyme Regis Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

On the walk you could stop off at the Beach Cafe at Charmouth. There's a good range of meals, snacks and locally made cakes.
Next to the cafe there's also the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre where you can see a wonderful fossil collection including an ichthyosaur that starred in the BBC documentary ‘Attenborough and the Sea Dragon’. There's also guided fossil hunting walks to try here.