Walks Around Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis sits in the heart of the Jurassic Coast — a place of cliffs, fossils, and stories that stretch back millions of years. With its famous Cobb harbour and lively year-round atmosphere, the town draws visitors from all over, especially during its well-known fossil festival.

The surrounding area offers coastal walks filled with sweeping views, historical landmarks, and the chance to find fossils washed from the cliffs. From easy village strolls to more demanding routes over Golden Cap, here are some favourite walks near Lyme Regis.

Branscombe Village Walk

Distance: 1.9 miles (3.0 km)
Difficulty: Moderate

A short walk starting from Branscombe Mouth and heading inland to one of Devon’s prettiest villages. Branscombe is home to several preserved National Trust buildings, including a working forge and a traditional mill. It’s a great route for a relaxed outing, with the option to extend your walk further into the peaceful valley if you’re feeling active.

Chideock to Charmouth

Distance: 5.4 miles (8.6 km)
Difficulty: Moderate

This route starts with a bus to Chideock, then follows a cliff-top path back to Charmouth. Expect a mix of ups and downs with optional detours around Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast. Along the way, you’ll see coastal geology at its finest — sculpted cliffs and rockfalls that often reveal ancient fossils.

Langdon Hill, Golden Cap & St Gabriel’s Chapel

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Difficulty: Challenging

A varied walk through woodland, over rolling hills, and past the ruins of a 13th-century chapel at Stanton St Gabriel. The paths here cross historic farmland and lanes that date back to medieval times. Wildlife is plentiful, and the open views make it a great route for walkers who enjoy quiet countryside mixed with sea panoramas.

Stonebarrow Hill Circular

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.0 km)
Difficulty: Challenging

A longer and more demanding route, with sweeping views across the coast and countryside. Highlights include the remains of a medieval village and St Wite’s Well — once believed to have healing properties. For those wanting a little less climbing, there’s an alternative route over Chardown Hill.

Thorncombe Beacon and Doghouse Hill

Distance: 4.3 miles (7.0 km)
Difficulty: Moderate

This loop between Eype Mouth and Seatown combines coastal and inland paths. Doghouse Hill was home to one of the area’s earliest human settlements, while Thorncombe Beacon once warned of invaders during Tudor times. The beach at Eype is good for fossil-hunting, and the route has plenty of interest for history lovers and walkers alike.

West Bay and Burton Bradstock

Distance: 5.3 miles (8.6 km)
Difficulty: Easy

This circular route begins in West Bay, follows the footpath through a golf course to Burton Bradstock, then returns along the cliffs. The views across the coastline are excellent, and the high ground played a key role during the Second World War. A relaxed walk with a nice balance of sea and countryside.