Walk from Lyme Regis to Charmouth

Starting at Church Street, at the bottom of the Lyme Regis town centre, head uphill (about a 10 minute walk) and just past the Football field you’ll see an entrance to a footpath. This will take you past the Golf Course and Timber Hill (lovely views from here).

As you come back onto the main road, turn right over a stile which will then take you across the actual Golf Course and consequently through woods – this is a marked footpath and easily marked for you.

You will then come up just above Fern Hill Hotel, which has a pavement leading you all the way to Charmouth, down the road and into the village.

In the centre of town, a right turn will lead you to the beach and Heritage Centre. For a more lengthy walk and great views, continue through the town and walk through Stonebarrow Lane. At the top of this lane are lovely views and a variety of other footpaths to choose from, such as more Coastal walks, leading all the way to Chesil Beach (be sure to stop off at West Bay to see the famous cliffs!) You can either walk back, take the alternative route listed below or catch one of the many running buses.

Alternative Route:

Many people also like to walk to and from Charmouth and Lyme via the beach, which is about a 45minute/1 hour walk. Be sure to check tide times and check it’s okay to to walk this way as it may change due to weather conditions. Always wear sensible footwear and keep away from landslips and large rocks.

– but check the tide times first!

A Historic Walk around Lyme Regis

Starting at the Marine Theatre entrance in Church Street is the theatre square with beautiful views across the coast, from the Lyme Regis beach to Charmouth on the left. You’ll also find, further down to your right the Guildhall – a beautiful 16th Century building.

Turn left onto Bridge Street and further left past Cobb Gate carpark and onto the Marine Parade (the seafront), a beautiful walk which takes you along the beach past historic houses and buildings, towards the famous Cobb and Cobb Harbour.

As you pass the National Trust shop and just before you reach the Amusement arcade, walk up the slope leading you to the beautiful Langmoor Gardens. Follow the path up to the right (Lister Gardens on the left) and be sure to stop and perch on one of the many benches to admire the view – this is a popular spot, especially whilst watching the Red Arrows and picnics in the summer months!

At the top you’ll be treated to a beautiful view over Lyme Regis Beach and close to the Alexandra Hotel. You’ll then be taken through gates that exit the gardens. Cross the road twice until you’re at the top of Sherborne Lane – a sloped alleyway that has evidence of dating back to the 8th century!

Continue down and through Mill Green and follow the river along past Woodmead Road until you reach Horn Bridge, where you’ll turn left on Roman Road and onto the first gated exit on the left (this is signposted to Slopes Farm) which leads you up a steep hill. Follow the path and turn right at the exit, back onto Woodmead Road.

Turn left at the top of the road, past the Mariners Hotel and The Nags Head and continue to walk down Silver Street, then taking the next left down Hill Road. Walk all the way to the bottom of this road (where Lyme Regis has their very own Banksy – an Origami swan on the wall of the river) Opposite this and on your right is the ‘Lynch’ – a lovely walk along the River Lim and down to the Town Mill, a beautiful artisan quarter with a gallery, restaurant, shops and the restored Mill.

Head up the road opposite the Fish and Chip shop, where you’ll see St Michael’s Church and turn right to bring you back down Church Street.

A River through History

A lovely walk along the River Lim to the village of Uplyme, passing many little bridges, the old mill sites and the Roman Road that connects Dorchester to Exeter.

Start the walk on Bridge Street (where the river meets the sea) and walk up Coombe Street.

When you reach the Ship Inn, turn to walk to the Town Mill on your left. Keep right and you’ll be taken through to the ‘Lynch’, where the River Lim flows beside you. You’ll then be taken out onto Coombe Street again; continue up Mill Green and you’ll soon see the river again near a small block of flats.

Follow the river on this path, across Woodmead road (where the bridge and its weir can be seen) and continue your walk along the path with the trees on your left until you reach Horn Bridge, which is where the old Roman Road lies that connects Dorchester to Exeter.

Cross the road continuing along the path, which is intially tarmaced turning into a track. Keep right and cross the stream and then turn left passing the thatched cottage on your right. Note the water wheel of the old mill.

You are walking along the East Devon Way until you reach a lane, cross this and continue until you reach Church Street. There is a diagonal crossing to continue following the path from which you will come to the Talbot Arms with the village hall and playing fields ahead.

A pleasant walk, giving you the opportunity to discover some beautiful buildings and viewpoints in Lyme, ranging from The Marine Theatre, Langmoor gardens and the artisan quarter that is the Town Mill.

To return – turn left along the main road until you come to the Black Dog tea room, forking left along Haye Lane and shorlty take the footpath left down across some fields, back over the river Lym, turn right and retrace your steps back into Lyme Regis.