The historic port of Lyme Regis

Recommended by

Walk directions

From the harbour car park, face inland and take the path that runs to the left of the bowling green, up steps between wooden chalets. Cross a road and continue via more steps up through steep woodland beside a stream. Fork at a kissing gate at the top, then turn right through another kissing gate. Follow first a path and then a road between villas, to lead you across a car park.

Cross the road ahead of you and then, with Coram Tower on your left-hand side, continue straight on along Pound Road. Pass the thatched Kersbrook Hotel, then cross the B3165 at Mariners Hotel, to go down Woodmead Road. Immediately turn left through a gate, along the path that carries on down through Slopes Farm woodland. A gate leads out onto Roman Road.

Turn right across the River Lim, and turn left up a lane signed ‘Wessex Ridgeway’. At a fork, keep ahead on a path to the right of the stream, which it crosses on a footbridge after 220yds (200m). Go through a gate and cross the field ahead. At the corner bear right through a gate, cross a footbridge and bear right over a second one.

Near a thatched cottage on the left turn right, signed ‘Dragon’s Hill’, and follow the track up through woods to a gate. Continue past sewage works and through another gate into a field. Go straight on up the hill, with Sleech Wood to your left, into a second field. Near its top, just below Dragon’s Hill, go through a gate to a lane corner and turn right, along a hedged track (signposted ‘A3052’). It passes along the foot of a caravan park to emerge on the A3052 (Charmouth Road).

Turn right and follow this for 0.5 miles (800m), down into the town. Turn right into Monmouth Street, opposite the church, through George’s Square with its gardens on your left. Turn right into Coombe Street, up the hill passing Dinosaurland Fossil Museum to the bridge.

Take the riverside path down left, signposted ‘Town Mill’, between mill stream and river. With your back to the Town Mill, go ahead up Mill Lane to Coombe Street. This time turn right down Coombe Street, towards the harbour. At the end turn left on Bridge Street, past the Lyme Fossil Shop and Lyme Regis Museum, turn immediately right, just before the Guildhall and descend a flight of stone steps to the shore.

Turn right past a huge anchor and continue past an ornate town clock on a small tower to Marine Parade. Continue along the front, eventually passing the Royal Standard pub on your left. Bear left by The Cobb Arms and walk down to the end of the Cobb. Returning, turn left by the Lifeboat Station into the car park.

View all directions

Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Town centre, promenade, woodland steps, paths

Landscape - Town, cliffs and hinterland of steep valley

Dog friendliness - Very busy in summer, dogs banned from Town Beach March to October; other times on leads

Parking - Monmouth Street pay-and-display near harbour (others on route)

Toilets en route - Signposted at several car parks and seafront

Walks in Dorset Dog-friendly walks in Dorset

About the walk

The Cobb breakwater was first constructed in the 13th century. This sheltered harbour made Lyme Regis Dorset’s second largest port. The Cobb was then rebuilt in Portland stone in the early 19th century, with a walkway incorporated on the sheltered side. While the shipping trade had waned by that...

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.