5 Days & 4 Nights

4.6

South West Coast Path: Exmouth to Lyme Regis | Stage 9 | 5 Days

Walk from Exmouth to Lyme Regis on the South West Coast Path.
The wildlife and dramatic red-stone stacks and caves of Ladram Bay.
Bustling seaside towns of Exmouth and Sidmouth.
The unique jungle-like atmosphere of the Undercliff National Nature Reserve.
Colourful villages of Branscombe and Beer, a place famous for smugglers.

Walk from Exmouth to Lyme Regis on this dramatic section of the South West Coast Path. This part of the trail has contrasting landscapes of red sandstone and white chalky cliffs to lush green countryside. It also comprises much of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the coastline, enjoying a geological walk through time and stay in pretty seaside towns and quaint Devon villages. Discover the impressive sandstone stacks of Ladram Baytake and follow paths through the unique terrain of the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve. Finish at the distinctive harbour wall, The Cobb, in Lyme Regis.

From £579.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Exmouth and overnight

Your first overnight will be in the lively seaside town of Exmouth. It is worth arriving early to enjoy what Exmouth has to offer. There are a diverse selection of shops and places to eat as well as beautiful sandy beaches.

Overnight Exmouth

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Dolphin Hotel | Hotel

The Dolphin Hotel is a family-run establishment and prides itself on offering you a home away from home with their welcoming, friendly staff who aim to give you the relaxed, comfortable and hassle-free stay. They are situated a three minute walk from both the beach and the town centre, so you can easily see everything Exmouth has to offer. There are restaurants and pubs nearby and there are plenty to choose from.

Manor Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

As a Coaching Inn situated in Exmouth, UK dating back from the 1790's, the family-run Manor Hotel offers superb views across Exmouth Bay.

The hotel feature a lounge bar, in the heart of Exmouth. Free high-speed WiFi is available.

Premier Inn Exmouth Seafront Hotel | Hotel

At the end of a long day, you can relax in style in one of their new generation bedrooms, featuring an impressive 40” flat screen TV, bright, modern bathroom with a large shower head and super-comfy Hypnos beds. They have free WiFI throughout the hotel and a restaurant which is open for evening meals.

Day 2 Exmouth to Sidmouth 13 miles / 20.9 km

Leaving Exmouth behind, start your walk by climbing up to the official start of the Jurassic Coastline, Orcombe Point. The scenery is quite distinctive here with dramatic red sandstone cliffs which are an astounding 250 million years old. Follow cliff-top paths to the delightful seaside town of Budleigh Salterton with its Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian houses and delightful pebble beach.

Take in the striking red sandstone stacks and caves at Ladram Bay, which are some of the oldest rocks along this World Heritage Coast.

Perhaps spot some of the fantastic birdlife which shelter here and see lovely views from High Peak and Peak Hill before reaching the bustling seaside resort of Sidmouth. Enjoy freshly seafood caught by the local fishermen, take in the beautiful buildings along the promenade or just put your feet up and relax at one of the plentiful cafés or restaurants.

Ascent: +500m (+1640ft) / Descent: -505m (-1655ft)

Overnight Sidmouth

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hunters Moon Hotel | Hotel

The Hunters Moon Hotel, is a family run, early Georgian residence surrounded by two acres of magnificent gardens, wooded lawns and mature trees. It is pleasantly situated approximately ten minutes’ walk from Sidmouth’s elegant regency shops and sea front. The hotel grounds offer seclusion in which to relax, enjoy a stroll or a round on the putting green with refreshments available throughout the day. It is a friendly, informal hotel where you can relax, unwind and enjoy your stay.

Bedford Hotel | Hotel

Set on Devon’s Jurassic Coast, The Bedford Hotel is located on Sidmouth’s seafront. It has individually designed rooms with flat-screen TVs, limited free parking and a restaurant overlooking Lyme Bay.Rooms at the hotel are decorated in light shades and modern wallpaper. Rooms include hairdryers, tea/coffee-making facilities and many have panoramic sea views, some also have balconies. Cooked English breakfasts are served each morning in the dining room, whilst the restaurant offers an international table d’hote menu. Produce is sourced from the Devon area and roast dinners are available on Sundays.

The Woodlands Hotel | Bed and breakfast

The Woodlands Hotel is a boutique hotel located on the seaside town of Sidmouth, on the East Devon coast. The Woodlands Hotel offers spacious rooms, locally sourced food and a tranquil private garden. Each room has it's own unique character and some have beautiful views of the gardens and terrace.

Day 3 Sidmouth to Beer 8.5 miles / 13.7 km

Today’s walk, though involving some steep climbs up and down from the cliffs to and from the pretty secluded coves and beaches, you will be rewarded with magnificent views from Salcombe Hill and Dunscombe Cliff.

Take a detour to the delightful village of Branscombe with its pretty thatched cottages and from here walk through the Hookend Cliff landslip area which offers an abundance of rare flora and fauna, as well as one of this area’s biggest collections of fossils. You will finally emerge to the fishing village of Beer. Beer is most well known for its smugglers coves and caves and these are well worth a visit when you arrive there.

Ascent: +585m (+1920ft) / Descent: -575m (-1885ft)

Overnight Beer

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Bay View Guest House | Guest House

Bay View Guest House offers high quality accommodation right on the sea front in the picturesque fishing village of Beer. Each of the rooms are individually furnished in a style which reflects the age and character of these lovely old buildings. They pay great attention to housekeeping: everywhere is serviced and maintained to exacting and high standards. Their guest lounge is spacious and comfortably furnished and is the perfect place to relax, read a book or enjoy a cup of tea.

Durham House | Bed and breakfast

A family run guest house offering comfortable accommodation in a lovely setting. They have eight beautifully decorated guest rooms, all furnished to an exceptionally high standard. All rooms have lovely antique pine furniture, en-suite facilities, flat screen tv’s, hair dryers and hospitality tray. One of the most common remarks in their visitors’ book is that they provide a brilliant breakfast and they think it is one of the most important features of a stay at Durham House.

Anchor Inn | Inn

The Anchor Inn Beer near Seaton in Devon is perfectly situated overlooking the sea in the delightful Devonshire village of Beer. The Anchor Inn is an informal friendly hotel offering attractive accommodation with traditional West Country hospitality and is renowned locally for its excellent food and fresh fish dishes.

Day 4 Beer to Lyme Regis 8.5 miles / 13.7 km

Follow the coast path past old coastguard cottages and through Axe Bridge golf course taking in the breath-taking views back towards Beer Head and the white chalky cliffs.

Descend into the Undercliff National Nature Reserve and experience one of the most exciting and unusual parts of the trail. The path weaves its way through the undercliff created by landslips. From jungle-like woodland, catch occasional glimpses out to the coastline and you may even spot some of the wildlife living in this unique environment including badgers, roe deer and foxes. Eventually emerge from the undergrowth above the coastline before descending down into Lyme Regis.

Lyme Regis is a delightful unspoiled seaside resort, and the distinctive Cobb Harbour makes a fitting end to your walk. Celebrate at one of the plentiful restaurants and cafes and enjoy delicious freshly caught seafood straight off the fishing boats at the harbour. Depending on availability, you may be transferred back to Beer for your overnight accommodation this evening as hotels which take 1 night bookings in Lyme Regis are limited.

Ascent: +325m (+1065ft) / Descent: -345m (-1130ft)

Overnight Lyme Regis

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Clovelly Guest House | Guest House

Clovelly is a stylish, comfortable Guest House in the centre of Lyme Regis, Dorset. They offer top quality mattresses, clean crisp bed linen and fresh white towels. Each room has a TV\DVD player, tea\coffee making facilities and private en-suite shower room. You will have access to a large collection of films, books and games.

FRONT-OF-the-mariners-hotel-lyme-regis-dorset

Mariners Hotel | Hotel

Featuring sea views, The Mariners Hotel is nestled in the heart of Lyme Regis. Dating back to the 17^th century, this former coaching inn has a large private garden and rooms with free WiFi access.

The Royal Lion | Hotel

The Royal Lion is a 400 year old former coaching inn and is just 150 metres from the beach. Some rooms have sea views and balconies. All rooms have a TV with Freeview, tea/coffee making facilities and modern bathroom and rooms feature classic décor. The indoor pool is next to the spa bath and sauna. The games room has full-size snooker, pool and table tennis tables. The Royal Lion also has 2 guest lounges and offers free Wi-Fi.

Day 5 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 11kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 11kg is equivalent to 2 Neapolitan margherita pizzas. Buon appetito!. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnights in B&B’s, small hotels and guesthouses
Breakfasts
Door to door baggage transfer
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure navigation App
Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online My Account

Excluded

Travel to Exmouth and from Lyme Regis
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Travel Insurance
Transport should you need to skip a stage

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the walk
Accommodation upgrades

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/ descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be? Do I need to be able to navigate? How far in advance do I need to book? Are there upgrade options available? What personal equipment do I need? When is the best time of year? Am I able to take my dog? What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

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