Sidmouth, Devon

South West Coast Path – Exmouth to Lyme Regis

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Overview

Route

What’s Included?

Itineraries & Prices

Accommodation

Travel Info

Additional Days

Overview

Walking Holidays

4 - 5 Nights

30 miles / 48 km

Prices from: £595 per person
Start: Exmouth, Devon
Finish: Lyme Regis, Dorset
Availability: Any start date from March to October
Grading: Moderate
Way-marked: Yes

South West Coast Path - Exmouth to Lyme Regis Highlights

Historic Exmouth

Explore the lively town of Exmouth, a popular seaside resort town and bird watching haven with lots of fun activities for you to enjoy.

Jurassic Coast

Discover the breath-taking Jurassic Coast, England’s first UNESCO designated natural World Heritage Site.

Undercliff Nature Reserve

Stroll through the dense woodland of the Undercliff National Nature Reserve, England’s very own Amazon-like jungle!

Smuggler coves

Explore the quaint fishing village of Beer and its smuggler coves and caves surrounded by white chalk cliffs.

Wealth of wildlife

Enjoy the wealth of wildlife that awaits a keen eye; puffins, red squirrels, roe deer and a huge variety of birds, amongst many others.

Lyme Regis

Visit the town of Lyme Regis with its world-famous fossil sites and historic Cobb and harbour which were built to protect the town in the 13th century.

A Walk Back In Time from Devon into Dorset

The South West Coast Path from Exmouth to Lyme Regis is most famous for its rugged, historic beauty—sweeping beaches, dramatic cliffs, wildlife and quiet picturesque coastal villages. This section forms part of the spectacular South West Coast Path, an epic adventure around the coastline of England’s southern peninsula.

The trail begins in the bustling town of Exmouth and follows the coastline of East Devon. The trail involves gentle walking, as you head towards the Jurassic Coast, where the scenery then becomes more rugged and impressive as you go.

There is a variety of interesting towns and villages to explore. Take the time to marvel at the colourful contrasts—from the red sandstone cliffs over 250 million years old, to the lush green woodland around Axmouth, and onwards to the stunning white chalk cliffs.

Your walk ends in the historic town of Lyme Regis, with its iconic Cobb harbour. It was in this area that fossil hunting was popularised in the 1800s, and you will understand why when you get here! Known as the Pearl of the Dorset coast, and featured in the work of Jane Austen, there is something for everyone in Lyme Regis. This section offers some fine coastal walking and is generally level with very few steep climbs and can be covered over a leisurely period of between three to four days.

Please note that due to the busy nature of the South West Coast Path and 2-night minimum stays at most accommodations in the area, we may need to accommodate you for 2 nights in one location with return taxi transfers from the trail. The cost of these transfers would be included in your package.

South West Coast Path (Exmouth to Lyme Regis) Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is SWCP-E-LR1 which covers the route in 3 days.

Travel to Exmouth for your first night’s accommodation

Arrive in Exmouth, the Gateway to the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and your accommodation for the first night. Enjoy the beach, bird watch on the Exe Estuary, or relax and sample the (very!) local seafood before you begin your walk.

Day 1: Exmouth to Sidmouth (12.5 miles / 20 km)

The South West Coast Path leaves the town along its Esplanade and follows the cliff-tops to Orcombe Point. Here the Geoneedle, unveiled by Prince Charles in 2002, marks the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Take in the incredible cliffs and red Triassic rocks as you make your way towards the delightful village of Budleigh Salterton. Its mix of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian sea-front houses is a real treat. Ladram Bay awaits you with its impressive red sandstone stacks and caves.

After passing an Iron Age fort and an award-winning park, you will arrive in the bustling seaside resort of Sidmouth.

Day 2: Sidmouth to Beer (9 miles / 14 km)

The Coast Path leaves Sidmouth and climbs up to the viewpoint at Salcombe Hill. From here, Dunscombe Cliff awaits and your efforts are rewarded with marvellous views. Detour slightly to the charming village of Branscombe before emerging at the charming fishing village of Beer with its colourful pebbly beach.

Take time to explore the coves and caves – after all the men of Beer were known as ‘the kings of smugglers’ in times gone by!

Day 3: Beer to Lyme Regis (8.5 miles / 13.5 km)

On your final day, you will head back up to the cliff tops and continue your walk over the Axe Estuary by way of the Axe Bridge.

From here your walk takes an interesting turn towards the Undercliff National Nature Reserve. You’ll walk through jungle-like woodland, with the occasional glimpse of the coast. Keep your eyes out for a variety of wildlife on this section – you may be lucky to spot badgers, foxes or maybe even roe deer. The flora and fauna in this section are also varied and fascinating.

Emerging from the trees, the remainder of your walk follows the coastline into the delightful town of Lyme Regis. Situated at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, the picturesque and tranquil town of Lyme Regis is a wonderful place to celebrate the end of your walk.

With the famous backdrop of the distinctive Cobb harbour and breathtaking scenery, Lyme Regis attracts holidaymakers from all over the world.

Onward travel

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the South West Coast Path.

What’s Included?

Your South West Coast Path walking holiday includes:

Carefully selected accommodation along the route and trail transfers when applicable
En-suite or private bathroom facilities whenever possible
Daily door-to-door baggage transfers
Comprehensive information pack, kit list, guidebook and map (one set per room)
Personalised itinerary with details of your accommodation, route and recommendations for lunch and dinner
Traditional English breakfast
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your walking holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Transport to and from the start and end of the walk
Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 2 suggested itineraries for walking the South West Coast Path from Exmouth to Lyme Regis.

Our most popular itinerary is SWCP-E-LR1 which covers the route in 3 days.

Tour code

Itinerary

Average miles

Difficulty

Price per person

SWCP-E-LR1

3 Days / 4 Nights

10 miles per day

Moderate

From £595

Average miles : 10 miles per day

Tour code: SWCP-E-LR1

Difficulty : Moderate

3 Days / 4 Nights (SWCP-E-LR1)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Please note that because the South West Coast Path is often busy and most accommodations in the area require a minimum stay of two nights, we may arrange for you to stay in one location for two nights and provide return taxi transfers from the trail. The cost of these transfers will be included in your package.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag there is a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Exmouth for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Exmouth to Sidmouth 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 2 Sidmouth to Beer 9 miles / 14 km

Day 3 Beer to Lyme Regis 8.5 miles / 13.5 km

Depart Onward travel from Lyme Regis

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £595 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

SWCP-E-LR2

4 Days / 5 Nights

7.5 miles per day

Moderate

From £720

Average miles : 7.5 miles per day

Tour code: SWCP-E-LR2

Difficulty : Moderate

4 Days / 5 Nights (SWCP-E-LR2)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag there is a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Exmouth for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton 5.5 miles / 9 km

Day 2 Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth 7 miles / 11 km

Day 3 Sidmouth to Beer 9 miles / 14 km

Day 4 Beer to Lyme Regis 8.5 miles / 13.5 km

Depart Onward travel from Lyme Regis

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £720 per person

Enquire Now

South West Coast Path Accommodation

All of the accommodation that we reserve for you has been personally selected by our expert team to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We regularly review our extensive database.

We will always prioritise accommodation as close to the walking trail as possible. Occasionally, your accommodation may be located a short distance from the trail, or you may need to spend more than one night in the same place, in which case we will provide return transfers.

If you’d like to upgrade from Standard to Premium accommodation, please let us know when you enquire. Due to the limited availability of Premium accommodation on this trail, this is not currently listed as a selectable option on our website. However, upon request, we can upgrade you to the best available guest houses, inns, and hotels in each location. Keep in mind that upgrading to Premium options in certain locations could avoid off-trail transfers.

Travel Information

As an environmentally conscious tour operator, we actively encourage the use of public transport by providing clients with a detailed breakdown of travel options in their information packs. The following information may help with your pre-trip planning.

Getting to Exmouth

By Air

Nearest International Airports: London Heathrow and London Gatwick

The Heathrow Express operates services to London Paddington. From Gatwick, you can take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station and connect with London Paddington via the London Underground.

From London Paddington, you can take a train to Exmouth via Exeter St David’s (journey time 2 hours 45 min).

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Exeter

There are regular train services from London Paddington to Exmouth via Exeter (journey time 2 hours 45 min).

National Express coaches also run between London Victoria and Exeter, where you can connect with a bus or train to Exmouth.

By Car

Exmouth is approximately a 4 hour drive from London. There is no secure long term parking in Exmouth, although there are several long stay car parks. However, leaving your car at one of these car parks is at your own risk and the parking can often be very busy and expensive in the summer months, so we always advise public transport is the best option.

Departing from Lyme Regis

By Air

Nearest International Airports: London Heathrow and London Gatwick

To return from Lyme Regis, you can take a train to Axminster. From here, there is a train to Basingstoke via Salisbury, and then from Basingstoke there is a bus directly to Heathrow Airport.

For Gatwick, you can take a train from Lyme Regis to Axminster. From here, connect with a train to Clapham Junction. There are regular trains from Clapham Junction to Gatwick Airport.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Axminster

A short bus or taxi journey (approximately 20 minutes) from Lyme Regis takes you to Axminster where you can then take the train to London Waterloo (journey time 2 hours 45 min).

Alternatively, you could take the train from Lyme Regis to Exeter and connect there for onward travel.

By Car

London is a 3 hour 30 min drive from Lyme Regis. There is limited parking in Lyme Regis so we always recommend public transport.

Additional Days

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you along the South West Coast Path from Exmouth to Lyme Regis.

You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at any of the locations along the route which offer activities or sightseeing opportunities – we’ve made some suggestions below. Please request this when you make an enquiry.

Exmouth

Soak up the sun, sea and sand on the two miles of golden beach
Sail, water-ski, swim, play tennis, or take a pony-ride, a river cruise or a fishing trip – there are so many activities!

Sidmouth

Explore the delights of this Regency town – its popular restaurants and cafes, its friendly shops, and its well-kept parks and gardens
Enjoy the clean beaches, set beneath red cliffs and green hills

Beer

Explore the coves, caves and shingle beach nestling beneath the white chalk cliffs
Visit the Fine Foundation Centre run by Beer Village Heritage to learn the stories of its past
Ride on the Beer Heights Light Railway, a miniature steam railway, for beautiful views over Beer and to Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis

Walk along the Cobb, built in the 13th century to protect the town and harbour and allow Lyme Regis to develop as a significant port
Fossil hunt on the Jurassic Coast – there are organised fossil hunting walks from Dinosaurland on Coombe Street
Take a boat trip from the harbour

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