Section 8 – Brixham to Lyme Regis

Section 8 – Brixham to Lyme Regis

Section 8 – Brixham to Lyme Regis

6 Nights

Average

57 miles / 92 km

total

9 miles / 15 km

Average

1996m / 6549ft

elevation

Mixed

accomodation

1996m / 6549ft

elevation

Mixed

accomodation

Section 8 – Brixham to Lyme Regis

Section 8 – Brixham to Lyme Regis

Section 8 – Brixham to Lyme Regis

difficulty Grade

difficulty Grade

difficulty Grade

Star 1Star 2

Accomodation Type

Accomodation Type

Accomodation Type

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Activity

Activity

Activity

Mixed Activity

Mixed Activity

Mixed Activity

Start/Finish

Start/Finish

Start/Finish

Devon/Dorset

Devon/Dorset

Average Daily cost

COST

COST

Best Months

Best Months

Best Months

May-Sept

costs based on two people sharing

Overview

Overview

This section of the Devon Coast Path brings the walker through the best of South Devon’s coastal resorts via a switchback of coastal trail alongside the dramatic red rocks, stacks and headlands of East Devon culminating in the heart of the World Heritage site at the Dorset Jurassic Coast. Along the way you will enjoy somewhat easier grades of walking at times yet without sacrificing anything on views, history or variety of scenery. The trail still has its severe sections with plenty of the usual climbing above the cliffs and descending to unspoilt little coves, passing from lush wooded countryside to wild rocky coastal outcrops. A significant plus is the excellent public transport, accommodation and eating opportunities along the way which lends this section well to a number of short break options or a week long walking holiday that builds in inspiration from the gentle blue bays and woodlands of Torbay to a crescendo of geological drama and rollercoaster path through the start of the Jurassic Coast sections of coast path ending in the Fossil Frenzy that is Lyme Regis. On the way wander a contrast of absorbing geological and rock formations, expansive dunes and estuary bursting with rare fauna and birdlife into a land where huge landslips have created hidden jungle worlds in the undercliff supporting a huge diversity of rare wilderness and wildlife in unique sections of trail truly unlike anything else on the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path. Sprinkled between all this are pretty Regency style seaside resorts offering comfortable and atmospheric overnight stays in bays and coves of rounded pebbles and sand where fishing boats are still hauled up with the crab pots at night on to the beach below you whilst you tuck into the fresh catch in some of the best restaurants along the South Coast. For many the likes of Torquay, Teignmouth and Dawlish bring memories of childhood holidays flooding back and these once fashionable resorts flocked to by the Georgians and Victorians retain their charm, history and quirky appeal for those encountering them on their walking adventure. Then from Exmouth onwards you enter the wilder Jurassic coastline , England’s first Natural World Heritage Site, where 155km of coastline reveals over 185 million years of the earth’s history in the rocky arches and stacks, red and chalk cliffs, landslips, coves and boulders that line every step along the Devon coastal path.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Section 1 of the East Devon Coast Path runs 13 miles from Brixham to Babbacombe and is graded easy walking with some moderate parts, making it a gentle start. The route circles Torbay’s scenic blue waters and over 20 beaches, often underrated due to Torquay’s stereotyped image. Walkers will discover rocky outcrops, ornamental gardens, golden sands, and the iconic Paignton Pier along the Agatha Christie Mile. Highlights include historical sites like Brixham Battery and Torre Abbey, as well as views of elegant Georgian mansions and Italian-style villas. After urban stops in Torquay, the path climbs through coastal gardens and cliffs, finishing at Babbacombe’s twin beaches and famous cliff railway. This route offers a rich mix of history, nature, and seaside charm while preparing you for tougher coastal sections ahead.×
Section 2 of the East Devon Coast Path runs 14 miles from Babbacombe to Exmouth and is graded 8 miles easy and 6 miles strenuous. It quickly intensifies with steep climbs and descents along red sandstone cliffs and wooded paths, including the challenging Goat Path near the Valley of the Rocks. Highlights include Maidencombe’s beach and the iconic Ness rock stack guarding Teignmouth’s entrance. After crossing the River Teign by historic ferry, walkers pass through Teignmouth, a resort with a turbulent past, before following the dramatic railway line engineered by Brunel. Dawlish offers literary charm and black swan sightings. The trail ends with a nature reserve at Dawlish Warren, famous for rare birds and dunes, before crossing the River Exe by ferry to reach Exmouth’s Georgian seafront and the start of the Jurassic Coast.+
Section 3 of the East Devon Coast Path runs 13 miles from Exmouth to Sidmouth and is graded 6 miles moderate and 7 miles strenuous. This scenic walk showcases the Red Cliff Lands and begins with golden sand dunes at Exmouth before climbing to Orcombe Point, marking the Jurassic Coast’s start. The route passes dramatic 250-million-year-old red cliffs, firing ranges, and grassy cliff tops, reaching 430 feet at West Down Beacon. Budleigh Salterton offers a charming Georgian resort and museum. Crossing the lush River Otter estuary via a historic raised trail, walkers then visit smuggling sites at Brandy Head and Ladram Bay’s red rock stacks. A steep ascent leads to Neolithic sites at High Peak and Peak Hill with views to Dartmoor, finishing with the historic seaside town of Sidmouth, known for its promenade and aristocratic heritage.+
Section 4 of the East Devon Coast Path runs 9 miles form Sidmouth to Beer / Seaton and is graded mainly strenuous with severe sections. This demanding yet rewarding walk features dramatic Cretaceous cliffs and four tough climbs and descents. Starting at Sidmouth Gap (500 ft) near the Frog Stone and Norman Lockyer Observatory, you descend to Salcombe Mouth before climbing above striking green cliffs at Dunscombe, where Neolithic flint waste is visible. Pass the wildlife reserve at Weston Mouth and the charming village of Branscombe, known for its cob cottages, St Winifred’s Church, and the 2007 MSC Napoli shipwreck incident. Late in the day, explore the Hooken Landslip’s eerie chalk undercliff and fossil-rich terrain before reaching Beer Head and the white chalk cliffs. Finish in Beer, a historic smuggling haven turned lace production centre, with its famous Beer Stone Quarry Caves, perfect for an overnight stay.+
Section 5 of the East Devon Coast Path runs 8.5 miles from Beer / Seaton to Lyme Regis and is graded moderate with some strenuous sections through the Undercliff. Today’s walk crosses the peaceful River Axe Estuary via the Old Toll Bridge, then enters the unique Downlands Undercliff, a National Nature Reserve formed after the dramatic 1839 landslip. This jungle-like, untamed area features maze-like paths amid dense vegetation and a diverse wildlife population, including over 80 bird species, badgers, foxes, and roe deer. The coastline is rugged and almost inaccessible, with occasional views of the striking landscape. Emerging above the cliffs, you glimpse Golden Cap and the Isle of Portland. The route ends at Lyme Regis, famed for its historic harbour “The Cob,” literary connections, and Mary Anning’s pioneering fossil discoveries. The Lyme Regis Museum offers insights, and guided fossil hunts are popular, making this a highlight of the Jurassic Coast.+
Estimated Cost Calculator
Itinerary:
68 days – 69 nights / 9 miles daily
Number in group:
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Accommodation Quality
What's Included
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Itinerary
68 Days / 69 Nights9 miles daily avgStandard
Cost £ per person
£10,643Auto-calculated
Based on two people sharing a Double or Twin Room
Total Cost
£21,286

Gallery

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

Beautiful coastal scenery from the tops of cliffs and headlands as well as from beach level.

Kitchen

2 - 3 months

The organization of the trip and the information provided to us by Encounter Walking Holidays was top notch.

Brett and Lisa

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

Beautiful coastal scenery from the tops of cliffs and headlands as well as from beach level.

Kitchen

2 - 3 months

The organization of the trip and the information provided to us by Encounter Walking Holidays was top notch.

Brett and Lisa

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

Beautiful coastal scenery from the tops of cliffs and headlands as well as from beach level.

Kitchen

2 - 3 months

The organization of the trip and the information provided to us by Encounter Walking Holidays was top notch.

Brett and Lisa

Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know

What is a self guided walking holiday?

What is a self guided walking holiday?

What is a self guided walking holiday?

How do I choose a route

How do I choose a route

How do I choose a route

How hard are the walks?

How hard are the walks?

How hard are the walks?

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

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