Coastwalk , South West Coast Path

Seaton → Lyme Regis

Distance: 7.0 miles
Ascent: 482 metres
Duration: 3 hours 21 minutes

The 'Rainforest'
« Sidmouth | West Bay »

If there's one thing that gets me into trouble, it's over-preparation. I'd read so much about the first six miles of today's walk. A six-mile path with no exits. Six miles below the cliffs. Six miles of land that's continually shifting. A place where each year new chasms and crevasses are created. These are all the things I took in. I conveniently ignored the talk of the wonder of the Undercliff, of its unique characteristics, its beauty and peace.

Undercliff is a huge area of landslip. The path winds through dense woodland where the view changes every minutes and vines hang between the trees. I'm told it provides a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife, but I was so concerned to get to the end that I didn't really stop to look. It's certainly the most unusual place I've walked, and perhaps one to return to and explore further.

Once out of the nature reserve, the path widens again and before long crosses the brook that marks the boundary between Devon and Dorset. There's a field to cross before dropping down to sea-level once more where The Cobb stretches its arm out into the sea, providing shelter for the town of Lyme Regis.

A short walk, a slow walk, but a fascinating one.

Rewalked on 3 April 2009.