Many keen hikers head straight to the South West Coast Path, missing out on the huge variety of inland footpaths and beautiful countryside scenery that East Devon has to offer. In this guest post, Zara Aitken of Passport for Living shares one of her favourite Axminster hikes starting right from her doorstep.
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Axminster is a fantastic base for hikers, with a huge range of scenic walks starting right in the town. If you’re an avid hiker yourself, the Axminster to Lyme Regis walk is one hike you do not want to miss.
From sweeping countryside views and winding rivers to dense forests and a beautiful historic viaduct, there’s something for everyone on this walk. At just over 7 miles one way, the Axminster to Lyme Regis walk should take around 3 hours, although it took me a little longer because I spent so much time enjoying the scenery and wildlife along the way.
If you fancy a day hike, you can choose to walk there and back, spending a little time in Lyme Regis to grab some lunch before heading back to Axminster the way you came.
Or if you want to shorten this walk, you can end your walk in Uplyme and catch the X53 Jurassic Coaster bus back to Axminster.
Axminster to Lyme Regis Walk Summary
The route starts in Axminster, heading out towards the train station and across the fields following the railway line. You’ll follow the meandering River Axe before crossing the train tracks and walking through a farm to the main road. Over the road, you’ll start the ascent up to Trinity Hill Nature Reserve, with the walk starting out gently uphill at first, before getting steeper for the last part.
At Trinity Hill, you’ll walk through beautiful forests where the birdsong provides a real treat. After Trinity Hill Nature Reserve, the next part of the walk is along a quiet country road, although no less beautiful thanks to the sweeping views across the valley out to the magnificent Cannington Viaduct. Heading down into Uplyme, you’ll join a small path for the last part of the walk, enjoying a peaceful riverside walk into Lyme Regis.
For a full guide and directions, check out the below route guide.
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Axminster to Lyme Wildlife
No matter the time of year, you’re bound to enjoy a variety of wildlife on this hike. I’ve walked this route several times throughout all seasons and always see something different.
When I walked from Axminster to Lyme Regis in January, I didn’t expect to see much in the way of wildlife but was treated to a huge variety of birds along the route. From grey wagtails hopping along the river (which are far more beautiful than they sound) to stonechats and many of your regular garden birds such as robins, blackbirds, blue tits, and great tits. If you’re lucky, you may even see a kingfisher or an otter along the Axe River!
If you’re planning to walk from Axminster to Lyme Regis in the summer months, you may even catch a glimpse of a mysterious nightjar and hear their eerie ‘churring’ sound as you pass through Trinity Hill Nature Reserve. Nightjars breed in the area during the summer months and, as nocturnal birds, can be seen and heard from dusk onwards.
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Public Transport
If you’re walking from Axminster to Lyme Regis one way, you’ll need transport to get you back to your base in Axminster. The X53/X51 Jurassic Coaster bus service runs every 30-60 minutes throughout the day. The bus takes approximately 30 minutes between Lyme Regis and Axminster. You can find out more information and timetables about the Jurassic Coaster bus here.
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Amenities and Refreshments
If you’re like me, the best part of any walk is the coffee (or beer) you enjoy at the end! Lyme Regis is a bustling town with a huge range of cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. Alternatively, once you reach Lyme Regis, why not jump straight on the bus and replenish your energy with a hearty meal from one of Axminster’s fantastic cafes or restaurants.
Along the walk from Axminster to Lyme, there are no cafes, restaurants, or pubs until you reach Uplyme, where you’ll find a small petrol station, shop, and pub, so make sure you stock up on snacks and plenty of water before you leave Axminster.
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Zara Aitken of Passport for Living is a travel blogger based in Axminster, with over 15 years of travel experience under her belt. She uses her travel blog to share budget travel tips, hiking guides and travel stories from around the world to help her audience navigate the globe with ease.