Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs

About this route

This magnificent reserve comprises 304 hectares of coastal landslides and cliffs – one of the largest such areas in Britain. Where past landslides have stabilised, the site has developed an excellent example of ash woodland that is virtually untouched by man. The ash is joined by field maple, with a thick understory of species such as hazel and spindle where movement has been more recent. Where movement is very recent or still occurring, annual plants such as Nottingham catchfly can be found. This creates a varied ground flora mosaic. The site supports a variety of animal life, including a range of breeding birds and the uncommon wood white butterfly.

Getting Around

By bus: there are bus connections from the train stations at Axminster and Weymouth to Seaton and Lyme Regis, visit the Travel Devon website for more information.

By car: there are public car parks at both Seaton and Lyme Regis.

Facilities
The South West Coast Path runs for about seven miles through the reserve and is the only access route. For your safety please stick to this path. There is no public access to the beach or road. The path has many steps which can be slippery when wet.
Terrain
Coastal Footpath with some cliff edges.
Accessibility

Interesting information

This area is within a National Nature Reserve, Special Area of Conservation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Photo of white grassland flowers
Nottingham Catchfly Copyright Arnstein Rønning, licenced for reuse - wikimedia commons

You can explore more in this area

Photo of coastal cliffs with chalk cliffs in the background

Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs

This magnificent 304 hectare nature reserve, managed by Natural England, offers dramatic coastal scenery and is of international importance for