If you want to get a real taste of spring while visiting Seaton over the next few months, here are our suggestions for great spring walking routes. Please be aware that these are all moderate to challenging walks, you can find alternative walks here.
Route 1
Seaton to Lyme Regis
This route is quite a challenging one and will take you along the South West Coast Path into Dorset. Sections of the route can be muddy and slippery and once you have reached Undercliff, there are no paths. This is also a fairly long walk, so make sure you are confident and wearing sensible shoes and clothing. This route is dog friendly, but make sure to keep your dogs on a lead as some of the terrain is unstable and there is wildlife at the Nature Reserve.
Start off in Seaton, walking along to the eastern end of the sea front and cross over the River Axe. Walk upstream and then follow the signs towards the Coast Path. The route will then climb upwards towards the clubhouse of Axe Cliff Golf Course and will cross the course (beware of golf balls). You will then come to your first lot of spring flowers.
Next, you will come to a junction, turn right and you will come out at the top of Haven Cliffs where you will get some incredible views. From here you will be able to see the instability of the coastline, so make sure to follow any signage or instructions that you see in the area in case of closures. If all clear, continue to follow the coast path which will eventually lead you down into the Undercliff Nature Reserve and across Goat Island.
The Undercliff Nature Reserve is a conservation area and is one of the most geologically important places along the Jurassic Coast. Goat Island is also an important area along this route, so please make sure to stick to the signed paths. From here there are no paths leading inland and it will take another 3.5 hours to reach Lyme Regis proper. If you don’t fancy walking back, there are several buses running between Seaton and Lyme Regis.
Route 2
Seaton to Seatown
This is an easier walk in terms of terrain but is still a fairly lengthy one, so be aware before you set out. The route will take you through highly vegetated areas, so you’ll find plenty of chances to enjoy the spring flowers on the way.
Start out in Seaton, following the South West Coast Path towards the dense woodland of the Undercliff National Nature Reserve. It will be uneven at certain points and is enclosed in parts. Make sure to follow the marked pathways, you will emerge in open fields before coming into Lyme Regis.
Continue along the pathways until you reach the sea at Charmouth, before following the Monarch’s Way over the top of the cliff and over the National Trust managed Golden Cap. From here there are some incredible views of the coast, as well as lots of lovely wild flowers and the chance to see birds of prey. Following the path will bring you into Seatown, where you can stop for refreshments.
Route 3
Seaton to Sidmouth
This ten mile walk will take you through the East Devon Natural Landscape (formerly AONB) and will bring you from the charming town of Seaton through to the Regency town of Sidmouth. The route is marked, so make sure to keep to the signs.
Start off near the cliffs at Seaton and follow the River Axe through to the village of Beer. At this point some of the rocks are over 200 million years old and you’ll be able to see them change in colour from red to a chalky white. Continuing on the path from Beer, cross the rocks and follow the pathway through spectacular wild flowers growing on the top of the cliffs towards to Sidmouth. At this time of year, Sidmouth is awash with daffodils, making this a great walk for seeing the spring colours in all their glory. This is also a great walk for bird watchers, as the area is known for Peregrine activity.
Heading out to take on one of these walks? Make sure to document your journey, we love seeing your photos, be sure to tag @visit_seaton!
Find more activities in and around Seaton below.
