Starting at the peak of Wootton Hill, under the canopy of Charmouth Forest, explore the medieval landscape of Wootton Fitzpaine and Champernhayes. Pass overgrown sites of many lost cottages, the landscape the residents worked now covered in trees. Discover farmhouses built from monastery remains and ruins of the monks intensive activity on the river banks. Follow the Monkton Wyld River upstream returning to the thick woodland filled with bluebells, beech, oak and art.
Distance: 5 miles/7km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ability: Easy.
Max Height: 603ft.
Min Height: 119ft.
Total climb: 590ft.
Terrain: Track, path, road and field.
Map: OS Explorer 116 Lyme Regis and Bridport.
Start Point: Charmouth Forest. (Postcode: DT6 6DG, Grid Reference: SY354969, What Three Words: exhaled.rationing.hacksaw).
How to Get There: From Bridport, travel west through Chideock and Morecombelake. Turn left off the A35 onto Berne Lane at Charmouth and follow the road around to the right. Turn right onto Green Pit Knapp, driving under the A35, and remain in the road for just over a mile. At the T-junction, in Wootton Fitzpaine, turn left onto Meerhay Lane. Stay on the same narrow road passing Champernhayes and into the forest. The parking is at the top of the hill on the right hand side.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route.
Refreshments: None on route but nearby are the Royal Oak Inn and The George, both in Charmouth.
Neighbouring walks: Lambert’s Castle, Morcombelake, Wootton Fitzpaine, Stanton St Gabriel, and Lyme Regis to Cannington.
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.
There are Adders present but you’re very unlikely to encounter one.
They are generally very peaceable and will avoid you first.
Typically only found on south facing areas close to the tree line.
Do they have atters or any other snake
There is a chance!