Charmouth

From one of BBC Countryfile’s top five beaches in the country, find the River Char as it manoeuvres its way through the shingle to the sea. Follow it upstream, deeper inland to The Street. With possible Roman origins, the route developed into one of the most important roads from east to west, used by Catherine of Aragon on her route to marry King Henry VIII’s older brother, and King Charles II escaping from the Civil War. Wander further upstream to the fields and meadows of Hogchester, where David Attenborough set part of Britain’s ‘Wild Isles.’ Skim the hill that hides a tunnel to cross the road that replaced it and join the new route of the South West Coastal Path, avoiding the frequent landslides. Weave through woodland to the cliff top with views over the Cobb of Lyme Regis into Devon. Return on the old Lyme Regis road, trumped by the main road and lost to the sea, so notoriously steep that King George III had to dismount and walk with the commoners.

Distance: 4 miles/7km

Time: 2 hours

Ability: Medium, some climbs and rough terrain.

Max height: 525ft

Min height: 0ft

Total climb: 610ft

Terrain: Tracks, paths, fields, and a beach.

Start Point: Foreshore Car Park, Charmouth. (Postcode: DT6 6LR, Grid Reference: SY365931, What Three Words: loudly.most.beginning). Payment required.

Map: OS Explorer 116 Lyme Regis to Bridport

How to get there: From either Bridport or Lyme Regis turn off the A35 into Charmouth. Once in the centre turn off the High Street onto Lower Sea Lane. Follow it all the way to the end to the beach to find the Foreshore Car Park or the Beach Car Park and Seafront Car park just behind.

Dogs: On leads where livestock is present and in accordance with any notices on the walk and The Countryside Code. Dogs allowed on the beach September – May, restrictions during the summer months.

Refreshments: On route is the Beach Cafe and nearby are The George and The Royal Oak, both in Charmouth.

Toilets: Public toilets are available at Charmouth Beach.

Neighbouring Walks: Monkton Wyld, Charmouth Forest, Lambert’s Castle, Wootton Fitzpaine, Morcombelake, Saint Wite, Stanton St Gabriel and Lyme Regis.