The best walks and hikes around Lyme Bay and Torbay Special Area of Conservation

Yes, the Torbay coast is excellent for circular hikes. Many routes combine stunning sea views with varied terrain. For a great example that explores a historic peninsula, consider the Berry Head & Mansands Bay loop from Brixham. It offers dramatic coastal scenery and a chance to explore the popular Berry Head National Nature Reserve.

It means the area is protected for its important habitats and wildlife, particularly its underwater reefs and sea caves. For hikers, this translates to a well-preserved, vibrant natural environment. While hiking, you are asked to stick to marked paths to help protect the fragile coastal flora and minimize disturbance to wildlife, ensuring the landscape remains pristine for everyone.

Definitely. The region has numerous gentler paths suitable for families. A great option is the Axmouth & the estuary loop from Seaton, which is a relatively flat and short walk offering lovely views without strenuous climbs. Another well-regarded spot for an easy outing is the Berry Head National Nature Reserve, which has accessible paths and a visitor centre.

Yes, many trails along the coast are dog-friendly. The South West Coast Path is generally welcoming to dogs, but be mindful of cliff edges and livestock. Some nature reserves may require dogs to be on a lead, especially during bird nesting season (typically March to July). Clennon Gorge is a local favourite for dog walkers, offering fields and paths.

The entire coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. For fossil hunting, the beaches around Lyme Regis and Charmouth are world-famous. A key geological feature is the Ammonite Pavement at Monmouth Beach, west of Lyme Regis, which is a limestone ledge full of large ammonite fossils, best viewed at low tide.

Berry Head National Nature Reserve is a prime location for bird watchers. The headland's cliffs are home to a large colony of guillemots, and you can also spot razorbills, kittiwakes, and peregrine falcons. The coastal paths provide excellent vantage points, especially during the spring and summer breeding season.

Generally, the paths around Torbay, such as those near Brixham and Paignton, offer more moderately graded walks with some accessible, shorter loops. The section of the South West Coast Path further west in Lyme Bay, particularly towards Golden Cap, is known for being more strenuous with very steep ascents and descents.

Parking availability varies. For walks starting in towns like Lyme Regis, Seaton, or Brixham, there are several pay-and-display car parks, but they can fill up quickly in summer. For specific trails, the National Trust often provides parking. For example, the car park at Little Dartmouth is a great starting point for coastal walks towards Dartmouth Castle.

The trails around the Lyme Bay and Torbay Special Area of Conservation are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the spectacular cliff-top views, the well-maintained sections of the South West Coast Path, and the variety of walks that range from gentle estuary strolls to challenging coastal treks.

Yes, the area is rich in protected landscapes. The West Bexington loop takes you through a coastal reserve managed by the National Trust, known for its shingle beach and wetlands. Another must-visit is the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve west of Lyme Regis, which offers a wilder hiking experience through a unique landscape formed by landslips.

Yes, many of the coastal towns and villages, such as Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Seaton, and Lyme Regis, are connected by local bus services. The Jurassic Coaster bus route is particularly useful for hikers as it follows the coastline, allowing for linear walks where you can hike from one point to another and take the bus back.

There are nearly 50 curated hiking routes available on komoot for this region. They range from easy, short loops of just a few miles to more difficult, longer sections of the coastal path, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.