South West Coast Path Section 8, Brixham to Lyme Regis

This section of the Devon Coast Path brings the walker through the best of South Devon’s coastal resorts via a switchback of coastal trail alongside the dramatic red rocks, stacks and headlands of East Devon culminating in the heart of the World Heritage site at the Dorset Jurassic Coast. Along the way you will enjoy somewhat easier grades of walking at times yet without sacrificing anything on views, history or variety of scenery. The trail still has its severe sections with plenty of the usual climbing above the cliffs and descending to unspoilt little coves, passing from lush wooded countryside to wild rocky coastal outcrops. A significant plus is the excellent public transport, accommodation and eating opportunities along the way which lends this section well to a number of short break options or a week long walking holiday that builds in inspiration from the gentle blue bays and woodlands of Torbay to a crescendo of geological drama and rollercoaster path through the start of the Jurassic Coast sections of coast path ending in the Fossil Frenzy that is Lyme Regis. On the way wander a contrast of absorbing geological and rock formations, expansive dunes and estuary bursting with rare fauna and birdlife into a land where huge landslips have created hidden jungle worlds in the undercliff supporting a huge diversity of rare wilderness and wildlife in unique sections of trail truly unlike anything else on the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path. Sprinkled between all this are pretty Regency style seaside resorts offering comfortable and atmospheric overnight stays in bays and coves of rounded pebbles and sand where fishing boats are still hauled up with the crab pots at night on to the beach below you whilst you tuck into the fresh catch in some of the best restaurants along the South Coast. For many the likes of Torquay, Teignmouth and Dawlish bring memories of childhood holidays flooding back and these once fashionable resorts flocked to by the Georgians and Victorians retain their charm, history and quirky appeal for those encountering them on their walking adventure. Then from Exmouth onwards you enter the wilder Jurassic coastline , England’s first Natural World Heritage Site, where 155km of coastline reveals over 185 million years of the earth’s history in the rocky arches and stacks, red and chalk cliffs, landslips, coves and boulders that line every step along the Devon coastal path.