One of the joys of staying at Haye Farm is how quickly you can swap cottage comfort for countryside calm. A beautiful 15-minute walk along the River Lym leads guests down into Lyme Regis town and seafront, following a gentle pathway lined with native plants and wildlife. Another delightful path heads inland to Uplyme – a quaint village with traditional cottages and the historic Old Mill, where you can often spot kingfishers and herons along the riverbank.
Both walks are part of the ancient Wessex Ridgeway and the Liberty Trail, once followed by the Duke of Monmouth on his doomed 1685 march against King James II. History underfoot meets nature overhead, with birdsong from yellowhammers and linnets, seasonal wildflowers including primroses and bluebells, and the distant sound of waves for company.
For seasoned ramblers seeking more challenging adventures, the area offers some of England’s finest coastal and countryside trails. Langdon Hill and Golden Cap present a 4.5-mile trek to the highest point on the south coast, rewarding hikers with breathtaking panoramic sea views stretching to Portland Bill. Stonebarrow Hill offers a 6.5-mile journey perfect for longer hikes and scenic picnics, whilst the 4.3-mile Thorncombe Beacon and Doghouse Hill circuit provides a picturesque inland route with tantalising coastal glimpses.
The 5.4-mile coastal walk from Chideock to Charmouth combines clifftop drama with convenient café stops and fossil hotspots, making it ideal for families. Meanwhile, the West Bay and Burton Bradstock route covers 5.3 miles through the English countryside, passing thatched cottages, offering stunning clifftop walks and featuring famous Broadchurch filming locations.
Top tip: Golden Cap is very striking at sunrise, when the golden limestone cliffs glow. Bring sturdy walking boots and a camera to capture these unforgettable moments.
