Sealym one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Very easy to navigate and very pleasant to walk. The path is well used and it's not really possible to go wrong. There are many short ascents and descents along the way, some have steps, so it's quite strenuous for the distance. Some parts are a bit muddy. Not overgrown as obviously well frequented by walkers. Not suitable for wheels.

Mostly walking through woods, but also some open fields with great sea views.

Fabulous route and I agree with everything that others have said - it is hard going at times, so you need to be prepared as there is no exit or cafe along the way. I agree that it would be better if the route came straight down to the coast at Lyme Regis, following the SWCP, so that you can see the Cobb and the waterfront there. The scenery, landscape and vegetation are unusual and well worth the effort.

As others have noted, this is a stunning woodland walk following the coastline. The woodland that makes up most of the route has grown on the 'undercliff' resulting from landslips over the last few centuries. It gives a glimpse of what the landscape might look like without agricultural taming (although it is actively maintained as a natural habitat). Fans of the French Lieutenant's Woman may recognise much of the setting.

We did the walk from Lyme to Seaton in warm and humid summer conditions. It starts climbing out of Lyme past some of its grander houses (photos 1 and 2). After crossing the car park you are soon in the woodland setting that dominates the route. It was dry underfoot all the way, but much of it is along narrow and twisty paths (photo 3) that mean this isn't the best route if you are simply after an A to B of autopilot walking (for that, you may wish to consider the slow ways via Colyton (Collym and Seacol). Although you are rarely more than a few hundred metres from the sea, it feels very 'rainforest' with interest throughout (photo 4). The last few kms at the Seaton end feel more like a conventional coastal path alternating between open clifftop and tree-lined pathway (photo 5).

There's a regular bus service between Seaton and Lyme Regis, so this makes a good route even if based at one end or the other. Alternatively, a longer day out can be had by following the triangle of slow ways Lyme Regis - Colyton - Seaton - Lyme Regis.

A fantastic walk through what feels like remote forest. At either end it opens out and there are stunning sea views, but the bulk is through woodland that is buzzing with life.
Watchout for golf balls as you cross the golf course at Axmouth, and try not to be put off by the warning signs about the difficulty of the walk.
You have to watch your step as the path is often rough, steep and narrow, and there are endless stepped sections. There is also only one route through the reserve, so you only have 2 options; turn back or keep going.
Highly recommend this walk.

This walk is very challenging, needs you to be very fit and will take at least 4 hours. Most of it is through fascinating and unique rainforest-like woodland. It should not be attempted by anyone with any kind of disability or lack of staying power, but is a great walk! Do not stray from the route as there are extensive Cliff slippages.
My alternative suggestion would be to stay on the signed SW Coast Path for the final km into Lyme, as this takes you past the famous Cobb and along the beach area.

A stunning walk, completely off road, often under the canopy of trees.
Sometimes the sea is visible but the views change regularly because of dense woodland.

Signage at the beginning of the walk describes it as arduous.
Easy signage along the walk.
It is quite challenging because it is very up and down, sometimes with steps. Lots of tree roots etc and twists and turns.
We are in our 60's and have done this walk often.
If you stay on the marked paths it is safe.

Allow anywhere between 3 - 4 hours for walk including stops.

You need to have good footwear.
It has steep gradients (long climbs at the beginning and end) so is not easily accessible if you don't feel fit.
Not wheelchair accessible.

Benches are provided along the way for breaks.
When you reach Seaton you will find cafes and restaurants although they shut relatively early in the evening. (around 8.30pm /9pm).

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