8 miles
This stretch of the path is quite unique. Extensive woodland is rare along the SWC path, but walking through the Undercliff between Seaton and Lyme Regis is like walking through a rain forest. A series of landslips has left the slopes beneath the cliffs in a jumbled state and is now colonized by trees, bushy scrub and ferns. It can be difficult to follow the actual SWC path in places, but as long as you keep walking in the right direction you will reach the end. However, this can be very time consuming. It’s worth noting that the path in the Undercliffs can be very wet and muddy.
The bus dropped us off at Seaton at 11.30am just in time for a nice pot of tea before starting. There is a very nice art shop serving teas right on the front which was ideal
From Seaton the path follows the promenade then climbs steeply up an access road and over the golf course to Haven cliff. From here you start to walk into rough scrub land.
A mile further on the path then drops down very steeply into this wonderful undergrowth. The landslip forming the Undercliffs has prevented any man intervention (no farming) with re-growth of plants and trees, so this jungle is very much how the whole coastline would have looked before it was cleared for farming.
Although there are few sea views on this stretch all of the greenery makes for a pleasant change.
Someone must have lived here at some time.
Through the trees the white cliff face can be seen.
Once through the Undercliffs Lyme Regis comes into view.
Needless to say Lyme Regis is another picturesque village that needs to be looked round.
As we waited for the bus it was worth one last look at the sea and harbour before we left.
Hopefully it will not be long before we are back here setting off on the last stretch of this wonderful 630 mile trail.