Newlands is located on the Jurassic Coast near the West Dorset/East Devon border. Being situated where country meets coast means that our West Dorset holiday park is always popular with people looking for walking routes to explore.
Often the routes along the South West Coast Path are thought of as the most well-known and frequented walks. However, heading inland for walks in Dorset and Devon's wonderful woodlands, nature reserves and countryside are full of fantastic alternative options for exploring the area on foot. Get the timing right in sprtingtime and you could see pockets of bluebells bursting into life.
Here we list five our favourite and recommended inland walks all in easy reach, or not too far from Newlands.
Colmer’s Hill (near Bridport)
Colmer’s Hill is one of the most iconic parts of the West Dorset landscape and is situated just over half an hour drive from Newlands. The walk itself from the Symondsbury Estate Car Park takes around 40 minutes. The steepish climb to the top of the 417ft hill reward its visitors with beautiful sweeping views of the Dorset countryside and sea horizons that stretch as far as East Devon.
From the car park look for the gate with 'Colmers Hill Permissive Path' on it to follow a route across a field and then follow the signs. Once you see the natural path that heads up to the summit, you'll know you're on the right track. Make sure you remember to close all gates behind you as sheep will often be roaming in the nearby fields!
The climb to the top is relatively steep but steady. If you need a break simply take a moment to admire the view as you go. In the springtime, you may well be lucky and see bluebells on the hillside.
At the top they're some shaded areas which make it an ideal picnic spot. Alternatively, you may wish to stop for refreshment at the bottom of the hill at Symondsbury Kitchen cafe.
Lyme Regis and Uplyme Circular Walks
One of much-loved countryside trails near Newlands is the circular walks from Lyme Regis along the River Lym to the village of Uplyme in Devon. Part of the 3.4 mile walk includes the East Devon Way on sections which are largely made up of firm surfaces. There's also an optional extra of the walk which takes in the Cannington Viaduct.
The walk starts from the Cobb Gate at Lyme Regis and continues to the Town Mill, and along the riverside towards Uplyme. You'll pass the church which has a medieval background before it was restored in 1876.
If you're interested in railways the Cannington Viaduct is an impressive structure to view on this walk. Athough now disused, the viaduct is one of the largest examples of its kind in East Devon and makes for a memorable point of interest as you pass underneath the towering concrete structure.
Once you reach the Talbot Arms you can either take a pitstop or head back to Lyme Regis via the riverside route or catch the X51 or X53 bus from the bus stop by the Talbot Arms car park.
East Devon Way
The East Devon Way is a fantastic 40 mile walking route through stunning countryside. The walk runs from Lyme Regis to Exmouth and takes in several hidden gems, viewpoints and picnic spots within the East Devon Nature Reserve.
This is a walker's paradise with a range of walks from East to West, West to East as well as circular walks. Fire Beacon Hill is one of the must-visit parts of the East Devon Way to enjoy panoramic views, with options for geocaching at this site.
The East Devon AoNB have a superb resource to help you plan with walking guides and information on nearby pubs and tearooms.
Shute Woods (near Axminster)
If you're looking for wonderful woodland walks we can recommend heading to Shute Woods near Axminster. You can simply take an easy 20-minute circular walk of the ancient woodlands or vear off on the many footpaths that lead off in different directions. The kids will love running around here letting off steam but it can be muddy in winter. Look out for sections of bluebells in spring!
There is minimal signage here so you may require a walking app to assist with routes.
Trinity Hill (Dorset/Devon Border)
Owned by the Forestry Commission, Trinity Hill provides some great options for nature walks on the Dorset/Devon border. The Nature Reserve is close to Axminster offering a substantial area of heathland combined with a network of tree-lined pathways which are popular with dog walkers.
The area is a rich haven for wildlife, so if you're looking for a walk combined with getting closer to nature, Trinity Hill Nature Reserve could be for you! Check out the Trinity Hill walk blog by our friend at Flips Flips or Wellies for a useful guide to this and many more walks in the South West.