Description:
This 9 mile (14.5km) circular walk from Bridport follows footpaths and quiet country lanes. There are far reaching views especially from Eype Down. The route returns to Bridport via West Bay. Sections of this walk follow minor roads, these are not devoid of traffic so care needs to be taken.
Walk Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
9 miles / 14.5 km
Time:
3.15 – 3.45 hours
Parking:
This walk starts from West Street Long Stay Car Park in Bridport (DT6 3TP) (Grid Ref: SY462928). Parking charges apply.
Walk Route:
From the car park head east for a few metres to join Tannery Road, turn left and walk to the junction of West Street. Turn left and soon cross the road just before the White Lion pub and join the pavement on the opposite side, continue a short distance to reach a mini roundabout. Turn right and follow the pavement besides the B3162, Dottery Road, for 900 metres to reach the point where the pavement ends outside the last house leaving the town. Turn right and follow the lane for 80 metres to reach a footpath on the left (Grid Ref: SY461938).
Follow this path as it heads north steadily heading uphill on the route of the Hardy Way. At a fork in the path (Grid Ref: SY463944) keep right and continue on the Hardy Way to reach Middle Pymore Farm. At a junction of paths besides farm buildings (Grid Ref: SY463948) turn left to join the Monarch’s Way. In 100 metres go straight on at a crossing of paths and follow the Monarch’s Way to reach the B3162.
Cross the road, turn left and then after 30 metres turn right along a tarmac lane, Bilshay Lane. On the Monarch’s Way pass Bilshay Farm and then continue downhill to cross the River Simene. At a junction of paths keep left on the Monarch’s Way and follow it as it heads through Ebb Plantation to reach Broadoak Road (Grid Ref: SY440945).
Cross the lane and continue on a track leading to Axen Farm. After passing the farm ignore a footpath on the left and continue on for 130 metres to meet a junction of paths (Grid Ref: SY431944). Turn left, leaving the Monarch’s Way to head south for 700 metres to Quarry Cross (Grid Ref: SY434938). Stay on the track heading south to Quarr Lane and follow a minor road past houses to reach the A35 (Grid Ref: SY436927).
Take care crossing this busy main road and take the lane opposite, Eype Down Road. Almost immediately take a bridleway on the right besides a cottage and follow paths south across the access land and through trees to reach Down House Farm with its cafe (Grid Ref: SY440919). Turn left and follow a track through the farm and then take a footpath on the right leading across fields to reach Lower Eype Farm. The footpath leads through the farm to reach the village of Lower Eype.
Follow a tarmac lane to a road junction and turn right (To visit the New Inn turn left and walk up the lane for a hundred metres). Follow the road as it sweeps to the left and then as it bends to the right take a footpath heading uphill crossing fields to reach a static caravan park. The way marked footpath leads east through the caravans to a track (Grid Ref: SY452913).
Follow this track to reach houses and then follow the road downhill towards the seafront at West Bay. At the esplanade turn left and walk into West Bay after passing the west side of the harbour the footpath continues north through West Bay Caravan Park (Grid Ref: SY461905). After leaving the caravan park continue north on the footpath with the meandering River Britt to the right.
The path goes under the A35 and then joins the River Britt to pass the Palmers Brewery on the opposite bank. On reaching a road cross and join a footpath opposite and continue along besides the river passing Bridport football ground. On reaching a bridge on the right (Grid Ref: SY463925) cross the river and then after 100 metres take a footpath on the left besides the Bowls Club.
This path emerges by a small chapel. Carry straight on along Priory Lane, which soon becomes St Michael’s Lane. As the road sweeps to the right follow it to join Tannery Lane and from here return to the starting point at West Street car park.
Toilets:
There are public toilets in Bridport and West Bay
Toilets are available in the pubs on this route during opening hours.
Refreshments:
Eype: Down House Farm Cafe, The New Inn
West Bay: There are numerous pubs’ cafes and food outlets in West Bay.
Bridport: There are numerous pubs’ cafes and food outlets in Bridport.
To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:
To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map 116 – Lyme Regis & Bridport
Additional Information
For a more details of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest visit my Two Dogs and an Awning website.
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.