Following a very wet winter we wanted a walk that took us away from all the wet fields and found the most amazing walk. We are located just minutes from the Marshwood Vale which extends parallel to the coast from Bridport to Lyme Regis.
At the far end of the vale are 2 prehistoric hill forts managed by the National Trust and therefore has ample parking with sign boards telling the history of the area and how the land is now managed.
The map to use is Explorer 116 for Lyme Regis & Bridport and the car park reference can be found at 36.5, 99.1. Alternatively the walk is listed in the Pathfinders Dorset book – we are happy to lend you our copy if you are staying at Binghams. Click here to see the Visit Dorset website details
The top of Lambert’s Castle is as flat as a pancake and as you come away from the ancient woods onto the Wessex Ridgeway you find yourself in front of the most amazing view of the Vale. The 2 highest points in the county are to the left – Lewesdon Hill (ancient oaks woodland) and Pilson Pen another hill fort. Then scan the vale to the right and we could clearly see Portland and Chesil beach in the far background. Directly to our right was then Gold Cap – the highest point on Lyme Bay.
We followed the OS map which took us down a farm track and through 2 farms then up and under the top of Coney’s Castle before returning us back to Lambert’s Castle – a sort of figure of 8. There was a small hill to come back up but it is well worth the walk as the spring flowers had just started to bloom. If you wanted to avoid the fields then follow the quiet road over the top of Coney’s Castle.
In all about 1.5 hours walking and 1 hour staring at the views! We can highly recommend this walk.
