From the carpark, a network of footpaths allows easy exploration of this beautiful nature reserve which extends either side of Trinity Hill Road. Heathers that form a wash of colour in late summer dominate the flora. These heathers are the daytime home of a huge number of moths, such as the lover’s knot and the drinker. Bare sandy areas that quickly warm in the sun support animals that require warmth, such as the common lizard. There is also a rich birdlife, including breeding nightjar. Linnets, whose numbers are declining nationally, are doing well here and can be heard singing from tall bushes on the reserve.
GETTING AROUND
By bike: Two miles from Axminster (take care crossing the busy A35).
On foot: A footpath and minor roads link to the East Devon Way, approximately 2km to the south.
By car: From Axminster take the A35 towards Lyme Regis. Just before Raymonds Hill turn right along Trinity Hill Road. There is a car park for the reserve on the left, after 1km.
FACILITIES
Car parking available in the centre of the local nature reserve.
TERRAIN
Rough footpaths and heathland. A path runs around the perimeter of the site (can be muddy in wet weather). It is not suitable for wheelchair users. Walking time: 2 hours 20 minutes Length: 7.2km/4.5mi
WALK
Walkout over the metal step gate and walk along the path, south-east, until it comes to a T junction. Turn right, south and follow this track until it reaches a forestry road. Continue along the road until it reached a T junction and turn left, south-east, and continue along the forestry track until you come to a track leading off to the right.
Turn right, south, and follow this bridle path through the woods. The large Beech trees along the path are described as some of the “Great Trees of East Devon” On reaching a T junction turn right, west and follow the track to the road and at the road turn left, south, until you see a footpath sign on your right.
Turn right, south-west, along the footpath until you reach another road.Turn left, south-east.
The East Devon Way comes in from the right but follows the road down the hill, look out for a footpath sign on the left. The path goes up the hill, north-west, and through a gate then turns right along the field boundary, continue through a gate into the wood and along the well walked track. At a T junction turn left, north, and walk up the hill past a house on the right onto a narrow lane. Carry straight on up the hill bearing right at the junction, look out for a footpath sign on the left, turn left, west, and walk up the path until you come out onto a wider forest track. Turn right, north, and carry on along the track retracing your steps back to the car park.
There are a number of routes across the Trinity Hill Reserve, take a different route back to the car park. There are good views of the Cannington Viaduct and to Uplyme.
Map: Explorer 116 Lyme Regis and Bridport