4.3
(67)
651
riders
49
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Wootton Fitzpaine navigate a landscape characterized by rolling hills, extensive woodlands, and the picturesque Marshwood Vale. The region features significant natural landmarks such as Golden Cap and Pilsdon Pen, offering elevated viewpoints. Cyclists can explore tranquil river valleys, including the River Char, and are in proximity to the dramatic Jurassic Coast. This area provides a diverse mix of terrain, from gentle paths to more challenging climbs, suitable for various cycling preferences.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
3
riders
20.5km
01:26
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
11.5km
00:47
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
12.1km
00:59
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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So much history in one building, I've created a highlight which includes all the amazing history,plus about 60 pictures. It's well worth a visit
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* Historical Significance: A church was first founded on the site in the 9th century by Alfred the Great. The current building incorporates various architectural styles, including Norman, Early English, and Perpendicular, reflecting centuries of reconstruction and expansion. * Connection to Sir George Somers: The grave of Sir George Somers, who founded the colony of Bermuda and whose adventures are said to have inspired Shakespeare's "The Tempest," is located under the vestry. * Dorset County Symbol: St. Wite is the patron saint of Dorset, and her cross was adopted as the new county symbol in a public vote in 2008. The church continues to be an active Church of England parish church and is lovingly cared for by a local group, the Friends of St Candida.
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Undisturbed Relics of St. Wite (St. Candida): It is one of only two churches in England (the other being Westminster Abbey) that still contains the undisturbed relics of the saint to whom it is dedicated, St. Wite (also known by her Latin name, St. Candida). This has created an unbroken line of pilgrimage to her shrine for over 1,000 years. "Cathedral of the Vale": It is known locally as "The Cathedral of the Vale" due to its historical significance and prominence in the Marshwood Vale. * Ancient Pilgrimage Site: The church has been a significant pilgrimage site for over a millennium, with pilgrims historically drawn by the reputation of St. Wite and the belief in the healing powers of her shrine. The shrine has three holes in its base where the sick could place body parts or offerings in hopes of miraculous healing. * Survival of the Reformation: Remarkably, the shrine and its relics survived the English Reformation, during which many such sacred sites were destroyed.
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A hard hill to get up, but the views are worth it
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Situated on the Dorset/Devon border and just two miles from Lyme Regis, Charmouth is a quiet, unspoilt village, with lots of amenities. The village has a rich history going back hundreds of years, and was once on the main road from London to Exeter. As a consequence of this historical strategic location the village has seen many important visitors over the years with King Charles II staying in the village during his escape to France, and Jane Austen who, as a regular visitor, once wrote that Charmouth was “a nice place for sitting in unwearied contemplation”. Fortunately these days the busy roads bypass the village, and Charmouth retains the charm and tranquility it has enjoyed for hundreds of years. Charmouth is best known for its beach. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the local coastline provides an unique insight into millions of years of evolution, and of course is best known as the Jurassic Coast due to the large number of fossils that can be found on the beaches. However, the beach is not just for fossil hunters, having large areas of sand and gently shelving waters that make it an ideal family day out when the sun shines. The local cafés, shops and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre provide food, drink, beach goods and information about the geology and fossils. Within the village Charmouth has a wide range of shops to ensure that visitors do not need to venture further afield during their stay. Everything from daily essentials, household and holiday goods, gifts, and beauty salons all available right in the village centre. A range of pubs, restaurants and cafés give a fantastic choice of refreshments from breakfast to dinner. As part of both the Jurassic Coast and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it is possible to lose yourself in sights, countryside and wildlife.
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Opening1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 * March to October: 7 days a week from 10:30am until 4:30pm. (Closed Tuesdays in March) November to February: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10:30am until 4.00pm. Ticket Type Ticket Tariff Beach Clean / Nurdle Hunt Free Centre Admission Free Fossil Hunting Walk (Adult) £14.00 per ticket Fossil Hunting Walk (Child) £8.00 per ticket Seashore Safari (Adult) £10.00 per ticket Seashore Safari (Child) £5.00 per ticket Visit Raffle, a rare 3D plesiosaur skeleton. Named after Raffle the dog, who found the fossil whilst walking the beach with owner Tracey Barclay, this unique Jurassic marine reptile is one of the few 3D Lower Jurassic plesiosaurs in the world. Free to enter, it has an incredible array of fossils on display from the world-famous Jurassic Coast. Meet their newest and biggest residents: Raffle, a 3D plesiosaur skeleton, and David Attenborough’s Sea Dragon (as seen on TV). All the fossils are kindly on temporary loan from local fossil collectors, and so with more fossils found every day, the displays are frequently changing to showcase the newest fossils. Going out fossil hunting? they'll get you geared up to help you hunt! Whether that’s joining a guided fossil hunting walk with their expert wardens (run all year round) or getting free hints and tips from the knowledgeable volunteers in the Centre, they are there to help. Being right on the seafront of the world-class fossil hunting beach of Charmouth, they are well placed to identify your fossil finds too. The gift shop and online shop are well stocked to help you too, including fossil hunting kits, fossil ID guides and books. Right at the heart of the Lyme Bay Marine Conservation Area, they also celebrate the life under the waves. Between April – October they fill their catch and release fish tank with creatures from Charmouth’s rockpools. Why not join them on a Seashore Safari where they discover the fascinating local rockpool creatures. they are passionate about keeping the seas clean, and run regular free beach cleans and nurdle hunts. Public walks can be booked via their website: www.charmouth.org/chcc/events-calendar/.
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Beach huts are available to hire for the summer or winter seasons. They can also be hired on a daily or weekly basis between May-September. Full time residents of Charmouth Parish may enter an annual lottery for a number of huts that are made available for the summer season at 50% of the full price. These are normally located on the grass area. The lottery also includes blue huts on the beach which are restricted initially to residents with children aged under 18. The lottery takes place at the beginning of April each year. ** PLEASE NOTE THAT SEASONAL HUTS ARE FULLY BOOKED FOR THIS YEAR AND THE SUBSTANTIAL WAITING LIST IS CURRENTLY CLOSED**
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There are over 50 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Wootton Fitzpaine, offering a variety of experiences through the picturesque Marshwood Vale and surrounding areas. These routes range from moderate to difficult, ensuring options for different skill levels.
The terrain around Wootton Fitzpaine offers a diverse mix. You'll encounter rolling hills, rich farmland, and extensive woodlands. While many routes are designed to be traffic-free, expect some climbs, such as the one on the Conegar Hill Climb – Marshwood Vale loop from Charmouth, which provides rewarding views. The region provides a good balance of challenging ascents and gentler paths.
While many routes in the area are rated moderate to difficult, the focus on no-traffic paths makes them generally safer for families. For a shorter, moderate option, consider the Conegar Hill Climb – Charmouth Beach loop from Whitchurch Canonicorum, which offers a manageable distance and elevation. Always check the route details for specific difficulty and distance to ensure it suits your family's abilities.
Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for touring cycling in Wootton Fitzpaine. In spring, the woodlands come alive with carpets of bluebells, wild daffodils, and primroses. Autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is also pleasant, especially for shaded routes through the extensive woodlands. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
The area around Wootton Fitzpaine is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can enjoy panoramic views from Golden Cap Summit, the highest point on the South Coast, or explore the ancient Iron Age fort at Pilsdon Pen Summit and Trig Point. The tranquil River Char also winds through the village, supporting diverse wildlife. Nearby coastal towns like Lyme Regis and West Bay offer additional scenic attractions like Lyme Regis Seafront and West Bay Harbour.
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Wootton Fitzpaine are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Conegar Hill Climb – Marshwood Vale loop from Charmouth and the Self-Service Farm Shop loop from Charmouth. These loops are ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes without needing to retrace your steps.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the serene and shaded routes through extensive woodlands, the breathtaking panoramic views from high points like Golden Cap and Pilsdon Pen, and the overall tranquility of the Marshwood Vale, especially on the dedicated no-traffic paths.
While most routes are rated moderate, there is at least one easy route available. For beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride, it's best to filter routes by 'easy' difficulty on komoot to find the most suitable options. These routes typically feature less elevation gain and shorter distances, making them ideal for a gentle introduction to touring cycling in the area.
While the routes themselves focus on natural beauty and quiet paths, the villages and towns you pass through or near, such as Charmouth, Lyme Regis, and West Bay, offer various cafes, pubs, and farm shops. For example, the Self-Service Farm Shop loop from Charmouth suggests a stop at a local farm shop. It's always a good idea to plan your stops in advance.
Wootton Fitzpaine itself is a small village, but nearby towns like Lyme Regis and Charmouth have bus services that connect to larger transport hubs. While direct public transport to the start of every no-traffic route might be limited, planning your route to start from a more accessible town can facilitate public transport use. Consider checking local bus timetables for connections to the general area.
Parking is generally available in nearby villages and towns such as Charmouth, Lyme Regis, or Whitchurch Canonicorum, which often serve as starting points for these routes. For instance, routes like the Conegar Hill Climb – Marshwood Vale loop often start from Charmouth, where public parking facilities are available. Always check for specific parking information at your chosen starting point.


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