Jurassic Coast Weekend - Beer

Day 1

You're welcome to arrive at the hostel any time after 5pm, where your Large Outdoors host will meet you and introduce you to the rest of your weekend companions. The evening is yours to unpack, explore the village of Beer, or simply relax with a cup of tea until dinner is served at 8pm.

After dinner we'll run through the plans for the next two days and talk a bit about the weather forecast and kit you'll need, as well as walking plans. All this of course is done over our famous cheese-board. There is the option of two walks the next day, which amount to a longer or shorter exploration of the same area.

Day 2

After breakfast and time to make packed lunches, we'll embark on our walks. Your guides will be able to adjust the plans and pace to whatever the group wants to do.

Some options are:

The Undercliff - The stretch of coastline to the east of Beer and Axmouth is known as the Undercliff, after several large landslips, the last of which was in the 19thcentury, that totally changed the shape of the cliffs. The area is now a national nature reserve, and is cloaked in a woodland that has been called the nearest thing to a tropical rainforest in the UK, due to its unique plants and humid environment.

Luckily for us, a path runs right through it, and is the only way of exploring this unique environment. A longer walk will set out straight from the hostel door and walk the coastline, including the Undercliff, all the way to Lyme Regis. As well as the woodland, this stretch includes areas of beach and of open cliff top. A shorter walk will involve first driving to Lyme Regis and then heading on an out-and-back route onto the Undercliff path.

Branscombe - If a group prefers another option, we can head west along the cliff-top path past the promontory of Beer Head and down to Branscombe Mouth. Continuing further along the cliffs, with views inland and out to sea, we can then decide whether to return the same way, or make our way inland via paths that lead us back to Beer.

Other options - If the sea-side weather is looking awful, we always have the option of heading inland to discover the woods and downland of East Devon, perhaps walking a section of the East Devon Way. For those who do not feel like walking, there are the nearby towns of Lyme Regis and Seaton to explore, and you could perhaps take a ride on the Seaton and District Electric Tramway!

Day 3

After breakfast it's time to pack up and leave the hostel. Depending on how the group feels, there can again be a longer and a shorter walk option, or we can all head out together. Walk options include:

Charmouth - The cliffs around Charmouth are one of the best places to find fossils, and if you find loose ones on the ground you're welcome to take them home! We'll park in Charmouth village itself and then take a walk east, spending some time fossil hunting amidst the cliff debris and then taking in the views from the cliff-top path on the way to the peak of Golden Cap. The group can easily split into two to do a longer or shorter distance, but the best way of appreciating this landscape is slowly, watching the views unfurl and examining the rocks beneath your feet. We'll see more by not trying to go too far!

We'll aim to finish the walks at around 1pm, when we'll meet in a local pub for a well-deserved Sunday lunch. This tends to finish at around 3pm, when people head off for home.

Basking in the warm waters of the English Channel, the south west of England contains a stretch of coast nearly 100 miles long that is famous throughout the world. Tucked away among the cliffs are thousands of fossils, dating back over 180 million years, and exposed by the relentless crash of the sea. Besides the fossils, the cliffs have been sculpted into some stunningly beautiful rock formations, such as natural arches and coves. The cliff-tops, whether open or wooded, are all accessible to walkers and are interspersed with seaside towns and villages at great intervals for day walks, or even gentle strolls.

We have exclusive use of YHA Beer for the weekend. This hostel is a delightful Arts and Crafts country house with grounds and a comfortable lounge. It's a short walk away from the fishing village of Beer and the seaside.

Bedding is provided but you will need to bring your own towel and toiletries.

Included:

• 2 days of guided day walks, with our fully qualified professional leaders - please note any excursions or other extra activities will incur an additional charge.

• 2 nights hostel accommodation.

• Welcome meal on the Friday plus evening meal on Saturday. Breakfasts and a packed lunch for Saturday's Walk.

• A Large Outdoors host to welcome you and organise the weekend.

• Pre-weekend support from the Large Outdoors admin team.

Not included:

• Travel to and from the venue.

• Any additional excursions or activities that incur a cost.

• What level of fitness is needed?
  This trip is rated ‘Active’, so a good level of fitness is required. Exmoor National Park’s stunning coastline is a mix of rugged hills and deep valleys, so this weekend involves plenty of ups and downs on steep cliff paths.

• Can I attend on my own?
  Absolutely! Many our attendees are solo travellers.

• When should I arrive?
  You are welcome to arrive from 5pm onwards on Friday evening. Your host will be at the venue ready to greet you, and dinner will be served at 8pm. If you intend to arrive after 10pm, please let us know.

• I’d prefer vegetarian or vegan meals - can this be arranged?
  Yes, absolutely! We will always supply a vegetarian or vegan meal, but please note this must be requested well ahead of the trip - the remote location of our accommodation means we can’t pop out to buy additional ingredients. Complete the dietary section during the booking process and if your dietary needs change ahead of the trip please email the office and we’ll update your booking.

• I’d prefer gluten-free meals - can this be arranged?
  We will provide meals using gluten-free ingredients, but due to the shared nature of the kitchen we cannot provide strictly gluten-free meals. Please let us know you’d like gluten-free ingredients ahead of time by completing the dietary section during the booking process.

• I am allergic to a specific ingredient - can you provide meals for me
  Due to the shared nature of the kitchen we are unable to provide meals suitable for those suffering from many allergies. Please contact the office before booking to discuss your requirements.

• What transport is provided during this trip?
  We do not provide transportation during this trip. You will need to make your way to and from the hostel, and on Saturday we’ll aim to set off walking from the door of the hostel. On Sunday, where a short drive to the starting point is required, you will need to drive yourself but we encourage car sharing.

• Can I bring my dog?
  Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for registered assistance dogs.