You will certainly see fossils, and you are very likely to find some to take home with you. Your guide, Chris, will be your experienced pair of fossiling eyes and will hand out fossils during the walk for you to take home and keep. Fossils are more likely to be found in the winter months, after storms and heavy rains. Everything you find is yours to keep if it is found loose on the beach (and if you can carry it!)

When you book, you will receive an email with a detailed recommended kit list. It will depend on the time of year what clothes you should wear, but come dressed to be outside for a few hours. You should have waterproofs either on you or in your bag just in case. ​ You will need: Appropriate footwear – boots/strong trainers preferably with ankle support. The beach is very uneven. No open toed shoes or sandals. Wellies are good in winter or after storms. Waterproofs Drinking water, especially in summer. Backpack or bag for carrying fossils and food/drinks. Wrapping material (newspapers, bubble wrap), sandwich bags, containers with lids to keep your finds safe. The beach can be very muddy, so wear old clothes. You might not come back as clean as you went out! ​You might need: A geological or masonry hammer (really not necessary but if you want to bring a hammer don’t bring a standard DIY hammer). If you have a hammer you should also have protective goggles. Please note that most fossils are found loose, by just using your eyes. - A hat for the sun (there is no shade) + sun protection - Hand lens (small, handheld magnifier)

No, you do not need a hammer to find fossils! Most fossils are found loose on the foreshore. Your guide, Chris, will be splitting nodules on the walk. He has many years of experience in spotting exactly the right stones to split. ​ If you would like to bring a hammer, we recommend ordering this hammer for adults, and this kit for children. Do not use standard DIY hammers as the steel on these is softer than many of the stones on the beach. Ensure you are wearing safety glasses whenever you are hammering. If children are using hammers, they will require parent/guardian supervision at all times.

Anyone of any age can join our fossil walks. We recommend that in order to benefit the most, that children are over the age of 7. Younger children are of course welcome as part of a family group. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. ​I've given walks to people as old as 95! It all depends on your mobility. The beach is very uneven.

Our fossil walks are dog friendly, as long as your dog has a good temperament with people. Please keep your dog on a lead at all times, and pick up after it.

All fossil walks are led from Lyme Regis, which has two fossil-rich beaches. One to the east, and one to the west. ​ The west side, Monmouth Beach, is named after the Duke of Monmouth’s ill-fated landing. It is known by some local fossilers as ‘land of the big’. You will see large and impressive ammonites, including the famous ‘ammonite graveyard’, but there are fewer small and pocketable fossils to find. The east side, from Church Cliffs heading towards Black Ven is better for finding loose fossils out on the foreshore. ​We will take the public walks out to whichever side is productive at the time.

A moderate level of fitness and mobility are required as the ground is uneven. The pace is quite slow, so that we don't miss any fossils! You will be on your feet for the walk (including the talk at the beginning).

You are most likely to find fossils in the winter months, after storms and rough seas. Fossilers go out in all weathers! Please come prepared for variable conditions and check the forecasts before you come (and bring a waterproof even if you think it is going to be sunny). If the conditions are considered too dangerous to be out on the beach, the walk will be cancelled. Any cancellation due to adverse conditions may occur at short notice and you will receive a refund.

You will be able to reschedule your booking from the self-service portal up to 24 hours before the start of your walk. If you need to cancel, you can do this online up to 24 hours before the walk starts and receive a full refund.

Public walks: We will be at our meeting point for approximately 45 minutes from the start of the walk. Just join us there. If you're extremely late, please give Chris a call before the start of the walk. His number will be in the booking email. Private walks: we start when you turn up (but remember the phrase "time and tide waits for no man"). Please give Chris a call if you anticipate being more than 10-15 minutes late. His number will be in the booking email.

Please allow plenty of time to park and walk down to the meeting point. Lyme Regis in summer is incredibly busy, and you may struggle to park if you arrive later in the day even in the long stay car parks. It is unlikely you will be able to park in the centre of town, regardless of time of year. Suggested car parks (approx. 10-15 minute walk from meeting point down steep hill): Charmouth Road car park: Long stay car park with toilets Holmbush car park: Long stay car park with toilets.