Jurassic Coast Stroll – 6 Dorset Coastal Walks + Maps

The Jurassic Coast has a number of the most gorgeous surroundings within the UK with pure arches, limestone stacks and towering cliffs. Listed here are 6 nice Dorset coastal walks that can assist you see the perfect.

The South West Coast path is likely one of the most iconic trails in Britain. Stretching 630 miles alongside the southwest of the nation, the route collects every thing from gorgeous seashores to historic castles; cream teas to cozy nation pubs.

A small part of the trail (about 100 miles) accommodates Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Right here, jagged white cliffs plunge into the ocean and large arcs of golden seashores body the English Channel making it a number of the most interesting surroundings in Britain.

The excellent news is you don’t have to traverse the complete 630 miles to get a style of this dramatic countryside. We’ve got put collectively six  Jurassic Coast walks that seize the perfect of the world. Every is only one to three hours lengthy, not too troublesome, and makes for an ideal half-day out.

So seize your strolling footwear, accumulate towering cliff tops, cease at pure arches, pattern native ales, and uncover homey cafes with our favorite Dorset Coastal walks.

Reserving your journey by way of the hyperlinks on this web page (or on our guide web page) will earn us a small fee, at no further value to you. Thanks in your assist – Paul & Mark.

1 – OLD HARRY ROCKS

Problem – Straightforward | Distance – 6.2 kilometres (3.9 miles) | Time – 2 hours | Our Tip: Don’t stand too close to the sting of the cliffs when taking pictures.

Outdated Harry Rocks was as soon as two white limestone rocks standing proud on the japanese finish of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Sadly, Outdated Harry’s Spouse crumbled into the ocean on the finish of the nineteenth century.

Outdated Harry stays – joined by different white stone monoliths which have now been carved out alongside the coast. It’s one of the vital spectacular stretches of shoreline within the UK with dazzling white chalk stacks assembled like a jigsaw puzzle ready to be accomplished.

This clifftop circuit from Studland Village alongside the Outdated Harry shoreline is an effective way to absorb the splendour of the pure surroundings within the space. As well as, the grasslands close to the rocks are awash with uncommon wildflowers and an abundance of butterflies.

The place to begin the stroll? — This Jurassic Coast stroll begins on the automotive park on the Bankes Arms pub in Studland. You possibly can both do a fast stroll from the pub to Outdated Harry Rocks and again (25 minutes every means) or full a loop by way of Ballard Level (2 hours).

Extra particulars — You could find extra detailed data on the South West Coast Path web site.

For extra data, learn our information on the other ways to go to Outdated Harry Rocks.

2 – ST ALDHELM’S CLIFFS WALK

Problem – Straightforward | Distance – 4.4 kilometres (2.8 miles) | Time – 1 hour | Our Tip: Put on strolling boots after rain as it might probably get muddy strolling throughout the fields.

The St Aldhelm’s Cliff stroll passes a rugged part of the Dorset shoreline that’s unfairly under-visited. This can be a nice stroll to admire the tough realities of the battered shoreline and get off the overwhelmed monitor somewhat.

The stroll passes the thirteenth century St. Aldhelm’s chapel and has glorious views of the carved out bay of Chapman’s pool. For the reason that path is so near the sting, it additionally offers you dramatic views of the seashores beneath framed by stacks of crumbling rock.

The place to begin the stroll? — Begin the St Aldhelm’s stroll from the automotive park simply west of Price Matravers. Head south throughout the fields and bend west to the chapel. There’s then a brief steep 200ft descent and ascent after which the trail follows the cliffs and crosses one other area earlier than returning to the automotive park.

How lengthy? — This Jurassic Coastal stroll takes round 1 hour and half-hour – map and directions.

3 – LULWORTH COVE TO DURDLE DOOR

Problem – Straightforward | Distance – 2 kilometres (1.25 miles) | Time – half-hour | Our Tip: This stroll can get very busy, attempt to be there early or late to keep away from the crowds.

One of many many enjoyable details about Nice Britain is that we drink round 60 billion cups of tea a 12 months. In case you’ve spent an excessive amount of time in quaint, cosy tea rooms and solely have time for one stroll, that is the one.

Over the course of a simple one hour stroll you’ll move dramatic towering white cliffs; the long-lasting stone arches of Durdle Door and arcs of sweeping golden sand. It rightly deserves its status as one of the vital lovely stretches of shoreline within the nation.

From excessive above the ocean, cows graze in lush inexperienced meadows – a eating room in an enviable location. Secret seashores seem tucked into coves and the waves of vertical cliffs lengthen into the space. There’s nowhere else fairly prefer it.

The place to begin the stroll? — Begin at Lulworth Cove and discover the folded limestone rocks of Stair Gap. Then head over the cliffs to {photograph} the arch at Durdle Door, one in all England’s most iconic landmarks. From right here you may stroll the sands of Man O’Struggle seaside or head even larger over the mighty crags of Bats Head. It’s an ideal few hours.

Particulars — For extra detailed data and maps on our Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door stroll publish.

4 – BOWLEAZE COVE TO SMUGGLERS INN

Problem – Straightforward-Medium | Distance – 5.8 kilometres (3.6 miles) | Time – 2 hours | Our Tip: Don’t drink a lot within the pub you may’t deal with the views when heading again.

In case your favorite walks contain a rustic pub lunch within the center, like a number of the improbable hikes within the Cotswolds, then that is for you.  This pretty stroll rises over cliffs and right down to seashores because it undulates via a really nice part of the Jurassic Coastal path between Bowleaze Cove and Osmington Mills.

It could not have the drama of Durdle Door or the towering limestone rocks at Outdated Harry however it does have our favorite native pub. Nestled fantastically between two cliffs within the tiny village of Osmington Mills, The Smugglers Inn is filled with character and feels miles from wherever. Seize a domestically brewed pint, recharge on conventional English pub meals and ponder the journey again.

The place to begin the stroll? — Start the stroll on the completely named Lookout Café simply above Bowleaze Cove and comply with the southwest coastal path for two.7 miles to Osmington Mills. This Dorset coastal stroll takes about 1 hour and quarter-hour (a method) and return is by way of the identical route – map and directions.

5 – WEST BAY TO HIVE BEACH CAFE

Problem – Medium | Distance – 8.6 kilometres (5.3 miles) | Time – 2.5 hours | Our Tip: Ensure you take the time to stroll on the seaside below the cliffs.

We anticipated to be impressed by Durdle Door and Outdated Harry Rocks, however the cliffs of West Bay got here as an surprising shock. The faces of the cliffs seem like ripples on a lake and, being sandstone somewhat than limestone, their golden color gleams within the early morning or late afternoon gentle.

The place to begin the stroll? — You possibly can simply park on the East Bay automotive park in West Bay and have a look, however it’s higher to incorporate them on a round stroll to Burton Bradstock and again.

The loop begins at West Bay, heads throughout a golf course and fields earlier than passing via Burton Bradstock. The hike finishes by dropping into the charming Hive Seaside cafe. Recharge on native fish on the decked terrace earlier than heading again alongside the cliffs to West Bay.

How lengthy? — This round Jurassic Coast stroll is 5 miles, takes about 2 hours. Most of it’s throughout undulating hills however there are a few quick, however fairly steep ascents, which require a little bit of puff – map and directions.

6 – GOLDEN CAP

Problem – Medium-Onerous | Distance – 7.2 kilometres (4.5 miles) spherical journey; 3.8 kilometres (2.4 miles) there and again | Time – 3 hours | Our Tip: If it has rained, put on strolling boots and be significantly cautious coming down.

If like us, it’s important to get to the highest of one thing, then this Dorset Coastal stroll is for you. Golden Cap is the very best cliff on the south coast standing at 191m (627 ft). Whereas it’s not the adrenaline hit induced by a few of our favorite scrambles within the Lake District, from this place, it nonetheless towers above the encircling countryside. Consequently, the views from the highest are expansive.

Sea cliffs disappear off in every course backed by a patchwork quilt of inexperienced fields. The view eastwards in the direction of Thorncombe Beacon towering over the golden shingle seaside was significantly pretty, however in 2021 a big landslide carved a large gash within the cliffs.

The place to begin the stroll? — The trail up Golden Cap begins on the automotive park by the ocean in Seatown. It’s simply over 1 mile rising to the summit however the steep path will take you about 40 minutes. On the high you will have a alternative to go again the best way you got here or full a loop passing via Stanton St. Gabriel and Langdon Lane.

Use the data board within the automotive park or comply with these Golden Cap map and directions.

MAP | JURASSIC & DORSET COASTAL WALKS

The most effective of the Dorset coastal walks are unfold throughout a reasonably large space. We’ve listed all our walks on the beneath map that can assist you get your bearings.

BEST TIME TO DO THESE DORSET COASTAL WALKS

The most effective time to undertake these Jurassic Coast walks is from Might to early July. All through this era, the times are lengthy and customarily dry, the flowers are out and the varsity holidays haven’t but begun. It’s the right time to take pleasure in Dorset’s lovely coastal surroundings. September and October are additionally good choices, nonetheless, the temperatures could possibly be beginning to drop.

The climate is usually finest from mid-July to the tip of August, nonetheless, the world is extraordinarily busy over this time. E book your lodging effectively prematurely and attempt to set off on the walks early to beat the crowds.

Winter months will be chilly and moist, however the surroundings isn’t any much less lovely. Look forward to a window of sunny climate and guide final minute to safe a sojourn to the Jurassic Coast whereas it’s bathed in comfortable winter gentle.

TIPS FOR OUR DORSET WALKS

1 –The paths are typically clear and simple to comply with on every of those walks, however enable a bit longer to discover and absorb the views.

2 – On dry days most of our Dorset walks can simply be accomplished in trainers or snug footwear, however after a number of days of rain the paths can get muddy. We’d recommend strolling boots if so, or a minimum of footwear you don’t thoughts getting moist.

4 – Take a digicam (as a result of it’s lovely) and swimming trunks for a (refreshing!) swim amongst lovely surroundings.

5 – A few of these walks can get very busy, significantly in the summertime holidays, so begin early the place attainable to attempt to beat the crowds.

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