8 nights
83 mls (km)
Soutwest England
Moderate
Mar to Oct
£755

Walking the Jurassic Coast

  • The distinctive horseshoe shape of Lulworth Cove, and its beautiful stretch of beach
  • Visit the most southerly point of Dorset at Portland Island, known for its dazzlingly bright limestone rock
  • The world famous fossil hunting spots of Charmouth and Lyme Regis
  • Cross one of Britain's most important wilderness areas at Undercliffs National Nature Reserve
  • The views from Gold Cap, the highest cliff on the south coast of England
  • Chesil Beach,  an 18 mile pebble beach separated from the mainline by Fleet Lagoon
Jurassic Coast Hiking Holidays

Walking the Jurassic Coast

The coast itself covers 95 miles/152 km from East Devon to Dorset, its structure charting 185 million years of history on Earth. We begin the trail at Lyme Regis, a welcome home to such authors as Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy, as well as John Fowles, whose novel “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” is set in Lyme Regis.

We reach the cliffs at Charmouth, famous for their dense fossil deposits. A complete Plesiosaur (think of the Loch Ness Monster) was discovered here in 19C and you might well find your own 100 million year old fossil if you look carefully (If unsuccessful visit Charmouth’s Old Forge fossil shop, surprised perhaps that Bill Gates buys his fossils here).

From the headland, you are rewarded by the spectacular orange sandstone cliffs of Golden Cap – the highest point on the south coast with a panorama of amazing far reaching views in all directions.

Descend to West Bay and walk straight into Broadchurch! Here is the striking location of the television drama, attracting a record 9 million (armchair) viewers to the wonderful backdrop and enchanting little harbour town, Bridport.

Female hiker walks the South West Coast Path along cliffs and headlands near Tintagel Cornwall England UK

Hiking Long Stretches of Pristine Coastline

Chesil Beach, extends 17 miles along the coast and is one of the finest barrier beaches in Europe, protecting an important nature reserve. Across the banks, colourful pebbles fluctuate in size - from gravel to golf balls. Experienced night fishermen can tell where they are on the beach, just by the size of the stones beneath their feet!

You stay in the beautifully preserved village of Abbotsbury, which has no street lighting and a medieval tithe barn still in use as a storehouse.

Abbotsbury has the oldest managed swan population in the world. For over 600 years a colony of mute swans has been living at Abbotsbury Swannery set up by medieval monks as a food source.

The final part of the walk rises and dips along the cliffs above the natural arch of Durdle Door, and down to Lulworth Cove – a perfect horseshoe bay ringed with magnificent cliffs. Our trip concludes along the chalk cliff tops to famous Old Harry Rocks, standing like guardians of this unique stretch of beautiful coastline on our Jurassic Coast Walk.

Got a taste for hiking Cornwall? The Jurassic Coast is another captivating section of The South West Coast Path - a walking route that clings to the entire coast of Cornwall. From St. Ives, Lands End to the Lizard Peninsula, we have itineraries that take in the most memorable of Cornwall's walking routes and coastal scenery.

To see the full range of itineraries on this path, view our South West Coast Path Walking Holidays here.

Jurassic Coast walk map
Our Jurassic Coast walking route steers a close course to the southern coast of England

Path Walkthrough

The Geoneedle at Orcombe signals the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, on a walk through open field, woodland and pristine coastline. On a predominantly coastal route, there are some inland sections, particularly through Undercliffs National Nature Reserve, where the path can become quite uneven underfoot.

From the cliffs you have an uninterrupted view over the horizon over the English channel, and there are some fantastic vantage points from the cliffs along this route, but steep descents and ascents can prove strenuous in places. We suggest you under-estimate your walking ability rather than over-estimate, to allow for variable weather conditions and the undulating nature of the coast path.

Our Jurassic Coast Itineraries

  • Lyme Regis to Langton Matravers
    Distance: 82.7 miles (133km)
    SWCPJ1
    8 Nights, 7 Days
    from £780 pp
    SWCPJ1 ~ Lyme Regis to Langton Matravers ~ 8 / 7 classic
    DayLocationDistance
    Day 1:Arrive Lyme Regis
    Day 2:Seaton to Lyme Regis7 mi
    Day 3:Lyme Regis to Eypes9.5 mi
    Day 4:Eypes to Abbotsbury10.2 mi
    Day 5:Abbotsbury to Weymouth*14.5 mi
    Day 6:Weymouth to Lulworth11.5 mi
    Day 7:Lulworth to Kimmeridge**7.5 mi
    Day 8:Kimmeridge to Langton Matravers9 mil
    Day 9:Depart Corfe Castle / Swanage

    What's Included:
    7 walking days
    8 nights accommodation
    8 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    • Good standard accommodation at a mixture of Guesthouses, Farmhouses, local Inns and B&B’s with en-suite/private facilities wherever possible
    • Breakfast
    • Luggage transfers (one bag per walker, max 20kg per bag)
    • Personal transfer between accommodation and path where necessary
    • Walk Pack including Trail Guide and OS mapping, itinerary, accommodation details/directions and holiday planning

    You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.

    Our Jurassic Coast holidays are available to walk March to October.

    That the Jurassic Coast could be taken on at any point in the calendar is quite reasonable. However, if you want to get the most out of this walk, we would recommend travelling between Mar - Oct.

    There are train stations located in Axminster and Swanage - www.nationalrail.co.uk

    There is a bus service from Axminster to Lyme Regis or we can arrange a taxi collection (approx. £25).

    Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.

    Jurassic Coast Client Reviews

    4.9/5 based on 2 reviews
    It was certainly the most demanding, physically, of the 5 Celtic Trails walks I have completed - even allowing for the years of ageing in-between! Celtic Trails provide well-researched routes and provide excellent responses to questions. We were blessed with excellent weather for the spectacular scenery.
    - May 2019
    My brother recommended you to me and you didn't disappoint. Many greetings and a big thank you, especially to Penny.
    - August 2018
    Leave your own review of your Jurassic Coast Walking Holiday with us - add review.
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    What Happens Next?

    We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process here.

    Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.

    Still Have Questions?

    If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.

    Enquire About Jurassic Coast
    +44 (0)1291 689 774
    Our lines are open: 9am to 5pm (GMT), Monday to Friday
    E-mail
    Sample Accommodations

    Please note: exact accommodation booked will depend on availability.