Due to it’s unique fossil strata, the Jurassic Coast has remained an unmistakable fixture of British coastline. For over 200 years fossil collectors have come hunting in their droves, but there’s also fantastic hiking to be found in England’s first natural World Heritage Site.
Highlights
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
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.
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.
Step Out Onto The South West Coast Path
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.
Our Jurassic Coast walking route steers a close course to the southern coast of England
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.
Walk Gallery
Our Jurassic Coast Walking Holiday Itineraries
Prices are per person, based on 2 people sharing, single person supplements apply.
Solo walker supplement: £50 (pn) Single occupancy (groups): £35 (pn)
Day
Location
Distance
Day 1:
Arrive Lyme Regis
Day 2:
Seaton to Lyme Regis
7 mi
Day 3:
Lyme Regis to Eypes
9.5 mi
Day 4:
Eypes to Abbotsbury
10.2 mi
Day 5:
Abbotsbury to Weymouth*
14.5 mi
Day 6:
Weymouth to Lulworth
11.5 mi
Day 7:
Lulworth to Kimmeridge**
7.5 mi
Day 8:
Kimmeridge to Langton Matravers
9 mil
Day 9:
Depart Corfe Castle / Swanage
Itinerary Information: 8 nights accommodation with 7 walking days. Arrive in Lyme Regis on day 1, walk from day 2 and depart from Langton Matravers - Collection point on morning of day 9.
Departure Dates: This itinerary can be walked any time between Mar to Oct. You simply choose which day you would like your holiday to start on.
Rest Days: Should you wish, rest days can be taken at stops along the route, view details.
The area along the Jurassic coast experiences some of the more temperate weather found in the UK, whilst being less affected overall by harsh winds blowing over from the Atlantic.
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.
