Jurassic Coast walking itinerary

Distance:
77 miles (125 km)
Airports:
Exeter/Plymouth

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner

The World Heritage Jurassic Coast  is England's first natural World Heritage Site- a walker's paradise covering 95 miles of stunning coastline. Stretching from Exmouth in Devon to Stutland in Dorset  , the Jurassic Coast will take you on a fossil-rich journey covering nearly 200 million years of natural history.

Day 1: Exmouth - Budleigh Salterton - Sidmouth - Seaton

Exmouth - Budleigh Salterton: 4 miles (7 km)
Budleigh Salterton - Ladram Bay: 7 miles (11 km)
Ladram Bay - Seaton: 8 miles (13 km)
Totals for Day: 19 miles (31 km)

Exmouth

Credit: James Martin

Start your walk along the Jurassic Coast at Exmouth in Devon. Orcombe Point is the official starting point of the Jurassic Coast, and it's here that you'll find the oldest rocks on the coast. The red rocks here are up to 250 millions years old and are from the Triassic period. Have your picture taken at the 'Geoneedle', which marks the beginning of the walk.

Must see & do:

Exmouth model railway | Exmouth Museum | World of Country Life

Budleigh Salterton

A short walk after Exmouth is the town of Budleigh Salterton. Here, you'll encounter the famous red cliffs of Budleigh, which contain Budleigh Salterton Pebble Beds. Budleigh pebbles are unique and date back 240 million years to the Triassic period, when they were formed in a river which flowed through the area.

Must see & do:

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens | World of Country Life

Ladram Bay (Sidmouth)

Credit: Andreas-Photography

Continue along the South West Coast Path and you'll find yourself in Ladram Bay near Sidmouth. Ladram Bay is one of the most dramatic sights along the Jurassic Coast, and you'll see why when the stunning red cliffs come into view. Marvel at these unique cliffs as you relax on the sheltered, sandy beach, which is popular for sunbathing and watersports.

Must see & do:

Norman Lockyer Observatory & Planetarium | Sidmouth Museum | The Donkey Sanctuary

Seaton

Finish your day at Seaton. The South West Coast Path takes you across the seafront, where you can take your shoes off and feel the sand between your toes. If you still have the energy after your walk, why not indulge in some watersports - Seaton offers everything from sailing and surfing to diving and windsurfing.

Must see & do:

Seaton Tramway | Lyme Bay Winery | Beer Quarry Caves

Day 2: Seaton - Lyme Regis - Golden Cap - Chesil Beach (West Bay)

Seaton - Lyme Regis: 6 miles (9.6 km)
Lyme Regis - Golden Cap: 3 miles (5 km)
Golden Cap - Chesil Beach (West Bay): 8 miles (13 km)
Chesil Beach - Abbotsbury: 2 miles (4 km)
Totals for Day: 19 miles (31 km)

Lyme Regis

Start the day with a walk from Seaton to Lyme Regis, in Dorset. This picturesque seaside town is home to the famous 13th century Cobb harbour, where you can sit an watch the boats from one of the tempting tearooms. Lyme Regis was also the setting for the film 'The French Lieutenant's Woman', from the book by resident author John Fowles.

Must see & do:

Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium | Lyme Regis Museum | Dinosaurland

Golden Cap

The next unmissable landmark you'll come across on your walk is Golden Cap. At 191 metres high, Golden Cap is the highest point on the Jurassic Coast and the highest sea cliff in southern England. It's surrounded by over 2,000 acres of National Trust Golden Cap Estate, which is perfect for exploring the unique and unspoilt West Dorset countryside.

Must see & do:

Bridport Museum | Palmer's Brewery | Moores Bakery

Chesil Beach (West Bay)

Credit: Andreas-photography

Past the small harbour town of West Bay lies the 17-mile stretch of Chesil Beach running all the way to Portland. Chesil Beach is one of the finest pebble banks in the world and one of south England's most visited landmarks. Don't miss the Fleet Lagoon, a tidal lagoon that's home to a variety of wildlife.

Must see & do:

Nothe Fort | Radipole Lake Nature Reserve | Portland Castle | Portland Museum

Abbotsbury

On the western end of the Fleet lagoon is the picturesque village of Abbotsbury. While you're there, visit the renowned 14th century Abbotsbury Swannery, and the award-winning Sub-Tropical Gardens, set in 20 acres of woodland valley. Enjoy the stunning views of the village from Abbotsbury Hill, but be warned, it's a steep climb by foot!

Must see & do:

Abbotsbury Children's Farm | Abbotsbury Abbey Remains | Kingston Russel Stone Circle | St Catherine's Chapel

Day 3: Abbotsbury - Osmington White Horse - Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove

Abbotsbury - Osmington White Horse: 14 miles (22 km)
Osmington White Horse - Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove: 8 miles (13 km)
Totals for Day: 22 miles (35 km)

Osmington White Horse

East of Weymouth on the Dorset coast lies the village of Osmington, home to the Osmington White Horse. The horse and its rider are carved onto the side of Osmington Hill, and together are 260 feet long. The horse was carved into the hill in the early 19th century to commemorate King George III's visits to Weymouth.

Must see & do:

Weymouth Sea Life Park & Marine Sanctuary | Brewer's Quay & Timewalk Journey | Nothe Fort

Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove

Durdle Door is one of the most outstanding marine formations on the south coast. Situated between Swanage and Weymouth, Durdle Door is perfect for snorkelling or bathing, and the massive rock arch makes great photo. The nearby Lulworth Cove is a horseshoe-shaped harbour where you can enjoy a relaxing swim or enjoy a walk along the cliff tops.

Must see & do:

Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre | Swanage Railway | Lulworth Cove Heritage Centre | Tyneham Village

Day 4: Lulworth Cove - Swanage - Old Harry & Stutland Bay

Lulworth Cove - Swanage: 15 miles (24 km)
Swanage - Old Harry & Studland Bay: 2 miles (4 km)
Totals for Day: 17 miles (28 km)

Swanage

Credit: Steve

Start the last day of your walk along the Jurassic Coast with a walk to Swanage. This traditional seaside town has an award-winning beach, interesting shops, and spectacular floral displays. The clear waters at Swanage Beach has won the prestigious European 'Blue Flag' award, making it perfect for a relaxing swim.

Must see & do:

Swanage Railway | Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre | Durlston Country Park | Leslie Gibbons A.T.D The Owl Pottery, Craft Workshop

Old Harry & Studland Bay

Just 2 miles on from Swanage, you'll come to Old Harry Rocks, a chalk sea stack which marks the end of the Jurassic Coast. If you want somewhere to relax after your walk, the superb sandy beaches of Studland Bay are only a mile away. There's a designated naturist area at Stutland beach, which is well sign posted.

Must see & do:

Swanage Railway | Durlston Country Park | Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre

This information was kindly provided by footscape, who offer a selection of short and long walking holidays in Southwest England.