Dorset Walking Spotlight - Ringstead Bay

Posted on 27 May 2010

Ringstead is midway between Weymouth and Lulworth and has some of the most beautiful walks on the whole of the Dorset Coastal Path. The area is an ideal location for a days walking and dogs are also allowed.

Nestled in between the cliffs, just to the east of the holiday resort and fishing port of Weymouth, is Ringstead Bay. Ringstead is a small hamlet, with no more than 20 private houses, one small shop and a small chapel (which is halfway up the cliff to the east). You can drive to the bay, taking a narrow track that heads down between the cliffs. There is a car park, only 50 yards from the beach. You can pay your car park fee to the shop, and then spend the day exploring on foot. There is also a National Trust car park which is free - the car park is above Southdown Farm and is quite a walk up hill from the beach.

The 700 yard long beach, is mostly shingle with uncovered sand once the tide goes out. This stretch of water is sheltered by a reef which makes it safe for swimming.

Walks in and around Ringstead Bay

If you are looking to walk around Ringstead Bay a Map will be useful. The Ordnance Survey Landranger map 194 covers this area of the Dorset Coast Path and is available from The Outdoor Store.

Ringstead Bay to Lulworth Cove 5 miles approx

For this walk, comfortable walking footwear is essential. Head east from the car park and walk along the Dorset Coastal Path where you will quickly begin the climb up White Nothe, one of the highest cliffs along the Dorset coast. At the top of White Nothe, a chalk headland with upper greensand, you will get fantastic views of the Jurassic coast across to Portland and Weymouth. You will also find the remains of old coastguard cottages, and a World War II look out point. This area is also superb for its geological features, with the base of the hill being a great location for fossil hunting in Dorset.

Durdle Door

From the top of White Nothe continue eastwards along the coastal path, with its undulating hills and cliffs, and eventually you will view the famous Durdle Door, a huge natural archway. Stop here to marvel at its beauty. Further on is St Oswalds Bay with the picturesque village of Lulworth Cove on the other side of the hill. The small village of Lulworth Cove has a visitor centre (which is well worth visiting), a couple of cafes and a pub, as well as some small shops. There is no public transport back to Ringstead Bay, so when planning your day you will want to factor in the walk back or have made arrangements to be collected at Lulworth Cove.

Ringstead Bay to Osmington 1 mile

To the west of Ringstead Bay, a shorter and slightly gentler walk of about a mile, will take you to Osmington. To start the walk, go past the shop then left on to the gravel road behind a row of houses. A short diversion uphill takes you to St. Catherine’s Chapel (a wooden hut) with its beautiful burial fields overlooking Portland, and is well worth a visit. You are now on the Coastal Path which takes you through the edge of a small wood until you arrive at Osmington Mills. The Smuggler’s Inn is a picture postcard location in Osmington. In former times smugglers lived in the village and the used Ringstead Bay to bring their goods ashore. The 13th century Inn is a good location to stop for an afternoon tea, a lunchtime drink, or an evening meal.

If you would like to extend your walk, you can take a circular route that follows a track inland to Upton, with splendid views of the surrounding Dorset countryside. It returns to Ringstead via a footpath across Spring Bottom Hill and a woodland trail. The total route, taking in Upton, is 3.1 miles. This moderate level walk takes about 90 minutes to complete.

If you would like further informal guidance about walking in Ringstead or around other parts of West Dorset, please feel free to chat with us at the Outdoor store where we would also be delighted to help equip you for your outdoor needs with a range of quality affordable clothing, water proofs, binoculars, guide books and maps.

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