Walking the Dorset Coastal Path

We often get asked in the shop about the best walks in Dorset. We have our personal favourites in and around Weymouth, but if you are looking for a route that will take in some of the most beautiful sites in Dorset then you can’t beat the Dorset Coastal Path. Follow the route over two or three days and it makes the perfect Dorset Walking holiday.

The Dorset Coastal Path is just as good for short walks and gentle strolls as it is for long-distance hiking. Start out at Hengistbury Head and head West towards Bournemouth along the beach front. Spend a couple of hours on the award winning beach at Sandbanks then it is over on the Sanbanks Ferry to the Isle of Purbeck.

Follow the route around Shell Bay to one of the most stunning viewpoints at Old Harry Rock looking back towards Poole and Bournemouth. On a sunny day the contrast between the blue sky and the sea is simply stunning. Take in Nine Barrow Down and walk downhill into Swanage, where you can enjoy a spot of shopping of grab a cream tea and a sandwich.

Th rugged coastline from Swanage around to Kimmeridge can be a little testing at time and provides a good workout for most walkers. Blink a few times anmd you might be mistaken for being in Cornwall as you walk from St Adhelms Head and on towards Kimmeridge. Walk back in time along this section of the Jurassic Coast and see the geology and fossilised forest that confirm the coastline’s status as a World Heritage Site.

From Kimmeridge it is on towards one of the most famous sections of the Dorset Coastal Path and Lulworth Cove. Some of the areas around Lulworth are restricted for the Military base nearby, so check for access on the day. Relax down by the sea in this horseshoe shaped bay or if you are feeling energetic then why not try the walk up over the hill to visit Durdle Door.

Not too far now to Weymouth, but still some stunning walking to take in. Ringstead Bay is one of Dorset’s best kept secrets - not too crowded but has a quaint “Swallows and Amazons” feel to it with the local resident houses and small shop. Stop off for a well earned beer at the Smugglers Inn in Osmington Mills and you should be able to see Wymouth and Portland just off in the distance.

Pretty much all downhill now into Overcombe where you can pick up the path right along the seafront and along the Esplanade into Weymouth (drop in the shop if you are short on supplies or need a local map).

You can’t leave Portland out if you are following the Coast Path’s full route, but the walk up to the top is pretty strenuous. The view out at Portland Bill is absolutely breathtaking. Follow the route along Chesil Beach, a natural sea barrier that is home to Abbotsbury Swannery and the Sub-tropical Gardens. On towards Bridport and you take in Burton Bradstock and West Bay.

Another fossil-lovers place to check out is Charmouth. Visit the Heritage Centre and see how fossils are created and pick up a few souvenirs. The final destination along the Dorset Coastal Path is Lyme Regis. A great seaside town that is famous for The French Lieutenant’s Woman and the spot where Meryl Streep stood on the Cobb.

Dorset Coastal Path Mileage Statistics:

• Sandbanks - Swanage - 8 Miles - Moderate Walking
• Swanage - Kimmerdige - 13 Miles - Moderate and Severe Walking
• Kimmeridge - Weymouth - 19 Miles - Moderate and Severe Walking
• Weymouth - Abbotsbury - 14 miles - Easy
• Abbotsbury - West Bay - 9 Miles - Moderate
• West Bay - Lyme Regis - 10 Miles - Moderate to Strenuous

The South West Coastal Path Calculator is a great little tool that will actually calculate the mileage of your route. Simply enter your start and end points and it does the rest. Poole Harbour to Weymouth Ferrybridge is 56 miles - so plenty of time to enjoy the Dorset views.

Don’t forget with a full range of outdoor clothing and walking boots in The Outdoor Store as well as OS Maps and other walking and camping equipment. Our staff are all Weymouth locals so if you are looking for a bit of local knowledge then pop in the shop and we will be happy to help out.

Tags: dorset coast path, dorset walks, walking in dorset