Last Sunday’s episode of the BBC’s Countryfile featured a visit to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast starting at Lulworth, famous for its Cove which is a natural horseshoe-shaped harbour.

Durdle Door is almost as well known as the Cove and is one of the most photographed landmarks along the Jurassic Coast. The Jurassic Coast, a 150km (95 mile) stretch of coastline across Dorset and East Devon, spans 185 million years of geological history and was granted World Heritage Status in December 2001.

The eastern stretch of the Jurassic Coast is an excellent destination for stunning walks along the coast and through the countryside – a perfect location for those seeking to walk off the Christmas excesses. There are many public foot paths to choose from between Lulworth and Worth Matravers, as well as the South West Coast Path that winds its way along the remarkable cliffs and beaches of this stretch of coastline.

Walking at Durdle Door

Durdle Door

There are 2 superb short walk options from the Car Park above Durdle Door. To get there from Dorchester - take the A352 signposted for Wool and Wareham. Towards Wool follow the signs for Lulworth.  Access is via Durdle Door Holiday Park which leads to a car park at the top of the cliffs. A short walk and steep steps lead to the beach below. Walk west along the Coast path to  take in the stunning views as the Jurassic Coast stretches away into the Distance. Head inland through the delightfully named valley of Scratchy Bottom, before returning to the Car Park. Alternatively heading east will take you toward Lulworth Cove where you can view this stunning natural phenomenon, and perhaps take a tea break before returning to your car.

Each year more than 200,000 walkers use this footpath between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, making it the busiest stretch in the south west.

Further along the cost towards Swanage is Kimmeridge Bay. The site is managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and it is an excellent place go fossil hunting in Dorset.

Walking at Kimmeridge

Dorset Coastal Path Near Durdle Door

For experienced walkers there is a long walk from Kimmeridge to Swyre Head where you can get spectacular views back towards Kimmeridge and over Poole Harbour. It will take just over 3 hours to complete. While there, visit the Fine Foundation Marine Centre, with its interactive displays & aquaria, providing a fascinating and vital source of information, encouraging all ages to explore the bay, its ledges and rockpools. In December, the centre is open Saturday and Sunday 12 noon to 4pm.

Walking at Worth Matravers

Worth Matravers is a small village situated in the south of the Purbecks. There are 3 short walks for you to explore in this area. Or combine these for a longer walk along a circular route that takes in : Worth Matravers, Chapman’s Pool, St Aldhelm’s Head, Winspit, Seacombe then back to Worth Matravers. The shortest walk is Chapman’s Pool, a 1.4 miles stroll that takes the South West Coast Path from Chapman’s Pool to St Aldhelm’s Head. Winspit to Seacombe is a circular 3.1 mile walk from Worth Matravers that follows the South West Coast Path from Winspit to Seacombe. While there, allow some time to explore the disused quarries at Winspit and Seacombe. The St Aldhelm’s Head stretch is the longest at 4.6 miles. This circular walk over moderate terrain follows the South West Coast Path from St Aldhelm’s Head to Winspit. It will take just over 2 hours to complete and you will be able to enjoy fantastic views en route.

The walks4softies website provides you with useful maps on the above walks and will even tell you how many calories you will burn during your Christmas walk. What better way to enjoy walking off your Christmas meals?

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