Length: 151km/94 miles
Average time to complete: 7 days walking
The World Heritage Jurassic Coast stretches from Exmouth in Devon to Studland in Dorset. One of the most beautiful coastlines in the country, a fossil-rich journey through 200 million years of natural history, a fascinating story of ancient deserts, tropical seas, a petrifed forest and dinosaur-infested swamps this is a walker’s paradise!
East along the well-marked South West Coast Path, are the pleasant seaside towns of Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and Seaton. Passing the striking red cliffs of Ladram Bay and through a jungle-like nature reserve across the border into Dorset at Lyme Regis, you’ll pass through the impressive setting for John Fowles’ The French Lieutenant’s Woman, and the next landmark, Golden Cap is the highest hill on England’s south coast.
Past the small harbour town of West Bay, the 17-mile sweep of Chesil Beach comes into view, sheltering the shallow waters of the Fleet lagoon, a natural haven for wildlife. On the western end of the Fleet is the beautiful village of Abbotsbury, with its renowned 14th century swannery and sub-Tropical Gardens.
Further along the coast, on a hillside above Osmington, stands a massive chalk horse and rider commemorating King George III, whose frequent visits to Weymouth, following doctor’s orders to immerse himself regularly in sea water, popularised the town.
Beyond Ringstead, the Coast Path reveals a stunning landscape of grass-covered chalk cliffs, deserted beaches and marine formations, including Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Inland from Worbarrow Bay, lies the ruined village and ghostly museum of Tyneham, whose entire population was given short notice to evacuate the area in December 1943 to make way for the army, never to return.
Near Purbeck, just off the Coast Path are the pretty villages of Kingston and Worth Matravers. Next comes Swanage, a traditional seaside town, with a steam railway. A walk over grassy Ballard Down brings you to Old Harry, a striking, chalk sea stack, where, a mile before the superb sandy beaches of Studland Bay, the Jurassic Coast officially ends. Inland, along a panoramic ridge, is the magnificent ruin and picturesque village of Corfe Castle.
Browse nearby accommodation for walkers (www.enjoyengland.com/book/accommodation/searchresults.aspx?Sec=accommodation&advsrch=1&Rad=3&Reg=South%20West%20England&FcWkr=true&durat=1&room=1&adult=1&child=0&display=map)
