Walk The Dorset South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked, long-distance footpath and National Trail, starting at Minehead in Exmoor and finishing at Poole Harbour in Dorset.

The South West Coast Path

With a lot of towns and villages along the way, you have the freedom to set your own pace, finding your own route along the path. For experienced walkers, the path can be completed in 30 days, however dependant on your experience, this may take up to 8 weeks. The South West Coast Path in Dorset marks the start or finish of the path for those interested in walking the entire route. It is an awe-inspiring section of the path, with marvellous geology and scenery along the way. Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage site and its wonderful history dates back over 180 million years.

South West Coast Path Distances in Dorset

The Dorset section of the South West Coast Path can be completed over a week, or you can pick and choose which part of the route best suits your itinerary. Here is our 7-part breakdown of the Dorset part of the route:

Part 1: Seaton to Seatown

| Distance: 17.1 miles | Difficulty: Moderate |

This part of the path allows you to journey along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, exploring an abundance of dramatic cliffs, wild fauna and sleepy seaside settlements. The Seaton to Seatown route bridges the path from East Devon to Dorset.

Part 2: Seatown to Abbotsbury

| Distance: 12.4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate |

This particular part of the path has many highlights, from climbing to the top of Thornecombe Beacon, enjoying incredible views, to foraging through the wildlife of Buton Cliff, where you can expect to find flowers and butterflies in abundance… and you may even spot a dolphin off the coast if you are lucky.

Part 3: Abbotsbury to Ferry Bridge

| Distance: 11.3 miles | Difficulty: Easy |

This part of the route is home to the historic village of Abbotsbury, Fleet Lagoon and the well-known, Chesil Beach. This section is one of the easiest parts of the path and allows you to journey right out to Isle of Portland, which views are simply unrivalled.

Part 4: Isle of Portland Circuit

| Distance: 13 miles | Difficulty: Moderate |

This route allows you to explore right around the Isle of Portland, where you’ll be greeted by the likes of Pulpit Rock, Portland Bill and Chuch Ope Cove. This moderately difficult walk includes many activities which can be enjoyed along the way, great for younger members of the family.

Part 5: Ferrybridge to Lulworth

| Distance: 14.4 miles | Difficulty: Challenging |

This is a challenging part of the path and includes venturing over the highest cliffs in Dorset.  This challenge is well worth the rewards however, including seeing some of the regions most iconic landmarks. For a shorter route, stop at the coastal hamlet of Osmington Mills and enjoy the gentle sea breeze to unwind.

Part 6: Lulworth Cove to Worth Matravers

| Distance: 14.2 miles | Difficulty: Challenging |

Venture through the Fossil Forest and around the horseshoe bay of Lulworth Cove in this challenging part of the route. Enjoy spectacular views from Pepler’s Point or why not explore the visible remains of the Iron Age fort, Flower’s Barrow. There’s plenty to see and do during this part of the path… if you’re up for the challenge.

Part 7: Worth Matravers to South Haven Point

| Distance: 14 miles | Difficulty: Moderate |

Lighthouses and caves, seasides and grassland, this final part of the Dorset South West Coast Path is of moderate difficulty and well worth visiting. Enjoy views of Bournemouth, Poole Bay and even the Isle of White. Of course you could always choose to start your journey at South Haven Point, heading towards Seaton.

South West Coast Path Association

The South West Coast Path Association is a registered charity, responsible for protecting and conserving the path. It works to ensure the path is one of the best walks in the world, allowing people to enjoy this magnificent part of the world safely. The association is a hub for everything you would want to know about the path, with information gathered from professionals and those who have walked the path.

We could not recommend experiencing it for yourself more, and what better way to get some respite after a day exploring the stunning coastline than by staying in one of these Dorset cottages? Or check out our top three winter walks in Dorset for some extra hiking inspiration!

Image Credits: Phil Champion – CC BY-SA 2.0;