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Winter Walk in Dorset along the Jurassic Coast

There’s nothing better than a winter walk in Dorset to blow away the cobwebs after a few days of Christmas indulgence.

Dorset is a magical location all year round and the perfect place for an invigorating winter walk. Picture crisp coastal scenery, wintry forests and fresh frosty countryside waiting to be explored.

It’s time to pull on your boots and wrap up warm for a rejuvenating winter walk in Dorset…


1. The Golden Cap Walk

The Golden Cap, Dorset

The Golden Cap is the highest point along the south coast, located between the delightful towns of Bridport and Charmouth. The Golden Cap Estate has miles of footpaths waiting to be discovered, all offering stunning coastal views and endless Dorset wonders.

Dominating the coastline at Lyme Regis, the Golden Cap is a stunning section of the Jurassic Coast. From the peak of The Cap, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over Seatown, Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland.

One of our favourite walks in the area is the Golden Cap Short Walk, a three-mile walk from Langdon Hill Car Park. This short Golden Cap walk is perfect for the whole family and a popular winter walk in Dorset!

Directions – The Golden Cap Short Walk

  1. Start from the Langdon Hill Car Park.
  2. Go through a gate signposted towards the Golden Cap.
  3. Continue along the main path. Take a moment to admire the magnificent views over Chideock and the picture-perfect West Dorset Countryside.
  4. Cross a couple of fields, before a steep but short climb to the summit of the Golden Cap.

Route Details

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3 miles (4.8km)
Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
Starting Location: Langdon Hill Car Park, Morecombelake, Dorset, DT6 6EP (grid ref. SY412930).

Top Tip: After working up an appetite, walk down to The Anchor Inn from The Golden Cap for some delicious food and delightful views! The Anchor Inn is a charming cosy pub in Dorset, perfect for a winter’s day.


2. Old Harry Rocks Walk

Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast as you complete the Old Harry Rocks Circular Walk. The famous rock formations, known as Old Harry Rocks, are one of the most famous landmarks along the South Coast.

The name Old Harry refers to the single stack of chalk standing furthest out to sea. There used to be another stack known as Old Harry’s Wife. However, erosion caused her to fall in 1896. Managed by the National Trust, the chalk formations are a popular attraction amongst walkers and are part of the iconic South West Coast Path.

Directions – Old Harry Rocks Walk

  1. From South Beach Car Park, walk down the road past the Bankes Arms Pub and turn left by the public toilets, following a path signed for Old Harry.
  2. From Old Harry, follow the coastal path, ensuring to keep well back from the cliff edge.
  3. Go through the first gate and continue along the coastal path. Look back to enjoy stunning views of the Pinnacle stack.
  4. Go through a farm gate and continue along Ballard Down.
  5. Just before you reach a bench engraved “Rest and be thankful”, turn right down the hill towards Studland.
  6. Continue along the road, through the Glebeland Estate.
  7. At the crossroads, go straight, following the sign for the church.
  8. Upon reaching the end of the lane, go through the gate into the churchyard. Pass the church on your right, then turn right and follow the footpath back to the start.

Route Details

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6km)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Starting Location: South Beach Car Park, Studland, Dorset (grid ref. SZ037825).

Top Tip: Whilst you’re in the area, be sure to check out these five stunning towns and villages in Purbeck for a Dorset winter break to remember.


3. Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door Walk

Durdle Door on a winters day in Dorset

Lulworth Cove is world-famous for its unique geology and fascinating landforms. Formed over thousands of years from the combined forces of the sea and a river swollen by melting ice, Lulworth Cove is home to breathtaking scenery and crystal clear blue seas.

This beautiful secluded cove is a perfect place for a winter walk in Dorset. Offering stunning views across the iconic Jurassic Coast, the Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door Walk is a popular route showcasing the very best of Dorset.

Directions – Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door Walk

  1. Starting from Lulworth Cove, follow signs pointing up the steps to the coastal path.
  2. Follow the coastal path, through the car park and up and over the hill.
  3. Walk through a gate, near the holiday park and take a left, heading away from the holiday park.
  4. Descend further, until you reach Man O’War Beach and Durdle Door itself.

Route Details

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2 miles there and back (3.2km)
Duration: 1 hour there and back
Starting Location: Lulworth Cove, Main Road, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5RQ (grid ref. SY824799).

Top Tip: Durdle Door is one of the best locations in Dorset to enjoy a sunset. Relax and enjoy a magical moment along the Jurassic Coast, as the sun sets over one of the most photographed locations in the UK!


If you’re heading to Dorset this winter, for a refreshing winters walk, be sure to check out our range of holiday accommodation in the area. Our holiday cottages in Dorset are the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the delights of Dorset.


Image Credits: ripplestone review (CC BY-ND 2.0)