Walk the South West Coast Path through Dorset and the Jurassic Coast
The final section of the South West Coast Path follows the Dorset coast from Lyme Regis to Poole Harbour, passing through the Jurassic Coast and some of the most distinctive coastal landscapes in southern England. Cliffs, beaches, headlands, harbour towns and coastal countryside define the route as it continues east towards the end of the 630-mile National Trail.
From Lyme Regis, the path follows the coast towards Charmouth, where cliffs and beaches form part of the fossil-rich western Jurassic Coast. The route continues east towards West Bay, with repeated climbs and descents providing views across Lyme Bay and the surrounding coastline.
Beyond West Bay, the trail follows the Dorset coast towards Abbotsbury and the western end of Chesil Beach. This long shingle barrier extends east towards the Isle of Portland, creating one of the defining landscapes of this part of the coast.
The route continues towards Weymouth, a major stopping point on the section, before following the coast around the Isle of Portland. From Weymouth Bay, the path then continues east through the Dorset National Landscape towards the limestone landscapes around Lulworth.
Around Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, the trail passes some of the best-known geological features of the Jurassic Coast. The route then continues across the Purbeck coast, where steep chalk and limestone ridges, open downland and coastal headlands shape the approach towards Swanage.
Beyond Swanage, the path follows the coast around the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck towards Old Harry Rocks. The chalk cliffs here mark the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast and provide views across Poole Bay and towards the Isle of Wight.
The final miles continue towards Poole Harbour, bringing the South West Coast Path to its eastern terminus. From the Atlantic-facing coastline of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall to the chalk landscapes of Dorset, Poole Harbour marks the end of the complete 630-mile route from Minehead.
Across the section, destinations including Lyme Regis, West Bay, Weymouth, Lulworth, Swanage and Poole provide useful bases for exploring individual stretches of the coast as well as stopping points for walkers completing the South West Coast Path.
Overview
Distance: 86 miles / 138 km
Typical duration: 6–8 walking days
Difficulty: Challenging
Start: Lyme Regis, Dorset
Finish: Poole Harbour, Dorset
Terrain: Clifftop paths, steep ascents and descents, chalk and limestone downs, shingle beaches, coastal farmland and harbour towns
Waymarking: National Trail acorn symbols throughout
EXPLORE THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH
Continue Exploring the South West Coast Path
Explore the complete South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole Harbour, or discover another section of the 630-mile trail.
South West Coast Path
Explore the complete 630-mile National Trail from Minehead to Poole Harbour.
South West Coast Path Somerset & Exmoor Section
Explore the opening section from Minehead through Somerset and Exmoor to Combe Martin.
South West Coast Path North Devon Section
Follow the North Devon coast from Combe Martin to Bude through beaches, dunes, harbour towns and Atlantic landscapes.
South West Coast Path Cornwall Section
Follow the Cornish coast from Bude to Cremyll, around Land's End and the Lizard Peninsula and along the south coast of Cornwall.
South West Coast Path South Devon Section
Follow the South Devon coast from Cremyll to Lyme Regis through estuaries, harbour towns and the coastal landscapes of South and East Devon.
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