Walking the Jurassic Coast

Downloadable Walks

Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Jurassic Coast Team have pulled together a series of lovely short walks for you to enjoy.

See the full list of downloadable walks.

All of the walks start at bus stops along the Jurassic Coaster bus route in West Dorset. We plan to publish more walks along other parts of the coast and inland in the future.

The South West Coast Path

One of the best ways to appreciate the spectacular scenery of the Jurassic Coast is on foot. The 95 miles from Old Harry Rocks to Exmouth make up part of the South West Coast Path National Trail, and there are hundreds of miles of connecting footpaths and bridleways, giving a huge variety of possible circular walks, wherever you are on the coast.

The South West Coast Path offers some wonderful views, taking in dramatic cliff top vistas, as well as numerous sea-level sections which allow you to really appreciate the intricate rock formations or, in some locations, hunt for your own fossils. The route is easy to follow – just look for the acorn symbols as you make your way along the path.

The South West Coast Path is walkable all year round, but popular sections can get very busy during the summer months. The eroding nature of the coastline also means rerouted sections and diversions are frequent – visit the South West Coast Path website for the latest information on route changes.

Also remember that cliffs can be dangerous places and rockfalls can happen at any time without warning. Always stick to the marked path, and stay well clear of cliff edges and bases. Find out more about safety on the Jurassic Coast.

The Lulworth ranges are sometimes closed to the public – click here for more information.

Guided Walks

Guided walks and events take place along the Jurassic Coast throughout the year – details can be found on our Events page and at Tourist Information Centres along the coast. Many Visitor Centres and Museums also offer walks and other events.

Maps

The Jurassic Coast is covered by Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 115, 116 and OL15. These maps are available in our shop.

Downloadable Walks from Bus Stops

Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Jurassic Coast Team have pulled together a series of lovely short walks Read More…