Scale the highest cliffs on the UK’s south coast and capture dazzling views of the Jurassic Coast and across Lyme Bay. Pad along pearly beaches and make the first footprints in the sand as the tide ebbs. Spot seals or squirrels, find fossils and freckled gobies. Step foot along the spectacular sea-lashed fringes of this stunning county on the best coastal walks in Dorset.
Charmouth to Lyme Regis
Time your walk with the low tide and you can sift through 185 million years of history as you trace the shoreline from Charmouth to Lyme Regis. Be prepared to clamber over a few boulders as you scour the shoreline for ammonites and belemnites, along this fossil-hunters’ haven that’s part of the 95-mile World Heritage Jurassic Coast. If you carry on west out of Lyme Regis, you can also discover the geological wonder of the Undercliffs, where a series of landslips has left a ragged coastline and an untamed wilderness abundant with ferns, fungi, orchids, wild clematis, birdlife, insects and pioneering species.
Golden Cap
Lace up your hiking boots and head in the other direction out of Charmouth for an undulating five-mile walk along the coast path to Seatown via Golden Cap – the highest peak on the south coast of England. If you want to bag the eye-popping views over Lyme Bay and Dartmoor without tackling the entire stretch of coast path, park up in one of the National Trust’s car parks at Langdon Hill or Stonebarrow, from where it’s much less distance to reach the summit. And if you can’t hack the calf-busting climb, there’s always the 25 miles of easier footpaths circulating Golden Cap estate.
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Step foot on Natural World Heritage Coastline and explore some of Britain’s most gob-smacking seaside scenery. It’s a relatively easy mile-and-a-half amble from Lulworth Cove to one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks – Durdle Door – a limestone archway formed 10,000 years ago by the fraying of the sea. You can capture it in all its glory from the cliffs, but it’s worth heading down to the cove for a magical dip in the Aegean-blue seas that ebb and flow beneath this natural wonder. This is truly one of the most beautiful sights on the south coast and one of the top things to do in Dorset.
Brownsea Island
Castaway on a short boat ride from Poole Harbour to disembark on the wild shores of Brownsea Island, where you can wind along nature trails through forest, heathland and wetlands. One of England’s last sanctuaries for red squirrels, Brownsea is home to over 200 of these rare bushy-tailed mammals, and you’re also likely to spot sika deer and bird life on your island adventures.
Studland and Ballard Down
This circular route starts on the edge of what surely must be Britain’s sexiest beach – Studland’s four-mile stretch of white sands lapped by calm turquoise waters and backed by dunes and heathland. Instead of baring all with the naturists on the desert-island northern end, set off around the headland where you can peer out at Old Harry Rocks, before following the route back across Ballard Down along The Purbeck Way. This is a great walk to enjoy while staying nearby in Swanage, one of Dorset’s prettiest seaside towns.
Chesil and Hamm Beaches
Soak up the romantic atmosphere of Chesil Beach that has inspired authors, J Meade Faulkner (Moonfleet) and Ian McEwan (On Chesil Beach). Ideal for fossil hunting, this shingle ridge was formed at least 6,000 years ago and makes for tough walking rewarded with stunning views that stretch as far as Devon’s Start Point on a clear day. Cross the boardwalk and spin around Portland Castle to the eastern edge of Hamm’s beach, where you can lap up lovely views of Portland harbour from the Legacy Trail. Fantastic Fortuneswell sits between Chesil Beach and Portland Bill, and has plenty of sea view places to stay.
Thorncombe Beacon and Doghouse Hill
This circular 7km walk along the coast to Seatown and back along country lanes is a rollercoaster route taking in an ancient human settlement, one of the beacon sites used to warn of the approach of the Spanish Armada and, of course, the dramatic coastal scenery. Stop for mid-way refreshments at Seatown’s pub, once the haunt of the famous ‘Chideock Gang’ smugglers.
Burton Bradstock Circular Beach and Cliffs Walk
You can take in much of Burton Bradstock’s eye-popping scenery on an easy one-mile circular walk over the cliffs from Hive Beach. Follow the coast path signs towards Freshwater and capture stunning views towards Golden Cap – the highest point on the south coast, where the cliffs glow gold in the summer sunshine – before crossing farmland to descend back into the village.
Explore the UK’s stunning coastal scenery on a beach holiday in Dorset
Tempted to try out some of the best coast walks in Dorset on your next holiday? Take a look at our collection of sea view cottages in Dorset on the south coast and pack your walking boots for your next seaside break. After all this activity you may well need to relax and refuel at one of the best sea view seafood restaurants in Dorset.
