Lyme Regis to Poole
7 Nights &accommodation with 6 Days Walking
Total Distance: 70 miles
Average Daily Distance: 11.5 miles
Prices from £489 per person
Lyme Regis to Seatown length 8 miles (13km)
On leaving Lyme Regis, tide allowing, you may be able to follow the
shoreline to Charmouth. Otherwise, continue inland slightly before
dropping back to the sea at Charmouth, where you may choose to visit the
Heritage Coast Centre. The Centre provides information on fossils,
fossil hunting and the local coastal and marine wildlife and facilities
include interactive computers, hands on displays, marine tanks and a
video microscope. On leaving Charmouth, pick up the Monarch’s Way along
the cliff top and over the spectacular Golden Cap, at 727 feet, the
highest point on the South Coast.
Black Ven between Lyme Regis and Charmouth is the site of one of the
largest coastal mudslides in Europe.In 1958/9 two huge mudslides spilled
out across the beach. Today the boulder arcs exposed at low tide are
all that remain from this event.
Seatown to Abbotsbury Length 12 miles (20km)
A walk along a spectacularly dramatic section of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site awaits as you set off from the little village of Seatown. The Coast Path begins with some short, steep climbs before easing as it becomes more level beyond Burton Bradstock. After resting to enjoy the magnificent views and keeping a look out for peregrines from Burton Cliff, continue as the Path drops to pick up the spectacular, long pebbly sweep of Chesil Beach. It is no wonder that this truly breathtaking place is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and it is especially beautiful in the spring and summer months when there are many colourful flowers to enjoy. The hundreds of mute swans of Abbotsbury Swannery make for an extraordinary sight at the end of your day and there is a small selection of welcome refreshments in the fascinating, historic village of Abbotsbury.
Abbotsbury to Ferrybridge (Weymouth) length 11 miles (17km)
The South West Coast Path climbs inland slightly from the historic village of Abbotsbury, passing woodland and open, rolling fields until dropping to follow the West Dorset Heritage Coast along the shores of the Fleet Lagoon to Ferry Bridge. This section of the Jurassic Coast is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the views of Chesil Beach and the Fleet are truly unique. Stories of a past of smuggling and wrecking add another level to the rich history of the area, and a reference to this is seen in the Moonfleet Manor Hotel (a good spot for refreshments) named after J M. Falkner’s novel Moonfleet in which he describes a lake of brackish water full of “sea-fowl, herons, and oysters...shut off from the open Channel by a monstrous great beach or dike of pebbles”. Continue on a peaceful walk along the edge of the Fleet, passing a couple of areas of MOD land, until finally reaching urban landscapes on the edge of Weymouth and Ferry Bridge, which marks the beginning of the route across to the rugged Isle of Portland.
Ferrybridge to Lulworth Cove. Length 14 miles (23km)
This fantastic section of the South West Coast Path crosses a diverse landscape from the rugged rocks of Portland, to the hustle and bustle of urban life in the seaside resort of Weymouth, followed by quiet rural paths leading to high, undulating chalk cliffs on the way to Lulworth Cove. Walking becomes progressively harder as you leave Weymouth and set off along the impressive cliffs of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. There are some particularly steep ascents and descents on the way to Lulworth Cove, but your efforts are certainly rewarded. As you approach Lulworth be sure to look back to the breathtaking views of the limestone arch of Durdle Door, the high cliffs of White Nothe and Weymouth Bay and Portland beyond. A good selection of restaurants and pubs also await your arrival after a long day on the Coast Path.
Lulworth Cove to Worth Matravers. Length 10 miles (16km)
This isolated stretch of the South West Coast Path offers some spectacular views, but be prepared for some difficult walking right from the beginning. The Path roller-coasters along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, rewarding walkers with staggering views of sweeping bays, folded cliffs and richly coloured limestone-loving wildflowers and butterflies.
The path across the Lulworth Ranges is one of the highlights of the Jurassic Coast, but can only be used when the range is not in use. To avoid missing out on this it is recommended you plan your walk to get here when the ranges are open – most weekends and holidays. As live ammunition is used, you must not stray off the paths which are clearly marked by yellow posts, and do not pick up any metal objects lying on the ground.
If firing is taking place, red flags are flown and the gates are locked. The alternatives are either a 13 mile detour around the ranges (partly on roads) or a more attractive option is to catch a bus from West Lulworth to Corfe Castle and then walk along the ridge (which has great views) to the road near Great Wood and then descend down to rejoin the Coast Path at Kimmeridge.
After resting and keeping a look out for fossils on the beach of Kimmeridge Bay, continue carefully along the Kimmeridge Ledges and prepare for more strenuous walking ahead. The Path continues its roller coaster journey and then climbs steeply to the top of Houns-tout Cliff, which stands at 490 feet (150 m) above sea level, before leading you out to St Aldhelm’s Head to enjoy the views, look for seabirds and the occasional dolphin, and breathe in the sea air. Finally, take the short walk inland to the pretty village of Worth Matravers, where you can find refreshments at the end of a long but exhilarating day.
Worth Matravers to South Haven Point. Length 15 miles (24km)
Leave the pretty village of Worth Matravers and the breathtaking views from St Aldhelm’s Head to set off along the final stretch of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and what is actually the last leg of the 630 mile South West Coast Path. High, level cliff walking between St Aldhelm’s Head and Durlston Head is followed by fairly easy walking along the promenade of the seaside town of Swanage. As you walk through open grassland and woodland around Studland, keep a look out for bottlenose dolphins and take time to enjoy the beautiful seasonal wildflowers and butterflies and the spectacular views of the chalk stacks of Old Harry. Three miles of sandy beaches running all the way to South Haven Point offer plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the views across Poole Bay to Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight. A steel sculpture marks the end of your journey and the end of the South West Coast Path.
Please send an enquiry to Budget Walking for further details giving sufficient information for us to asses your requirements.
