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16 coastal walks in Dorset you must try
Known and loved for its stunning coastline, Dorset is one of the best locations in the UK for you to experience natural beauty, dramatic scenery, and more. A great way to do this is to embark on one or more Coastal walks in Dorset throughout your holiday.
With these fantastic Dorset coastal walks, you'll stroll along picturesque regions from the iconic Jurassic Coast to hidden gems and coves in the county. Dorset offers a diverse range of trails that cater to all fitness and interests, whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller.
You could take the famous trail from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door or try out the circular walk to find wildlife at Brownsea Island. Either way, these 16 Dorset coastal walks will leave you breathless with their stunning scenery and rich history.
The best Dorset coastal walks
There are many great choices regarding the best coastal walks in Dorset, but we'll make sure we cover some of the best so you have everything you need for an unforgettable break.
Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Starting our list of coastal walks in Dorset is one of the most iconic choices - the Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door walk. This linear coastal walk takes you along the shores of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting at Lulworth Cove, you'll see one of the region's nicest beaches before following the South West Coast Path to Durdle Door.
Distance: 2 miles
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Golden Cap
Situated near Bridport, the Golden Cap walk offers panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast from the highest point on the entire south coast of England. At 191 meters above sea level, Golden Cap is a great place to visit with the family, where you can take memorable photos - you'll feel on top of the world! The walk provides stunning coastline visuals.
Distance: 4 miles
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Mudeford Sandbank to Bournemouth Pier
For a more leisurely experience, the Mudeford Sandbank to Bournemouth Pier walk is a perfect choice. Despite being slightly longer, this flat and easy coastal trail takes you along the sandy beaches of Bournemouth - some of the nicest beaches in the UK – with the 2024 Blue Flag Awards too. You can also stop wildlife in the Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve.
Distance: 7 miles
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Hive Beach to West Bay
The Hive Beach to West Bay walk is a delightful coastal adventure showcasing Dorset's coastline's rugged beauty. Starting at the iconic Hive beach, you'll navigate some beautiful locations, including the River Bride Footbridge, before reaching West Bay. You may recognise this location from the famous TV series Broadchurch.
Distance of walk: 6 miles
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Weymouth to Smuggler's Inn
This short but scenic coastal walk in Dorset takes you from the village of Bowleaze to the renowned Smuggler's Inn, a historic pub. This fossil-rich area is a great place for the kids to go hunting for new finds. The famous Smuggler's Inn dates back to the 13th century, giving you the chance to add some great history to your coastal walks in Dorset.
Distance: 2.5 miles
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Kimmeridge, Kingston and Clavell Tower
Explore the geological wonders and rich history of Dorset on this coastal walk that takes you to Kimmeridge Bay, Kingston, and Clavell Tower. The bay is renowned for its rocky shoreline and unique geological features, while the 19th-century Clavell Tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Distance: 9.2 miles
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Tyneham Village and Flower's Barrow
Step back on this coastal walk in Dorset, which takes you through the abandoned village of Tyneham, evacuated during World War II. This is a great way to add cultural and historical intrigue. The trail then leads you along the Jurassic Coast to the secluded and picturesque Flower's Barrow, where you can enjoy views of rare flowers, fungi, and insects.
Distance: 3.7 miles
Find out moreWhy not try circular coastal walks in Dorset?
While we've explored a mix of our top coastal walks in Dorset, let's now focus on circular walks. After all, they provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's diverse landscapes and hidden gems and return to where you started to head home.
Fleet Lagoon
This easy circular walk takes you around the tranquil Fleet Lagoon, a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. With its diverse wildlife, including wading birds and waterfowl, this scenic walk in Dorset will expand your knowledge of the animals of our UK coast. If you want a serene and relaxing experience where you can connect with nature.
Distance: 4 miles
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Hengistbury Head
Explore the Hengistbury Head circular walk, where you can experience this Nature Reserve and all it offers. The trail takes you through various habitats, including woodlands, heathlands, and sandy beaches, allowing you to spot all sorts of wildlife that reside in different terrains. Not to mention, you'll have various types of views along the walk.
Distance: 3.7 miles
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Old Harry Rocks
If you want to see the beautiful landmark up close, the Old Harry Rocks circular walk offers a unique perspective on one of Dorset's most iconic spots. This moderate trail takes you along the dramatic cliff tops, providing breathtaking views of the striking rock formations – the scenery you'd see in postcards for Dorset.
Distance: 3.5 miles
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Brownsea Island
You can access Brownsea Island via an easy boat ride from Poole and embark on a short, sweet, circular coastal walk around the picturesque island. Along the way, you'll encounter the diverse wildlife that resides on this amazing island, including red squirrels, a variety of bird species, and more enchanting animals and see the historic Brownsea Island Castle.
Distance: 1 mile
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Abbotsbury to St Catherine's Chapel
The Abbotsbury to St Catherines Chapel and Chesil Beach circular coastal walk in Dorset combines history, natural beauty, and stunning coastal scenery in one. Starting in the charming village of Abbotsbury, you'll follow the South West Coast Path to the St Catherines 14th-century Chapel and the iconic Chesil Beach before looping back through countryside.
Distance: 3.2 miles
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Charmouth to Lyme Regis
Explore the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast with your loved ones as you try out this circular coastal walk that takes you from the quaint village of Charmouth to the picturesque town of Lyme Regis. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to put on your science hats and hunt for fossils, as well as take in the coastal scenery and see the iconic Cobb Harbour.
Distance: 5 miles
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Corfe Castle to Kimmeridge, Swyre Head
Another more challenging coastal walk in Dorset is the Corfe Castle to Kimmeridge, Swyre Head, and Kingston circular walk. However, this rewarding walk takes you through the region's landmarks and landscapes. You'll start in the historic village of Corfe before traversing the Jurassic Coast and passing through Kimmeridge Bay, Swyre Head, and Kingston.
Distance: 9.3 miles
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Portland Bill
Explore the rugged beauty of the Isle of Portland on this circular coastal walk in Dorset, where you'll venture around the iconic Portland Bill lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs and quarries. This fairly short walk will give you every opportunity to spot various seabirds and marine life and enjoy stunning views of the English Channel. Distance: 3.5 miles
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Studland and Ballard Down
This circular coastal walk-in Dorset combines the beauty of the Studland Peninsula with the stunning vistas of Ballard Down. The trail takes you through diverse landscapes, including sandy beaches, chalk downs, and rolling hills of the Dorset countryside. Many of the areas in this walk are protected by the National Trust, so you can explore new wildlife.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Find out moreCoastal walks in Dorset FAQs
If you want even more information about coastal walks in Dorset, here are our most frequently asked questions:
What is the Jurassic Coast walk?
The Jurassic Coast walk is a long-distance hiking trail that stretches along the stunning Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 96-mile trail runs from Old Harry Rocks in Dorset to Exmouth in Devon.
How long does the Jurassic Coast walk take?
The Jurassic Coast walk is typically completed in sections because it is a long-distance trail. However, for those looking to tackle the entire route, it often takes 7-10 days, depending on your fitness level and desired pace.
How long is the Dorset Coastal Path?
The Dorset Coastal Path is a 630-mile long-distance trail that follows the entire coastline of Dorset, from Poole Harbour in the east to Devon in the west. While it's possible to complete the whole trail, many hikers tackle it in sections.
Are you ready to explore the various coastal walks in Dorset?
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual explorer, it's undeniable that Dorset's coastline offers a wealth of stunning coastal walks that cater to all interests and abilities. From the iconic Jurassic Coast to hidden gems, each trail promises breathtaking scenery, a dive into Dorset's rich history, and unforgettable experiences.Â
So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your essentials, and embark on one of the most unforgettable holidays exploring coastal walks in Dorset.