Planning on doing the Jurassic Coast Walk, one of the most stunning National Trails in the UK? Keep reading for all the information about this coastal trail.
The Jurassic Coast walk on the southwest coast of England is a real treat. A trek that takes you through thousands of years of history and to a time when dinosaurs roamed, hence the name, the Jurassic Coast!
In 2001, the Jurassic Coast, the southwest coastal path from Exmouth in Devon to Studland in Dorset was named the first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK.
And rightly so, it’s a stunning natural wonder in the UK and should be preserved. Tourists visit popular sections on this famous stretch of coast which is dotted with cute seaside towns along the coastline across Devon and Dorset. But to appreciate the beauty of this entire World Heritage Site walking is by far the best way to enjoy it.
I walked the Jurassic Coast during a long-distance hiking trip and wild camped along the route. Of course, that doesn’t mean to say you have to walk it in one go! There are plenty of options for staying in hotels, B&Bs and campsites which are also dotted along the route.
Here I will share my Jurassic Coast walk, including the route I took, and daily mileage.
Plus other useful tips about this gorgeous walk. Ask me any more questions in the comments below.
Check out this day tour from Bournemouth – Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door trip.
Walking the Full Jurassic Coast Path
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How long is the Jurassic Coast walk?
The Jurassic Coast Path is part of the South West Coast Path (SWCP), the longest trail in the UK which starts in Minehead in Somerset and ends not far from Studland at South Haven in Dorset.
Although the coastal stretch is 95 miles long the Jurassic Coast walk is a few miles longer, due to cliff erosion along the route.
The full distance that I hiked (according to Strava) from Exmouth station to Studland was over 100 miles (Not sure I trust Strava 100%)
The Jurassic Coast walk can be done as one long-distance walk. Or if you don’t have time to complete the walk in one go (or don’t want to) then you can complete smaller sections of the Jurassic Coast too.
How hard is the Jurassic Coast hike?
Completing the hike in one go is a tough challenge.
There are plenty of difficult sections and steep climbs along the route but also some lovely flat sections in between to make up for it.
- You’ll need a good pair of walking boots or hiking shoes, I wore my Scarpa hiking boots but if I did it again, I would wear a lighter boot or trail shoes.
Want to make the walk easier? Hike shorter days or stay at hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses so you don’t need to carry full camping gear.
How many days does it take to hike the Jurassic Coast (all 95 miles)?
The Jurassic Coast walk can be completed in as many or as few days as you like! If you want to finish the hike in the shortest time then 5 days is the quickest you could do it, which would mean 20+ mile days.
Below I’ve broken the walk down into nine stages. When planning your Jurassic Coast hike you will need to consider how far you want to hike each day and also where you are going to stay (some places have limited options).
Hopefully, this breakdown will give you the information you need to plan your Jurassic Coast adventure!
South West Coast Path
- If you’re planning to do the full South West Coast Path, then you’ll need to allow at least 6 weeks for this tough challenge.
Check out this tour from Bournemouth – Jurassic Coast and Isle of Purbeck Day Tour
Jurassic Coast Walk (in 9 stages)
Jurassic Coast walk (stage 1) – Exmouth to Sidmouth
Hiking distance: 10.5 miles/ 17 km (+ 2 miles/ 3 km to get to start)
Highlights on the walk: The Geoneedle at Orcombe Point, Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, stunning rock formations at Ladram Bay
The start of the Jurassic Coast Walk is close to the seaside town of Exmouth in Devon.
More than likely you’ll either be arriving by public transport so factor in some extra time to get to the official start! Exmouth train station is about a 2-mile walk to Orcombe Point. Here you’ll find a huge information board about the Jurassic Coast and its natural World Heritage Site status.
At the top of the cliff at Orcombe Point, there’s the Geoneedle which signifies the start point of the Jurassic Coast.
Interestingly the Jurassic Coast covers three periods, the Cretaceous period (65-145 million years ago), the Jurassic period (145-200 million years ago and the Triassic period (200-250 million years ago).
The evidence of the Triassic period, once a vast desert with huge sand dunes, was clear from the red cliffs in East Devon. Fossils from the Jurassic period were found between West Dorset and Portland.
Finally, the Cretaceous period when crocodiles, dragonflies and dinosaurs roamed the earth. Now evident from the tiny skeletons of plankton in the sea of Purbeck area.
Budleigh Salterton
At Budleigh Salterton, the coastal path takes directly next to the beach with colourful beach huts. Then shortly after, you walk around Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, there are a couple of wildlife hides that you can stop and do some birdwatching. Also, it’s perfect as a mini shelter if it’s raining.
From Otter Estuary Nature Reserve it’s about 3 miles to the next refreshment stop at Ladram Bay. The striking red cliffs continue along the section of the Jurassic Coast walk and make for some stunning photos.
Arriving at Ladram Bay, a huge holiday park. It’s a little overwhelming in peak season since it’s popular with families but there are some stunning red rock formations in the sea.
A great viewpoint is High Peak (not technically on the path but you can get some beautiful views hiking across to Sidmouth from the top.
Top tip
Take some binoculars with you, if you can fit them in. These pink ones are pretty cool!
Useful walk information
- Refreshments – Exmouth (before the official walk begins), Budleigh Salterton, Ladram Bay, Sidmouth
- Toilets – Jacobs Ladder (just before you reach Sidmouth)
Accommodation options
- Where to stay in Exmouth? – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs + holiday homes (39 options)
- Where to stay in Sidmouth? – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs + holiday homes (45 options)
- Campsites – Ladram Bay Holiday Park at Budleigh Salterton
- Or check out Airbnbs in Exmouth + Sidmouth
Transport options
Exeter train station
Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 2) – Sidmouth to Seaton
Hiking distance: 10 miles/ 16 km
Highlights on the walk: Branscombe Beach, Beer town
From the town of Sidmouth, you very soon back high on the cliffs overlooking the sea. With luscious green fields and trees contrasting again the red cliffs.
As well as a few friendly fields of cows too! If you’ve followed my Instagram Stories you’ll know I’m terrible with cows when I’m out walking but these cows seemed relatively unphased by me!
The Jurassic Coast section between Branscombe and Beer is a popular hike for people staying at Beer and nearby Seaton. You will meet plenty of people walking between the two since there are refreshments close together which is perfect for a short hike.
After Branscombe, you’ll notice the cliffs changing from red to white chalk cliffs. The cute town Beer was a haven of activity and a great place to stop, for a beer of course!
The route to Seaton via the beach is not accessible at high tide.
Also, the coastal road is not accessible as a diversion so you have to go on more of a detour. I was lucky and timed my walk so I could cross the pebble beach and large rocks.
Useful walk information
- Refreshments – Branscombe Beach, Beer town (The Anchor Inn has a lovely beer garden)
- Toilets – Branscombe Beach, Beer (slightly off the path)
Accommodation options
- Where to stay in Seaton? – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (29 options)
- Campsites – Beer Head Caravan Park
- Or check out Airbnb options in + near Seaton
Transport options
No train station
Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 3) – Seaton to Lyme Regis
Hiking distance: 7 miles/ 11 km
Highlights on the walk: Green wooded section (aka the jungle!)
This coastal section takes you away from the views of the south coast for the majority of the walk. And it’s also the part of the walk that takes you from Devon into Dorset.
There’s even a sign saying that for a 7-mile stretch be prepared for difficult terrain and no facilities.
Be sure to fill your lunch box with lots of goodies for this section of the hike and fill your water bottles up too. I have this cool metal red, but you can buy a green or grey.
To begin with, it seems relatively tame, walking across fields but you soon are in what can only be described as a mini jungle section. The lush green plants, trees and moss and growing all around and it really feels like you are in the movie Jurassic Park.
This section takes 3-4 hours to get through and it’s unlikely that you will meet many people but that adds to the charm of this part of the walk.
Useful walk information
- Refreshments – Seaton (golf course bar is the very last stop)
- Toilets – Lyme Regis (slightly off the path)
Accommodation options
- Where to stay in Lyme Regis? – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (48 options)
- Campsites – Hook Farm, Lyme Regis
- Airbnbs in Lyme Regis
Transport options
No train station – nearest station Axminster
Bus service – Jurassic Coaster (starts at Lyme Regis)
Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 4) – Lyme Regis to West Bay
Hiking distance: 10 miles/ 16 km
Highlights on the walk: Charmouth beach, Golden Cap hill and West Bay
From Lyme Regis, in Dorset, you need to follow the path, up around the town, following the path as it diverts you. It is easy to start following the path that takes you alongside the coast but you do need to go on a slight detour.
Charmouth Beach is a great spot for fossil hunting, although on my hike this day was heavy rain and winds so not the best weather for searching for fossils!
From Charmouth, you are back walking on the cliffs up to Golden Cap which is the highest point on the Jurassic Coast. On a clear day, there are stunning views out to sea.
However, after battling rain and wind to reach Golden Cap summit at 191 metres, the day I hiked I didn’t have a view. But always a reason to go back!
Back from the cliffs, you reach the small town of West Bay. For those UK fans of Broadchurch, you should be able to spot a few famous places from the TV programme.
Walking poles are handy for this section of the walk. I used them for most of the hike since I was carrying a heavy rucksack but hiking uphill the trekking poles give you an extra hand.
Read about the poles that I used here.
Useful walk information
- Refreshments – Fernhill Hotel, Charmouth, West Bay (Windy Corner cafe)
- Toilets – Charmouth, West Bay
Accommodation options
- Where to stay in West Bay? – Hotels, guesthouses and apartments (9 options)
- Campsites – Newlands Holidays, Charmouth and Golden Cap Holiday Park, Bridport
- Airbnb options in and near West Bay
Transport options
No local train station
Bus service – Jurassic Coaster
Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 5) – West Bay to Abbotsbury
Hiking distance: 8.5 miles/ 13.5 km
Highlights on the walk: Iconic cliffs of West Bay, Abbotsbury
On leaving West Bay you walk around the small harbour, then you automatically have the iconic cliffs from the TV show Broadchurch in front of you as you walk up the beach.
Taking another detour inland towards Abbotsbury, it’s a change of scenery but just as beautiful walking across the English countryside!
Arriving into Abbotsbury, there’s plenty of tourist attractions including a maze and Abbotsbury Swannery so if you’re stopping here for a rest or your night’s accommodation you will enjoy plenty to do as well.
The cafe has a great choice of food to refuel as well.
Useful walk information
- Refreshments – Abbotsbury Swannery cafe
- Toilets – Abbotsbury
Accommodation options
- Where to stay in Abbotsbury? – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (11 options)
- Airbnbs in and near Abbotsbury
Transport options
No train station
Bus service – Jurassic Coaster
Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 6) – Abbotsbury to Weymouth
Hiking distance: 11 miles/ 17 km
Highlights on the walk: Chesil Beach, Weymouth Harbour and Beach
Leaving beautiful Abbotsbury you then have a very long section, which is pretty similar.
Both a highlight and a lowlight was Chesil Beach, 29 km long it’s spectacular but as you’re hiking on it you don’t really get the aerial view. Plus hiking along long sections of tiny pebbles is pretty tough going.
The next section takes you inland for a large section. This was my least favourite part of the Jurassic Coast walk, mainly as the scenery was relatively flat and I couldn’t see the sea!
Arriving into Weymouth was a real highlight, smells of fish and chips wafting as I walked around the harbour, filled with people and boats. Also, Weymouth is the first sandy beach on the hike.
Top tip – take your boots off and walk along the sandy beach, it feels amazing!
Useful walk information
- Refreshments – Weymouth
- Toilets – Weymouth
Accommodation options
- Where to stay in Weymouth? – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (181 options)
- Campsites – Littlesea Holiday Park, near Chesil Beach
- More options with Airbnb in Weymouth
Transport options
Weymouth train station
Bus service – Jurassic Coaster
Prefer to take a tour along the Jurassic Coast? – Check out this tour from £75
Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 7) – Weymouth to Lulworth Cove
Hiking distance: 14 miles/ 22.5 km
Highlights on the walk: Stunning chalk cliffs with amazing views, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove
This part of the hike is one of the most popular section of the Jurassic Coast walk, but it’s beautiful so you can see why it was named a natural World Heritage Site.
Durdle Door, pictured above is the iconic photo which you will see on most websites and social media when anyone mentions the Jurassic Coast. Although it is stunning the walk up to the point and beyond are equally beautiful.
Top tip
- Durdle Door is a beautiful spot on the Jurassic Coast but it’s very touristy.
- If you want to visit during quieter times then pick early morning or weekdays instead of weekends!
Useful walk information
- Refreshments – Lulworth Cove
- Toilets – Lulworth Cove
Accommodation options
- Where to stay in Lulworth Cove? – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (4 options)
- More options here with Airbnb for Lulworth Cove
Transport options
No train station
Bus service – Jurassic Coaster
Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 8) – Lulworth Cove to Kimmeridge
Hiking distance: 7 miles/ 11 km
Highlights on the walk: Mupe Bay
From Lulworth Cove, you hike along the beach (the existing path along the ridge no longer exists and is blocked off).
Take the path at the far end of the beach back up onto the cliffs for some beautiful views back to Lulworth Cove.
Not much further along the Jurassic Coast walk, you will come across a stunning hidden cove called Mupe Bay. In peak season this is a much quieter beach to relax and it’s just as beautiful.
Then there’s a really steep climb, taking you further up the cliffs.
This is another section where there are limited options for accommodation and refreshments.
Kimmeridge is a very small village about 1.5 miles off the Jurassic Coast walk. This is the endpoint for this section but up until here, there’s no-where to buy food or drinks so be sure to stock up before the hike.
Useful walk information
- Refreshments – Kimmeridge
- Toilets – Kimmeridge
Accommodation options
- One Airbnb Shepherd’s Hut accommodation near Kimmeridge
- Campsites – None
Transport options
No train station – nearest train station Wareham
Bus service – Jurassic Coaster
Jurassic Coast walk (stage 9) – Kimmeridge to Studland
Hiking distance: 18 miles/ 29 km
Highlights on the walk: Durlston Castle, Swanage Beach, Old Harry Rocks
This is a long section but it’s difficult to split up this part of the walk. The final section from Swanage to Studland via Old Harry Rocks is about 5 miles so you could always make a half-day hike on your final day.
Durlston Castle isn’t like a traditional UK castle but it is a great spot to stop for a drink and from there you can see all the way to Old Harry Rocks.
Due to the long distances between the accommodation for this part, it does make it more difficult to plan.
Please consider how far you want to hike in one day and maybe plan a shorter walk for your last day.
Useful walk information
- Refreshments – Durlston Castle, Swanage, Studland
- Toilets – Swanage
Accommodation options
- Where to stay in Swanage? – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (79 options)
- Campsites – Swanage Coastal Park
- Airbnbs in Swanage and near Studland Bay
Transport options
No train station – nearest train stations are Poole and Wareham
Bus service – Jurassic Coaster
The Jurassic Coast path is part of a larger National Trail, the South West Coast Path. This trail is the longest National trail walk in the UK, a massive 630 miles/ 1,014 km.
The benefit of this is that throughout the entire Jurassic Coast section there are well-marked sign-posted and paths keeping you on track.
Sometimes it’s a simple acorn sign (the oak tree is the national symbol in the UK) or signs for ‘South West Coast Path’.
Be sure to take a good compass with you.
Of course, there’s also the fail-safe rule of keeping the sea on your right (based on walking from Exmouth to Studland!) But it’s good to double-check the route, especially when walking through the seaside town sections.
I went wrong in both Lyme Regis and Swanage, basically because I was too busy looking at the scenery instead of where I was supposed to be walking!
Ordnance Survey Maps
For the full route from Exmouth to Studland, you need three maps.
- Explorer 115 – Exmouth and Sidmouth
- Explorer 116 – Lyme Regis and Bridport
- Explorer OL15 – Purbeck and South Dorset (Poole, Dorchester, Weymouth and Swanage)
OS Maps Online
Since I was wild camping and hiking the full route in one go, I opted for OS Maps online. This is great for navigating and only costs £23.99 and you can view the maps in offline mode (aka flight mode!)
Jurassic Coast – Further Information about the walk
How to get to the start of the Jurassic Coast hike?
Exmouth is a large seaside town, full of shops, restaurants and seaside accommodation. Depending on where you are travelling from you can arrive at the start and hike the same day or if you’re arriving later in the day then why not spend a night in this.
Your options here depend on a few factors.
- Are you hiking solo or in a group?
- Do you know anyone in the area that can drop you off/pick you up?
- Are you travelling by car or public transport?
Hiking solo – if you are hiking the Jurassic Coast solo then public transport is the best way to get to the start point (and back again from the finish).
Although, be prepared some of the public transport isn’t ideal if you also have a car.
Hiking as a group – if you’re all driving, you could leave a car at the end of the hike, then have someone else drive back to the start. Although this is a 2-hour drive so factor that into your plans at the start and end of the hike.
Plus you won’t be able to park exactly at the start and end locations and will need to pay for parking. Again public transport might be the best option.
My journey to the start of the Jurassic Coast Hike
- Drive time – 4 hours
- Public transport time – 3 hours
- Cost – (Fuel, bus and train) £41.90
Car
Living in the Midlands, I drove the 4-hour journey down to Dorchester, left my car and took public transport. This meant that I could leave my house at 6.30 am and be down south by 10.30 am.
Yes, I could have got there by train at a similar time but peak train tickets cost between £96-£120 (one-way). My diesel car can do the 440+ mile trip for about £35 so a no-brainer for me travelling solo, without time constraints.
Bus
I parked outside Dorchester (street parking on the bus route). Then caught the X11 to Sherborne with South West Coaches.
There are only a couple of buses each day (please check if you opt for this route)
Cost – £4.50
Train
From Sherborne, I caught a train with South West Trains to Exeter, then another to Exmouth. Trains leave at 32 minutes past the hour and take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Cost – £19.90
The official start of the Jurassic Coast path at Orcombe Point is about a 2-mile walk from the train station, along Exmouth seafront.ning of your hike will, of course, factor what you do at the end!
From the finish point at Studland, which is a small village, you can catch the Purbeck Breezer, which can take you to various destinations, including Swanage, Wareham, Dorchester, Poole and Bournemouth.
Buy train tickets online via National Rail or you can buy them at the station (The price was the same for me).
MY JOURNEY FROM THE END OF THE JURASSIC COAST HIKE
Due to finishing my hike late on the last day (due to blisters). I changed my plans and stayed at my auntie’s for a night as I would have missed the last bus (X11 back to my car outside Dorchester).
From Studland, I caught the no. 50 (Purbeck Breezer) 15 minutes to Swanage.
Cost – £8.80 (all day ticket valid on the next bus too)
My connecting bus to Wareham went 5 minutes earlier so I had nearly an hour wait.
* Please note all costs and times are correct at time of writing. Please check before you travel.
Read next: My Ultimate 800-mile Hiking Challenge across Britain
Where to stay on the Jurassic Coast?
The Jurassic Coast has plenty of seaside towns and places to stay at the beginning of the hike. Although, towards the later stages there are fewer options so best to plan your route and where you are going to stay in advance.
Since I was completing the route over a shorter period of time I opted to wild camp along the trail. If you’ve not tried wild camped in the UK before then please read my post here about top tips for your first wild camping experience in the UK.
What Gear Do You Need For The Jurassic Coast Hike?
A. Read here for what to take on a day hike
B. Read here what to pack for a long-distance walk
Top Tip
- Whatever the weather always pack a waterproof jacket (I took my Berghaus Paclite Jacket lightweight and waterproof. Read my review of the jacket here.)*
Are you interested in completing the Jurassic Coast walk from Exmouth to Studland?
Do you have any more questions about completing the walking the Jurassic Coast? Ask me in the comments below.
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Looking at your photos make me agree with what you wrote: ‘Jurassic Coast walk is a real treat’. The place is so pretty! Thanks for this! Will be saving it for later.
Thank you Katie, yeah it’s wonderful. Let me know if you have any more questions about the hike 🙂
Hi I’m coming from Australia to UK in the spring. I aim to walk the entire Jurassic coast with my dog . I’d love to join another hiker or group for part of the walk I also need dog friendly accommodation. Any ideas would be appreciated. Tracy ,,?
I normally find that you end up meeting people on the long-distance walks and you can maybe walk with them. There are certainly quieter sections but if you’re going from accommodation to accommodation then it should be ok meeting people. The other option is maybe join the FB group South West Coast path as this includes the Jurassic coast and maybe ask on there if anyone is walking at the time you are planning 🙂
Loved the detailed of the hike and the name Jurassic Coast is quite interesting. Loved the article.
Thanks so much, are you planning to do the hike?
Very nice article, and useful.
I wonder if I can find the difficulty of the walk somewhere. I mean how many meters up and down. Like the denivellation of each day. Don’t know the English word for it, sorry.
Thank you,
Bernadette
Hi Bernadette, I hope I answered your question earlier via Instagram. I’m going to check my maps and try and give a more accurate indication of the ascent and descent on the walk 🙂
Hi Becky when you came from Abbotsbury to Weymouth you forgot to walk the Isle of Portland
beautiful walk and lots to see on the way, makes up for the Abbotsbury shingle missing Portland you have missed an important part of the Jurassic coast.
Ah that’s interesting Peter, I didn’t realise that Portland made up part of the Jurassic Coast section, I know it’s part of the SWCP which I’d love to do one day so maybe I can explore it then. Thanks so much 🙂
I am planning to visit the area and do a few short sections of the Jurassic coast. Which sections are non missable? Is the isle of Portland a must do walk? All the way round or is one coast better than the other?
Hi Lynda, the Portland section is part of SWCP but not part of the Jurassic Coast so I haven’t walked this section sorry.
Hi becky, i‘ll do the jurassic coast hike next week and I decided everything quite last minute – so I still have a few questions and may you can help me. i will walk from lyme regis to poole and my question is about how many liters of water you have to take with you? can you fill up your water bottle somewhere on the path?
i already thank you in advance for your help and wish you a nice day.
best regards
alessandra from switzerland 🙂
Hi Alessandra, I hope you enjoyed your Jurassic Coast hike, apologies I was on a big hike across the UK and your comment didn’t come through! I filled my water up as I passed through the towns, either at cafes or restaurants. I did find a few water taps on beaches but not many, but I only every struggled once with lack of water on one occasion towards the end when there were limited towns on the route. I hope you had a wonderful trip
This is great information, Becky. Thanks! I’m in the states, but considering coming over and spending 4-6 days hiking the trail. One question for you: if you could only do half of the 95 mile length, which part is the best to do? Exmouth to Weymouth? Weymouth to Studland? Or something in between? Keeping in mind I’m likely arriving and departing by train, looking to stay at B&B/hotel along the way, and hike 8-12 miles/day. Thanks!
Hi, ah that’s fantastic, that will be amazing. Ooo good question, if I could only do half then I think I would pick the second half. Weymouth is a great start point and a lovely seaside town, Studland is also close to Swanage and again making things easier for transport.
What a great source of information – thank you so much! I’m coming over from San Diego to visit my in-laws this summer (2020), and am taking an extra 10 days to do the Jurassic Coastal Path.
Ah, that’s fantastic Jack, it’s a beautiful walk, I’m sure you’ll absolutely love it. Feel free to get in touch if you have any other questions 🙂
Thanks Becky,
I’m organising a group to do this in June 2020 so the information has been really useful.
Have fun.
John
Ah fantastic thanks John, I hope you have a great trip. Feel free to get in touch if you have any more questions before the event 🙂
Hey Becky
Your website is super inspiring!
I‘m planning to do the second half of the tour with a group of students this autumn. Would you consider guiding us? Or can you recommend other tour guides? Thanks and best, Andrea
Hi Andrea, thanks so much for your message, wow, that’s great that you’re planning on doing this year. I’ll drop you an email to chat further 🙂
Hi Becky,
What great information, I’m hoping to do this hike next year with some friends, did you ever get the elevation gain information that you mentioned in a previous post, it would be really useful if I want to try and trim a day off? Thanks very much
Hi Lesley, ah thanks so much, I’m sorry, I did try and extract the data but because of how the route is plotted it was too inaccurate as hiking close to the cliff sometimes added on extra ascent/descent. If I figure out another way or find out I will get in touch. How many days were you planning on doing the hike over?
Hi becky,
Thanks for the great guide on the hike! Just a question, with this itinerary approx how many hours a day would you be hiking for?
Thanks! ben
Ooo, good question, I did the hike back in 2018 so I can’t remember and I think it depends on your own pace of walking, plus I love to stop lots for photos. My average walking pace is about 4 km per hour so hope that helps you calculate your own adventure 🙂
Hi Becky, thank you so much for this. We are just organising a trip for September 2021. I was wondering what time of year you went? Do you think the first 2 weeks of September will be too cold and rainy to camp? We have our dog with us so didn’t want to do 15 mile hikes in the height of summer. Many thanks, Sophie
Hi Sophie, thank you so much, I’m glad you found it helpful. I actually did it on the August bank holiday and I had a storm with 40 mph winds along the path and got soaked! I’ve done numerous long-distance hikes in September and I generally find it a good month to hike, obviously, in the UK the weather is never guaranteed but it is normally a decent temperature. Give me a shout if you have any other questions 🙂
Hellooo! Thanks for all the information 🙂 I am hoping to do this at some point this summer ideally over 5 days and trying to plan logistics. I would prefer to stay in B&Bs etc so won’t have full camping equipment but how did you find it carrying all your stuff with you? For the older members in our group, I am not sure if it possible to have any of your belongings transported to next accommodation stop for you?
Would you suggest booking the hike and accommodation etc with a company or is it worthwhile just doing yourself?
Thank you in advance! 🙂
Hi Courtney, I did it solo so it’s a lot easier finding accommodation/camping spots. I guess if you’re doing as a group then booking in advance would be the best option. I’ve done numerous hikes carrying my own kit, although not for a while, it takes some practice so if you opt for that then I’d recommend training hikes with your full kit. I prefer doing on my own so I can be flexible with my walk, stopping when I want to etc. The route is relatively straightforward so personally I’d also do on my own but maybe one to consider if you’re organising for a group. Hope that helps and enjoy the walk 🙂
Hi. Thank you very much for this, it is so helpful!!
Sorry if this is a silly question but I was just wondering about the Jurassic Coaster bus service you mentioned – this is just the normal bus services in the towns or is a specific service that goes more through the Jurassic Coast? Because I may have only 3 days to do this walk, I was considering doing some parts by bus? What do you think would be the parts that I would miss out the less if I do them by bus?
Thank you so much!!!
Hi Clara, no problem, I’m glad it helped. I would recommend clicking on the bus links to see what the services are like now since I did the walk in 2019 the times/services might have changed so that’s the best way to get update information. If you only have 3 days, I’d recommend just starting earlier on the trail and doing the final 3 days of the walk or whatever distance you’re comfortable walking, instead of jumping on/off buses. Hope that’s helpful. Have fun 🙂
Hi Becky, loving reading your adventures on the Jurassic coast, it’s currently our bible! Please can I ask where you wild camped in both Lolworth Cove and Kimmeridge please. Thank you x
Hi Michelle, I’ve broken the route down into more bite-sized portions, I hiked it over 5 days so I didn’t wild camp and Lulworth Cove or Kimmeridge, I found quieter spots away from the towns/villages on route based on when I was tired each day and finding a suitable spot.
This is amazing!!! I have a few questions if that’s alright!
1. What do you recommend is the best month to do the hike? I’m thinking October but nervous about temperature.
2. What were your travel times? As in, do you recommend arriving and then sleeping overnight and starting the hike the following morning? I ask because if arriving in the afternoon, what would you suggest is best?
3. If you had 7 full days to do the hike, what days would you combine in your 9-stage breakdown?
Thank you, this post has been so inspirational!
Hi, thanks for your message, here’s a few answers for you :). I’ve hiked in October and wild camped, the weather can be a mix but if you have the right kit you’ll be fine. I’ve recently hiked a winter Pennine Way and adjusted my kit and camping equipment so temperature wasn’t a problem. My travel times were most of the day haha! I think my drive was 3-4 hours then the public transport was another couple of hours which is why I started at 2/3 pm ish. In the summer months it’s fine because you have more daylight hours. I did the hike in 5.5 days, I added the 9 stages as most people stay in accommodation and I wild camped, so it would depend if you’re planning to stay in accommodation or camp? If you’re planning 7 days then I’d look at splitting so you’re doing a similar distance each day, on average 7 days = 14 miles per day. Hope that helps for now but pop me any questions with further questions 🙂
This is all so so helpful ah thank you!!! Would you mind sharing your breakdowns for the 5.5 days. I think that’s what I’m aiming for as well!
Hi, my breakdown of days might not be that useful because I was wild camping so I didn’t stop at traditional points on the route, I also set off late on day 1, although I did still do a good distance and had one had where I struggled with blisters so I had a shorter day! My splits for the trip were 18 km, 25 km, 29 km, 44 km, 33 km, 28 km. As you can see I did one long day and a shorter day 2 but I flexed my trip depending on how I felt each day, if you’re wild camping then I’m sure you’ll do the same. Have fun 🙂
Hi Becky, your article is so helpful! I am staying in Lyme Regis end of May as a base for some hiking. Thinking to do Lyme Regis to West Bay one day and then drive to some different parts to get the most out of the Jurassic Coast.
In your opinion is Weymouth to Lulworth Cove or Lulworth Cove to Kimmeridge a better route? I was thinking perhaps to do Weymouth to Lulworth Cove, and a different day Swanage to Kimmeridge maybe but would appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Becky hope you’re well.
I’m looking to do the whole Jurassic Coast Path (provided my knee doesn’t blow out like it did last year on the second day of the SWCP from Porlock Weir to Lynton) in September. I’m hoping to camp as much as I can both to keep costs down and bcs I love camping. What sort of spots did you choose to camp and were the locals aware of/ok with you camping nearby. I’m just a little worried about being gatecrashed in the middle of the night but probably worrying over nothing.
Thanks!
Hi Ethan, I chose as remote spots as I could, basically when I felt tired and needed to stop, not always easy as there are many towns but you just have to find somewhere in between places on the trail. And also, arrive late, leave early so I never saw anyone when I pitched up and my tent was down in the morning before I saw anyone. I can’t imagine locals are walking on the remote/quieter parts in the middle of the night and I’m sure if they did they’d just ignore you!
Hi Becky, just trying to sort this trip over 6 days if i can yhis time next year, I live in Dorset so will be finishing on my doorstep :). I will be booking places to stay as i have just done the West Highland Way and didn’t go much on wild camping.
Ah fantastic, I hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂
Great and detailed overview Becky.
I’m hoping to do in next couple of months, I live in Dorset so on my doorstep probably 6/7 days
I plan to wild camp but would like a campsite maybe on night so I can freshen up etc – are there any close by the path do you remember ?
Thx
Paul
Ah fantastic, I hope you had a great trip (sorry, not sure why your comment has only just popped up now!)