Dorset Coast | Coastal Path

The Dorset Coast and Coastal Path DVD

Old Harry Rocks at Handfast Point are a small set of coastal landforms off Ballard Down at the eastern end of the Dorset Jurassic Coast world heritage site near Swanage in Dorset. The rocks are situated in the English Channel where the Purbeck Hills fall into the sea. Sometimes the name Old Harry is used to refer to the sea arch part and Old Harry's Wife to the stump. The rocks are part of a once continuous band of chalk which ran through south Dorset, Ballard Down and the Isle of Wight.

Even though the beach has little sand and is mainly stone, it has the reputation with the locals of being the best beach in this area of the Dorset Coast Path. Probably because the effort to get there guarantees that it will always be quiet. The surrounding scenery is stunning. For swimmers there is no greater pleasure than to take a dip in its calm waters.

The Dorset Coastal Path

The Dorset Coastal Path is a section of the UK’s 630 mile long South West Coast Path, starting at Minehead in Somerset and ending at Poole Harbour in Dorset. The Dorset stretch is around 73 miles long and can be separated into seven sections, all of which can be viewed on our "Dorset Coast and Coastal Path DVD."

From Lyme Regis to West Bay

Starting from Lyme Regis. Passing the famous fossil cliffs into the village of Charmouth, before climbing Golden Cap, the highest point of the Dorset coastal path, and the highest cliff in southern England. From here the path descends to the pretty town of Seatown before arriving in West Bay, to the south of Bridport.

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From West Bay to Abbotsbury

Starting from West Bay, passing spectacular views on the way to Burton Bradstock before decsending from the cliffs to Bexington. Following a path at the back of the beach takes you to Chesil Beach. From here the Dorset coastal path climbs to the beautiful village of Abbotsbury.

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From Abbotsbury to Weymouth

This walk starts from the beautiful village of Abbotsbury, behind Chesil Beach. The walk goes past the famous Swannery, then climbs onto a high path, inland for a while before dropping down back to sea-level behind The Fleet. The path continues behind the Fleet all the way to Weymouth.

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From Weymouth to Lulworth

Continuing from Weymouth, passing the village of Osmington Mills, the coastal path reaches White Nothe Cliff where there are stunning views of the surrounding coastline. From here the path passes the famous Durdle Door and St. Oswald's Bay before reaching Lulworth cove.

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From Lulworth to Chapman's Pool

Here, the Dorset Coastal path leaves the beautiful Lulworth Cove and after rounding the cove, enters the Lulworth Ranges, a military firing range. Once through the range you come into the village of Kimmeridge, then pass Clavell Tower. There are spectacular views of St. Aldem's Head and Chapman's Pool from the nearby Houns-tout Cliff.

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From Chapmans Pool to Swanage

Starting from the spectacular Chapman’s Pool the coastal path passes a small chapel near St. Aldhelms Head, before continuing on to Winspit and then Durlston Country Park. From here the path descends into the beautiful seaside town of Swanage.

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From Swanage to Sandbanks

After Swanage the path climbs up to Ballard Down and then on to Old Harry rocks. From here the coastal path descends to Studland before rounding the corner to the beautiful Shell Bay and then onto South Haven Point, just across from Sandbanks, which marks the end (or beginning) of the Dorset coastal path.

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