The Jurassic Coast Path is a long-distance coastal walk along England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, running from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland in Dorset. Covering around 105 miles, the route follows the South West Coast Path (excluding the Isle of Portland) and passes through a varied coastline of cliffs, beaches and small coastal towns.
This guide provides a structured overview of the full route, with stage-by-stage walking sections, distances and key stopping points. Each stage is presented clearly to help plan daily walks, whether completing short sections or the full route. The site also highlights the main landmarks along the coast, including Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Chesil Beach and Old Harry Rocks.
In addition to route information, the guide includes practical advice on transport, accommodation, terrain and walking conditions. The aim is to make the Jurassic Coast easier to navigate, with clear, factual information that can be used to plan and complete the walk efficiently.
Jurassic Coast Path Overview
This section introduces the Jurassic Coast Path, including the route, how it is structured and key information for planning a walk along the coastline.
- About the Jurassic Coast – Background on the UNESCO World Heritage coastline, including its geology and formation.
- Route & Map – Overview of the full route from Exmouth to Studland, with a visual map and guidance on navigation.
- Route Stages and Distances – Detailed breakdown of the route into stages, including distances and typical walking times.
- Jurassic Coast Path Itineraries – Suggested routes and stage combinations for short walks or full multi-day journeys.
- Best Time to Walk – Seasonal overview covering weather, conditions and suitability throughout the year.
Jurassic Coast Path Stages
The Jurassic Coast Path is best walked in sections. This guide breaks the route into manageable stages, each with distance, terrain and key highlights.
Devon Section
The western section runs through East Devon, with steady coastal walking between seaside towns and villages. Google map of Devon
- Exmouth → Budleigh Salterton – Estuary start followed by easy coastal walking with generally gentle gradients.
- Budleigh Salterton → Sidmouth – Clifftop section with steady climbs and open coastal views.
- Sidmouth → Beer – Undulating coastal route with a mix of remote stretches and short steep sections.
- Beer → Lyme Regis – Varied terrain with moderate climbs, leading into the historic town of Lyme Regis.
Dorset Section
The Dorset section includes some of the most recognisable landscapes on the Jurassic Coast, with more challenging terrain in places. Google map of Dorset
- Lyme Regis → Seatown – Short but challenging section with steep climbs over Stonebarrow Hill and exposed paths.
- Seatown → Abbotsbury – Mixed coastal and inland walking along the edge of the Fleet Lagoon.
- Abbotsbury → Weymouth – Longer section following Chesil Beach and the Fleet with mostly gradual terrain.
- Weymouth → Osmington Mills – Clifftop walking with steady ascents and open views along the coast.
- Osmington Mills → Lulworth Cove – Remote and hilly section passing White Nothe and exposed cliff paths.
- Lulworth Cove → Kimmeridge – One of the most demanding stages with repeated steep climbs near Durdle Door.
- Kimmeridge → Worth Matravers – Open cliff-top walking across the Purbeck landscape with wide coastal views.
- Worth Matravers → Swanage – Undulating route across ridges and farmland approaching Swanage.
- Swanage → Studland – Easier final section with gentler terrain leading to Studland Bay.
Towns & Key Stops
The route passes through a series of coastal towns and villages that provide access points, accommodation and services. These locations also act as natural stage start and end points.
- Exmouth – Western starting point at the mouth of the River Exe with a long seafront and estuary setting.
- Budleigh Salterton – Quiet coastal town with a pebble beach and access to the Otter Estuary.
- Sidmouth – Regency seaside town with a wide promenade and red cliff backdrop.
- Beer – Small fishing village set in a sheltered bay with a working beach and harbour area.
- Seaton – Coastal town with a long promenade, wide beach and access to the Axe Estuary.
- Lyme Regis – Historic coastal town known for fossils, harbour walls and connections to early geology.
- Charmouth – Coastal village with direct access to fossil-rich beaches along Lyme Bay.
- Seatown – Small coastal settlement beneath Golden Cap with a shingle beach and limited facilities.
- West Bay – Harbour area with high sandstone cliffs and access to coastal walking routes.
- Burton Bradstock – Village near Chesil Beach with coastal access and views across Lyme Bay.
- Abbotsbury – Historic village inland from Chesil Beach, known for abbey remains and surrounding landscape.
- Weymouth – Larger seaside town with a sandy beach, harbour and extensive visitor facilities.
- Osmington Mills – Small coastal hamlet with a secluded cove and access to nearby cliff-top walks.
- Lulworth Cove – Well-known coastal landmark with a sheltered bay and main access point to the coastline.
- Kimmeridge – Remote coastal area with a rocky bay, known for geology, fossils and quieter walking sections.
- Worth Matravers – Small village set inland from the cliffs, providing access to the Purbeck coastline.
- Swanage – Seaside town with a sandy beach and access to the eastern section of the route.
- Studland – Eastern end of the route with sandy beaches, dunes and heathland landscapes.
Nearby Towns & Villages (Inland)
These inland locations sit close to the route and provide additional access points, accommodation and places of interest.
- Tyneham – Abandoned village within the Lulworth Ranges, accessible at certain times and preserved as a historic site.
- Kingston – Small village set above the coast with access to nearby clifftop walks and surrounding countryside.
- Langton Matravers – Village near the Purbeck hills with local facilities and access to coastal paths.
- Corfe Castle – Historic village centred around castle ruins, located inland with strong transport links and visitor facilities.
Highlights of the Jurassic Coast
These are some of the most recognisable natural landmarks along the route. Many can be visited on shorter walks as well as part of longer stages.
- Durdle Door – Natural limestone arch and one of the most photographed landmarks on the coast.
- Lulworth Cove – Circular bay formed by erosion through limestone and chalk, with a sheltered beach and easy access.
- Man O’War Beach – Small cove beside Durdle Door with a mix of sand and shingle and views of offshore rock formations.
- Old Harry Rocks – Chalk stacks marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast near Handfast Point.
- Chesil Beach – Long shingle barrier beach stretching between West Bay and Portland along the Fleet Lagoon.
- Golden Cap –Highest point on the south coast, offering elevated views across Lyme Bay and surrounding coastline.
- West Bay Cliffs – Tall sandstone cliffs rising above the harbour, known for their layered appearance and coastal views.
- Chapman’s Pool – Secluded cove with a shingle and rocky shoreline, accessed by steep paths and surrounded by open countryside.
- St Aldhelm’s Head – Prominent headland with cliff-top views and a small stone chapel overlooking the coastline.
- Dancing Ledge – Flat rock platform at the base of cliffs, formed by quarrying and known for coastal views and access paths.
- Worbarrow Bay – Wide, undeveloped bay within the Lulworth Ranges, accessible only at certain times.
- Durlston Country Park – Coastal nature reserve with cliff-top walks, historic features and views across the Purbeck coastline.
- Ladram Bay – Coastal bay with red sandstone stacks and a sheltered beach along the East Devon section.
- Abbotsbury Swannery – Managed colony of mute swans located near the Fleet Lagoon, open seasonally to visitors.
- Isle of Portland – Limestone peninsula connected by Chesil Beach, known for rugged coastline and quarrying history.
- Winspit Quarry – Disused coastal quarry with cliff access and views, located along the Purbeck coastline.
Planning Your Walk
Practical information to help organise a walk along the Jurassic Coast Path, whether for a single day or a multi-day route.
- Lulworth Ranges – Access restrictions and opening times affecting sections of the route near Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay.
- Accommodation Guide – Overview of places to stay including hotels, B&Bs and campsites along the route.
- Camping on the Jurassic Coast – Campsite locations and guidance on where camping is permitted.
- Transport & Parking – Key access points, public transport options and parking locations along the route.
- Luggage Transfer Services – Services allowing multi-day walking without carrying full equipment.
- Guided vs Self-Guided Walks – Comparison of organised tours and independent walking options.
- Safety & Tide Awareness – Important considerations including tides, cliff safety and changing weather conditions.
Short Walks & Day Walks
Shorter routes covering some of the most accessible and well-known sections of the Jurassic Coast.
- Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door – Popular short walk between two major landmarks.
- Golden Cap Walk – Circular walk to the highest point on the south coast.
- Old Harry Rocks Walk – Coastal walk with views of chalk formations and Studland Bay.
- Worth Matravers Circular Walks –
- Kingston Circular Walks –