The Jurassic Coast Path can be walked at different speeds depending on fitness, available time and preferred daily distances. The route does not divide evenly, and shorter itineraries require combining stages, which can result in longer and more demanding days.
The itineraries below provide a range of options from a faster 7-day schedule to more balanced 10 and 12-day routes, and a more relaxed 13-day option. Each follows the natural progression of the coastline between Exmouth and Studland, using established towns and stopping points along the route.
Distances are based on the official route of the South West Coast Path and do not include additional walking to accommodation or inland access points. Terrain and elevation vary throughout, with some sections requiring more time than distance alone might suggest.
13-Day Itinerary (Recommended – Moderate/relaxing Pace)
This is the most balanced and practical way to walk the Jurassic Coast Path. Daily distances are moderate, with only a small number of more demanding stages, making it suitable for most reasonably fit walkers. The pacing allows time to enjoy the landscape, towns and key landmarks without rushing.
The itinerary fits comfortably into a two-week trip and assumes accommodation-based walking rather than camping. It also allows flexibility for transport at the start and end of each day, including short bus or taxi journeys where required. This is the most realistic option for most people and forms the recommended baseline itinerary.
Exmouth → Budleigh Salterton
Distance: 5.7 miles / 9.2 km
Budleigh Salterton → Sidmouth
Distance: 7 miles / 11.3 km
Sidmouth → Beer
Distance: 8.9 miles / 14.3 km
Beer → Lyme Regis
Distance: 9.1 miles / 14.6 km
Lyme Regis → Seatown
Distance: 8.1 miles / 13 km
Seatown → Abbotsbury
Distance: 12.1 miles / 19.5 km ⚠ demanding
Abbotsbury → Weymouth
Distance: 10.8 miles / 17.4 km
Weymouth → Osmington Mills
Distance: 8.1 miles / 13 km
Osmington Mills → Lulworth Cove
Distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km
Lulworth Cove → Kimmeridge ⚠ Lulworth Range!!
Distance: 6.9 miles / 11.1 km
Kimmeridge → Worth Matravers
Distance: 7.3 miles / 11.7 km
Worth Matravers → Swanage
Distance: 6.3 miles / 10.1 km
Swanage → Studland
Distance: 7.5 miles / 12.1 km
12-Day Itinerary (Moderate–Steady Pace)
This itinerary is very similar to the 13-day version, with only a small increase in daily effort. The main difference is the combination of the Kimmeridge → Worth Matravers and Worth Matravers → Swanage stages into a single longer day.
This creates a slightly faster overall pace while keeping most days manageable. The route remains well balanced, though the longer combined stage towards the end adds a more demanding day. This option suits walkers who are comfortable with slightly longer distances but still want to maintain a steady and controlled pace.
Exmouth → Budleigh Salterton
Distance: 5.7 miles / 9.2 km
Budleigh Salterton → Sidmouth
Distance: 7 miles / 11.3 km
Sidmouth → Branscombe
Distance: 6.7 miles / 10.7 km
Branscombe → Lyme Regis
Distance: 11.4 miles / 18.3 km
Lyme Regis → Seatown
Distance: 8.1 miles / 13 km
Seatown → Abbotsbury
Distance: 12.1 miles / 19.5 km ⚠ demanding
Abbotsbury → Weymouth
Distance: 10.8 miles / 17.4 km
Weymouth → Osmington Mills
Distance: 8.1 miles / 13 km
Osmington Mills → Lulworth Cove
Distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km
Lulworth Cove → Kimmeridge ⚠ Lulworth Range!!
Distance: 6.9 miles / 11.1 km
Kimmeridge → Swanage
Distance: 13.6 miles / 21.9 km ⚠ demanding
Swanage → Studland
Distance: 7.5 miles / 12.1 km
10-Day Itinerary (Moderate)
This itinerary introduces a noticeable increase in daily distance and overall effort. Several stages are longer, and there are more consecutive demanding days, particularly through the central and eastern sections of the route.
It is suitable for walkers with good fitness who are comfortable with sustained daily walking. While still manageable, there is less time to stop or explore places along the way, and pacing becomes more important. This option provides a balance between efficiency and enjoyment for those looking to complete the route within a shorter timeframe.
Exmouth → Sidmouth
Distance: 12.7 miles / 20.4 km
Sidmouth → Seaton
Distance: 10.3 miles / 16.6 km
Seaton → Charmouth
Distance: 10.9 miles / 17.5 km
Charmouth → West Bay
Distance: 8.1 miles / 13 km
West Bay → Abbotsbury
Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km
Abbotsbury → Weymouth
Distance: 10.8 miles / 17.4 km
Weymouth → Lulworth Cove
Distance: 14.3 miles / 23 km ⚠ demanding
Lulworth Cove → Kimmeridge ⚠ Lulworth Range!!
Distance: 6.9 miles / 11.1 km
Kimmeridge → Swanage
Distance: 13.6 miles / 21.9 km ⚠ demanding
Swanage → Studland
Distance: 7.5 miles / 12.1 km
8-Day Itinerary (Fast Pace)
This itinerary closely follows the structure suggested by the official South West Coast Path guidance and represents a fast but achievable schedule. Daily distances are consistently long, with multiple demanding stages, particularly in the Dorset section.
It is best suited to experienced hikers who are accustomed to long-distance walking. For those walking the full South West Coast Path from Minehead, this pace may feel more manageable due to accumulated fitness. However, as a standalone section, it is relatively ambitious and requires careful planning.
Exmouth → Sidmouth
Distance: 12.7 miles / 20.4 km
Sidmouth → Seaton
Distance: 10.3 miles / 16.6 km
Seaton → Seatown
Distance: 14.5 miles / 23.3 km ⚠ demanding
Seatown → Abbotsbury
Distance: 11.5 miles / 18.5 km
Abbotsbury → Weymouth
Distance: 10.8 miles / 17.4 km
Weymouth → Lulworth Cove
Distance: 14.3 miles / 23 km ⚠ demanding
Lulworth Cove → Worth Matravers ⚠ Lulworth Range!!
Distance: 14.2 miles / 22.9 km ⚠ demanding
Worth Matravers → Studland
Distance: 13.8 miles / 22.2 km ⚠ demanding
7-Day Itinerary (Fast Pace)
This is a very demanding itinerary with long daily distances and significant cumulative ascent. Several stages combine multiple sections of the route, resulting in sustained physical effort across consecutive days.
It is only suitable for experienced and well-prepared walkers with limited time available. There is little margin for delays, rest days, or extended stops, and careful planning is essential. This itinerary prioritises completing the route quickly rather than experiencing the detail of the coastline.
Exmouth → Sidmouth
Distance: 12.7 miles / 20.4 km
Sidmouth → Lyme Regis
Distance: 18.1 miles / 29.1 km ⚠ demanding
Lyme Regis → West Bexington
Distance: 16.8 miles / 27 km ⚠ demanding
West Bexington → Weymouth
Distance: 14.2 miles / 22.9 km
Weymouth → Lulworth Cove
Distance: 14.3 miles / 23 km
Lulworth Cove → Swanage ⚠ Lulworth Range!!
Distance: 20.5 miles / 33 km ⚠ very demanding
Swanage → Studland
Distance: 7.5 miles / 12.1 km
Key Differences
- 13 days: Most balanced and realistic; best overall experience
- 12 days: Slightly faster; one longer combined stage
- 10 days: Noticeably more demanding; less recovery time
- 8 days: Fast and structured; suited to experienced walkers
- 7 days: Very demanding; minimal margin for error