South West Coast Path: Lyme Regis to Poole | Stage 10
South West Coast Path: Lyme Regis to Poole | Stage 10
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Walk along a fascinating stretch of the South West Coast Path that crosses the iconic Jurassic Coast, recognised as a World Heritage Site since 2001. During the walk from Lyme Regis to Poole, you will encounter dreamlike panoramas, ancient cliffs, golden beaches and iconic rock formations.
- Discover geological features such as Golden Cap, the highest point between Land's End and Poole, and admire dramatic formations such as Durdle Door, the famous natural rock arch.
- Admire the beauty of the Fleet, the largest inland saltwater lagoon in the United Kingdom, home to a rich birdlife and blue-tinged landscapes.
- Along the way, you will pass turquoise coves, lagoons teeming with wildlife and scenic rock formations dotting the coastline, all with the charm of picturesque coastal villages such as Bridport, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Lulworth and Swanage.
- Cross headlands and beaches steeped in history and biodiversity: from Aldhelm's Head with its sea views to the iconic Old Harry Rocks.
- Be amazed by the flavours of the south-west: fresh seafood, Dorset crab, fish of the day and traditional cream teas.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Lyme Regis
Begin your journey in Lyme Regis, a charming old harbour nestled on the Jurassic Coast, where brightly coloured houses gleam against the sea and time seems to move at the pace of the tides. Famous for its geological history and role in fossil discovery, this picturesque coastal town offers an irresistible blend of heritage, natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
Overnight in Lyme Regis
Clovelly Guest House
Located in the coastal town of Lyme Regis, its rooms have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. In the mornings, a full breakfast is served in the dining room, to start the day with energy.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Lyme Regis to Bridport 11,8 miles I 19 km
Leaving Lyme Regis behind, the trail briefly heads inland, skirting the remains of Europe's largest coastal mudslide. From here, the climb up the Black Ven cliffs to Timber Hill offers spectacular views of Lyme Bay.
The path then descends to Charmouth Beach, world-famous for its fossils. It's the perfect place to take a break, explore the shore and, with a little luck, find some traces of the prehistoric past embedded in the rocks.
The route continues along the imposing cliffs until it reaches Golden Cap, the highest point on the entire south coast of England. From its summit, the views stretch as far as the eye can see, in a panorama that crowns this stage of the journey.
Finally, you will descend towards West Bay, with its unique golden coastline and lively atmosphere, and then follow the course of the River Brit to Bridport, a charming market town with shops, galleries and a vibrant local life that offers a fitting end to this coastal day.
Ascent: 648m (2,126ft) / Descent: 650m (2,133ft)
The path then descends to Charmouth Beach, world-famous for its fossils. It's the perfect place to take a break, explore the shore and, with a little luck, find some traces of the prehistoric past embedded in the rocks.
The route continues along the imposing cliffs until it reaches Golden Cap, the highest point on the entire south coast of England. From its summit, the views stretch as far as the eye can see, in a panorama that crowns this stage of the journey.
Finally, you will descend towards West Bay, with its unique golden coastline and lively atmosphere, and then follow the course of the River Brit to Bridport, a charming market town with shops, galleries and a vibrant local life that offers a fitting end to this coastal day.
Ascent: 648m (2,126ft) / Descent: 650m (2,133ft)
Overnight in Bridport
Haddon House Hotel
This charming accommodation offers rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Bridport to Abbotsbury 11,4 miles I 18,3 km
Today you will leave behind the high cliffs that have marked the previous stages and enter a coastline with gentler contours but equally beautiful. The picturesque village of Burton Bradstock, with its old spinning mill and charming thatched cottages, offers an ideal stop to rest and enjoy the leisurely pace of the rural surroundings.
As you walk, keep an eye out for peregrine falcons soaring through the skies, the fastest bird in the world, which often nests in these coastal rock formations.
Further on, the landscape changes dramatically as you come across the impressive Chesil Beach, a 29-kilometre stretch of perfectly aligned pebbles that rise like a natural wall facing the sea, separated from the mainland by the tranquil Fleet Lagoon.
Here you can choose between two options: continue along the coastline next to the beach or follow the route that leads into the ancient South Dorset Ridgeway, where ancient burial mounds and rolling views lead to historic sites such as Abbotsford Castle.
Ascent: 93m (305ft) / Descent: 58m (190ft)
As you walk, keep an eye out for peregrine falcons soaring through the skies, the fastest bird in the world, which often nests in these coastal rock formations.
Further on, the landscape changes dramatically as you come across the impressive Chesil Beach, a 29-kilometre stretch of perfectly aligned pebbles that rise like a natural wall facing the sea, separated from the mainland by the tranquil Fleet Lagoon.
Here you can choose between two options: continue along the coastline next to the beach or follow the route that leads into the ancient South Dorset Ridgeway, where ancient burial mounds and rolling views lead to historic sites such as Abbotsford Castle.
Ascent: 93m (305ft) / Descent: 58m (190ft)
Overnight in Abbotsbury
The Ilchester Arms Hotel
Surrounded by a beautiful garden, this accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Abbotsbury to Weymouth 13,3 miles I 21,4 km
From the charming village of Abbotsbury, the trail moves away from the coast and begins to climb through open fields and rolling hills. As you ascend, fantastic views of the imposing Isle of Portland unfold before you, silhouetted against the sea horizon like a natural fortress.
Today's route takes you to one of the most unique landscapes on the south coast, The Fleet, the largest saltwater lagoon in the United Kingdom. Separated from the open sea by the immense Chesil Beach, this stretch of water, protected since the 14th century, is a quiet refuge for water birds and diverse wildlife.
The trail continues to wind along the coast, passing small hidden bays and scattered villages that seem frozen in time, until it reaches Ferry Bridge, where the waters narrow into a historic passage connecting to the Isle of Portland.
Finally, the day ends in Weymouth, a coastal town with a Victorian atmosphere, lively beaches and a range of restaurants ideal for ending the day by savouring fresh seafood and reliving the images of an unforgettable stage.
If you have a little more time, it is worth spending an extra night in Weymouth to explore the nearby island of Portland. This rugged peninsula, linked to the mainland by Chesil Beach, offers a 21-kilometre circular route between dramatic cliffs, old lighthouses and spectacular views of the English Channel.
Ascent: 137m (449ft) / Descent: 169m (554ft)
Today's route takes you to one of the most unique landscapes on the south coast, The Fleet, the largest saltwater lagoon in the United Kingdom. Separated from the open sea by the immense Chesil Beach, this stretch of water, protected since the 14th century, is a quiet refuge for water birds and diverse wildlife.
The trail continues to wind along the coast, passing small hidden bays and scattered villages that seem frozen in time, until it reaches Ferry Bridge, where the waters narrow into a historic passage connecting to the Isle of Portland.
Finally, the day ends in Weymouth, a coastal town with a Victorian atmosphere, lively beaches and a range of restaurants ideal for ending the day by savouring fresh seafood and reliving the images of an unforgettable stage.
If you have a little more time, it is worth spending an extra night in Weymouth to explore the nearby island of Portland. This rugged peninsula, linked to the mainland by Chesil Beach, offers a 21-kilometre circular route between dramatic cliffs, old lighthouses and spectacular views of the English Channel.
Ascent: 137m (449ft) / Descent: 169m (554ft)
Overnight in Weymouth
The Redcliff
Located in the coastal town of Weymouth, this accommodation offers rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
In the mornings, a varied continental, English or vegetarian breakfast is served.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Weymouth to Lulworth 12,4 miles I 20 km
Weymouth, with its traditional seaside atmosphere, lively beach and excellent restaurants, is the ideal starting point for the next stage of the journey. You might even come across a classic Punch and Judy show on the sand, evoking the essence of the British summer.
The trail continues to one of the most iconic landmarks on the entire English coast, Durdle Door, a majestic natural limestone arch that rises more than 60 metres above the turquoise waters. It is an unforgettable sight, sculpted by centuries of waves and wind.
From there, the path takes you to Lulworth Cove, an almost perfect cove with calm waters and white chalk cliffs. After exploring this corner of unique geological beauty, the trail heads inland, taking you to your accommodation.
Ascent: 485m (1,591ft) / Descent: 480m (1,575ft)
The trail continues to one of the most iconic landmarks on the entire English coast, Durdle Door, a majestic natural limestone arch that rises more than 60 metres above the turquoise waters. It is an unforgettable sight, sculpted by centuries of waves and wind.
From there, the path takes you to Lulworth Cove, an almost perfect cove with calm waters and white chalk cliffs. After exploring this corner of unique geological beauty, the trail heads inland, taking you to your accommodation.
Ascent: 485m (1,591ft) / Descent: 480m (1,575ft)
Overnight in Lulworth
Castle Inn
This charming accommodation offers rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a garden where you can relax after a day of walking, as well as a restaurant and bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Lulworth to Kimmeridge 7,5 miles I 12 km
Today's walk takes you through one of the most remote and wild sections of the route, the stretch between Lulworth and Kimmeridge, crossing remote terrain that forms part of the Lulworth military firing range. This area, steeped in rugged and solitary beauty, is only open to the public on certain weekends, so it is advisable to plan ahead. If you are fortunate enough to walk on one of these days, you will enjoy a virtually untouched coastal landscape, where cliffs, hidden valleys and silence dominate the scene.
If the firing range is active during your trip, don't worry, there is a charming alternative route which gradually introduces us to an urban environment and leads us to Lulworth Castle, a castle built in the early 17th century as an aristocratic hunting lodge, notable for its elegant architecture and commanding position over the Dorset countryside.
When you arrive in Kimmeridge, you will have a transfer included that will take you to Swanage, where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 532m (1,745ft) / Descent: 565m (1,854ft)
If the firing range is active during your trip, don't worry, there is a charming alternative route which gradually introduces us to an urban environment and leads us to Lulworth Castle, a castle built in the early 17th century as an aristocratic hunting lodge, notable for its elegant architecture and commanding position over the Dorset countryside.
When you arrive in Kimmeridge, you will have a transfer included that will take you to Swanage, where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 532m (1,745ft) / Descent: 565m (1,854ft)
Overnight in Swanage
The Limes
This comfortable family-run accommodation offers well-equipped rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a beautiful conservatory where you can relax and unwind.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Kimmeridge to Swanage 13,4 miles I 21,5 km
You will start the day with a transfer included from your accommodation in Swanage to Kimmeridge, where you finished the route the previous day and from where you will resume today's walk.
The last stage of the route immerses you in some of the richest marine life and geology on the south coast. From the cliffs, you will walk alongside the Purbeck Marine Nature Reserve, where the tide pools form a small natural aquarium teeming with marine creatures, a real gem for the curious and nature lovers.
The trail continues along the cliffs, passing the unique Clavell Tower, a solitary structure watching over the sea from its promontory, and reaching St. Aldhelm's Head, a dramatic headland crowned by an ancient Norman castle and breathtaking panoramic views.
With the sea at your side, you continue along a steep path to Dancing Ledge, a limestone platform that descends steeply towards the sea, where the waves break forcefully against the coast. Soon, a lighthouse appears, signalling the proximity of Durlston Country Park, a national nature reserve that combines cliffs, meadows and well-maintained paths that invite you to explore at your leisure.
The route culminates by skirting Durlston Head, from where you will begin the final descent to Swanage, a charming Victorian port that retains its traditional fishing village atmosphere with period houses, seafood restaurants and quiet jetties.
Ascent: 491m (1,611ft) / Descent: 491m (1,611ft)
The last stage of the route immerses you in some of the richest marine life and geology on the south coast. From the cliffs, you will walk alongside the Purbeck Marine Nature Reserve, where the tide pools form a small natural aquarium teeming with marine creatures, a real gem for the curious and nature lovers.
The trail continues along the cliffs, passing the unique Clavell Tower, a solitary structure watching over the sea from its promontory, and reaching St. Aldhelm's Head, a dramatic headland crowned by an ancient Norman castle and breathtaking panoramic views.
With the sea at your side, you continue along a steep path to Dancing Ledge, a limestone platform that descends steeply towards the sea, where the waves break forcefully against the coast. Soon, a lighthouse appears, signalling the proximity of Durlston Country Park, a national nature reserve that combines cliffs, meadows and well-maintained paths that invite you to explore at your leisure.
The route culminates by skirting Durlston Head, from where you will begin the final descent to Swanage, a charming Victorian port that retains its traditional fishing village atmosphere with period houses, seafood restaurants and quiet jetties.
Ascent: 491m (1,611ft) / Descent: 491m (1,611ft)
Overnight in Swanage
The Limes
This comfortable family-run accommodation offers well-equipped rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a beautiful conservatory where you can relax and unwind.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Swanage to Poole 7,2 miles I 11,6 km
The final stage of your journey offers an unforgettable farewell to the English coastline. From the high cliffs, the trail offers privileged views of the iconic Old Harry Rocks, the imposing piles of white chalk that emerge from the sea like natural sculptures carved by time. This spectacular landscape marks the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast.
The path descends towards Studland, a peaceful coastal village surrounded by an extensive nature reserve. Here, among dunes, heathland and unspoilt beaches, rare species of protected lizards and snakes inhabit an environment where biodiversity flourishes freely.
The last section of the route takes you to South Haven Point, where you will need to take a ferry to reach the port of Poole. You can find all the information you need on the Sandbanks Ferry website.
Once in Poole, this lively coastal town welcomes you with its marina and friendly atmosphere, the perfect place to celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey along the Jurassic Coast, where the landscape, history and sea have guided your every step.
Ascent: 90m (295ft) / Descent: 98m (322ft)
The path descends towards Studland, a peaceful coastal village surrounded by an extensive nature reserve. Here, among dunes, heathland and unspoilt beaches, rare species of protected lizards and snakes inhabit an environment where biodiversity flourishes freely.
The last section of the route takes you to South Haven Point, where you will need to take a ferry to reach the port of Poole. You can find all the information you need on the Sandbanks Ferry website.
Once in Poole, this lively coastal town welcomes you with its marina and friendly atmosphere, the perfect place to celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey along the Jurassic Coast, where the landscape, history and sea have guided your every step.
Ascent: 90m (295ft) / Descent: 98m (322ft)
Overnight in Poole
Merchant House
Located in a beautiful Georgian house, its rooms have a television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. In the mornings, a delicious breakfast is served in the dining room, to start the day with energy.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Poole
After a delicious breakfast, the day has come to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To reach the starting point of this walking route, you can fly to Exeter Airport, which is the closest, or Bristol Airport. You can also fly to any of the various airports in London.
If you arrive at Exeter Airport, you will need to take a bus to the city centre and then take the South Western Railway to Axminster. Finally, you will need to travel from Axminster to Lyme Regis by taking the X51 or X53 bus.
From Bristol, you can take the bus from the airport to Lyme Regis. You can find more information about buses on the Stagecoach South West and First Bus websites.
To return to your home town from Poole, you can fly from Exeter or Bristol airports, or you can travel to London. To get there, you can take the train to Bristol city centre or to Exeter Airport.
You can find more information about trains on the GWR website.
If you arrive at Exeter Airport, you will need to take a bus to the city centre and then take the South Western Railway to Axminster. Finally, you will need to travel from Axminster to Lyme Regis by taking the X51 or X53 bus.
From Bristol, you can take the bus from the airport to Lyme Regis. You can find more information about buses on the Stagecoach South West and First Bus websites.
To return to your home town from Poole, you can fly from Exeter or Bristol airports, or you can travel to London. To get there, you can take the train to Bristol city centre or to Exeter Airport.
You can find more information about trains on the GWR website.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
The tour is available from March to early October. April, May and June are particularly recommended, when spring flowers fill the landscape and temperatures are pleasant for walking. September and early October also offer an ideal experience, with fewer visitors after the high season. For those seeking tranquillity, it is also possible to take this trip in March and late October, when the villages and trails are quieter. However, during these months the weather can be more unpredictable, with cold, wind, rain and muddy paths, so it is advisable to come well prepared.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of medium-high difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for 6 to 7 hours of walking per day with climbs that can be steeper and longer. It is recommended that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain, including rocky areas.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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