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DORSET JURASSIC COASTAL PATH & RIDGEWAY

Highlights

Stunning coastline, one of the most varied and interesting in England. Beautiful secluded bays such as Lulworth Cove and towering cliffs such as Golden Cap the highest point on England’s south coast.

Destinations

England

Budget

From $250 per person

All highlights

This independent walking holiday follows a stunning section of the South West Coastal Trail between Lyme Regis and Swanage in Dorset , with a possible extension to Corfe Castle. This spectacular coast is one of the most interesting and varied in the UK and has been designated a natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO with its cliffs capturing 185 million years of the Earth’s history. Your self-guided walking trail starts at the picturesque old port of Lyme Regis, nicknamed “The Pearl of Dorset” and noted for the fossils found in the cliffs and beaches and its historic harbour. Your route then takes you over Golden Cap, which at 190m is the highest cliff in southern England and provides amazing panoramic views. After passing Abbotsbury, a beautiful village with the largest thatched building in the world, your route takes you onto the Dorset Ridgeway with great views and numerous prehistoric earthworks. You’ll have the opportunity to visit several historic villages crammed with old stone thatched cottages with welcoming inns if you fancy a real ale and tea shops if you’d prefer scones and cream tea. As you progress eastwards, so the variety and beauty of the landscape seems to increase with every new corner. Highlights include the classic picture postcard sites of Durdle Door’s rock arch, and the perfect circular bay of Lulworth Cove. Stunning cliffs accompany you through the army ranges (see note on the introduction page about when it’s open) in the most strenuous section of the walk.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lyme Regis

Welcome, and night at Lyme Regis, the 'Pearl of Dorset.'. Explore this historic picturesque port and stroll along the Cobb - its famous harbour walls. Settle into your accommodation, then take the afternoon to get acquainted with this historic seaside resort. Head to the picturesque port for a stroll along its famous harbor walls, following the Marine Parade promenade with shops, pubs, and restaurants on one side and the sea on the other.. Extra night in Lyme Regis is possible.. .

Day 3: West Bay - Abbotsbury

An easier day in store. After some relatively small hills following the cliff tops, the trail levels out as you approach the amazing Chesil Beach - a huge ridge of shingle 13km long, creating a lagoon on its landward side. On the way there is the opportunity to visit the picturesque historic Dorset village of Burton Bradstock with many 17th-century thatched cottages. This stretch is good for bird spotting and there is a nature conservation reserve. Your walking trail turns inland at the start of the beach and shortly afterwards reaches the pretty village of Abbotsbury with lots of stone and thatched cottages as well as several other buildings and sites of interest.. Overnight: Abbotsbury, Walk: 14km, +210m . .

Day 5: Osmington Mills - Lulworth

You walking trail returns to the coast and traverses the top of some beautiful chalk cliffs such as the great chalk headland of White Nothe which provides glorious views. The rolling landscape is beautiful and the green pastures and wild flowers contrast starkly with the white cliffs. On your way to Lulworth you'll pass Durdle Door, a great natural arch of limestone through which the sea passes. The day finshes with a beautiful walk over Hambury Tout to Lulworth. Lulworth cove is without doubt one of the most perfect coves in the UK bounded by cliffs and hills forming a secluded spot to rest weary legs. Historic buildings abound in the small village.. Overnight: Lulworth, Walk: max 10km, +420m . The short break option finishes at Lulworth and your holiday ends after breakfast on day 6. .

Day 6: Lulworth - Worth Matravers

Your great day's walk starts by going over the cliffs surrounding Lulworth Cove before passing the Fossil Forest to reach Smugglers Cove. This part of your walking trail follows some dramatic cliff top walking around a series of picturesque bays and headlands which change form with the changing geology, such as the beautiful Worbarrow Bay. It's worth making the detour to Tyneham, a deserted village in a lovely setting in a clay valley between chalk and limestone hills. Evacuated in 1943, no-one has lived there since. Other highlights of the walking trail include Kimmeridge Bay and Chapman's Pool. Night at either of the lovely inland villages of Kingston or Worth Matravers.. Overnight: Worth Matravers, Walk: 19km, +650m. . .

Day 8: Departure

7-night holiday ends after breakfast..

Day 9: Departure

8-night holiday ends after breakfast.. .

Prices

Price per person	2 pers	4 pers	6 pers	8 pers
Price per adult	$250	$180	$160	$150
Price per kid	$130	$90	$80	$80

Services

Included:

5, 7 or 8 night's accommodation on a B&B basis
Transport of luggage between guest houses (1 bag per person)
Detailed walking notes with information about the local sites
OS walking maps

Excluded:

All lunches and evening meals
Drinks (except at breakfast)
Transport to Lyme Regis and from Lulworth, Swanage or Corfe Castle
Travel insurance
Any entrance fees

Optional:

Extra Nights
Combining walking holidays
Tailor-Made Trips

Receive a free quote from your local travel agency within 48 hours by e-mail. No obligation to purchase.

Salomé Deroyer

travel expert: England Ireland and Wales

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