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 95 miles, the route follows the South West Coast Path 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
A structured introduction to the Jurassic Coast Path, including route details, distances and practical information. This section explains how the route is organised and how to plan a walk along the full coastline.
- About the Jurassic Coast – Overview of the UNESCO World Heritage coastline and its geological significance.
- Route Overview – Summary of the full walking route from Exmouth to Studland.
- Map of the Route – Visual guide to the coastline and key locations along the path.
- Distance & Sections – Breakdown of total distance and how the route is divided.
- How Long It Takes – Typical durations for completing the full route or selected sections.
- Best Time to Walk – Seasonal conditions and when the path is most suitable for walking.
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.
- Seaton → Lyme Regis – Varied terrain approaching the Dorset border.
- Exmouth → Budleigh Salterton – Estuary and coastal path with relatively gentle terrain.
- Budleigh Salterton → Sidmouth – Clifftop walking with exposed sections and coastal views.
- Sidmouth → Branscombe – Undulating route passing remote sections of coastline.
- Branscombe → Beer – Short stage linking two traditional coastal villages.
- Beer → Seaton – Mix of inland diversion and coastal walking.
- Seaton → Lyme Regis – Varied terrain approaching the Dorset border.
Dorset Section
The Dorset section includes some of the most recognisable landscapes on the Jurassic Coast, with more challenging terrain in places.
- Lyme Regis → Charmouth – Short coastal section known for fossil-rich beaches.
- Charmouth → Seatown – Clifftop walking with views towards Golden Cap.
- Seatown → West Bay – Includes Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast.
- West Bay → Burton Bradstock – Coastal path with easier gradients.
- Burton Bradstock → Abbotsbury – Long section alongside Chesil Beach.
- Abbotsbury → Weymouth – Mixed inland and coastal route.
- Weymouth → Osmington Mills – Gradual climb out of Weymouth along open coastline.
- Osmington Mills → Lulworth Cove – Remote and hilly section of coastline.
- Lulworth Cove → Kimmeridge – One of the most demanding sections with steep ascents.
- Kimmeridge → Swanage – Varied terrain with quieter stretches of coast.
- Swanage → Studland – Final section ending on flatter coastal terrain.
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 of the Jurassic Coast Path.
- Sidmouth – Regency coastal town with a long seafront.
- Beer – Small fishing village with a sheltered bay.
- Seaton – Coastal town with a wide promenade and beach.
- Lyme Regis – Historic town known for fossils and harbour views.
- West Bay – Harbour area with distinctive cliffs.
- Weymouth – Larger town with extensive facilities and transport links.
- Lulworth Cove – Key landmark and popular access point.
- Swanage – Seaside town with access to the eastern section.
- Studland – Eastern end of the route with beaches and heathland.
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 – Sheltered bay formed by erosion through limestone and chalk.
- Old Harry Rocks – Chalk stacks marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast.
- Chesil Beach – Long shingle barrier stretching along the Dorset coastline.
- Golden Cap – Highest point on the south coast with extensive views.
- West Bay Cliffs – Distinctive sandstone cliffs rising above the harbour.
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.
- Accommodation Guide – Options including hotels, B&Bs and coastal campsites.
- Camping on the Jurassic Coast – Campsites and regulations along the route.
- Transport & Parking – Access points, public transport and parking locations.
- Luggage Transfer Services – Services for multi-day walking without carrying bags.
- Guided vs Self-Guided Walks – Differences between organised and independent walking.
- Safety & Tide Awareness – Key considerations including tides, cliffs and 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.