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Jurassic Coast Walks with a Pub Stop

Dorset West Lulworth to Weymouth Circular

Having hiked across the Jurassic Coast many times, it amazes us how the scenery never gets boring. There are plenty of different walks you can do along Dorset’s coastline and we always try and find somewhere to grab a drink, making walking for hours a little more attractive.

Here are some of our recommendations...

Dorset

Golden Cap Circular

I’ve been camping at Golden Cap for many years now and discovering the 6.6km circular walk has bought adventure to our visits. We’ve done this walk with the kids and the dogs. Please note that dogs must be kept on a lead. The walk starts at the car park in Seatown, where you’ll find a lovely pub called the Anchor Inn. This is a lovely pub and is worth stopping in at the end of your walk – a well-deserved treat! On this walk you will have beautiful views of the bay towards Charmouth and Chesil Beach.stanc

DISTANCE: 6.6km

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

PARKING: Carpark at Seatown – Charges apply

Kimmeridge Circular

This circular walk is 14.5km and is a more challenging walk with steep hills and a mixture of coastal paths and fields but you will get the most amazing views walking in the Purbeck hills. The Scott Arms in Kingston has great views overlooking Corfe Castle so make this your stop for a bite to eat and a well-earned drink!

DISTANCE: 15.4km

DIFFICULTY: Challenging

PARKING: Kimmeridge Bay – Please check the closing time of the car park.

Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door Circular

A hugely popular location with tourists but there’s more to just relaxing on the shingle beach or taking selfies with the iconic Durdle Door in the background. There’s a wonderful 6km walk that you can do which will give you plenty of wonderful photo opportunities. This is a moderate challenging route and will get your heart pumping. Park at Lulworth Cove car park and head just past Durdle Door and back again. I recommend taking a picnic with you so you can sit and soak up the glorious views before you start walking back. You’ll find a couple of places in Lulworth Cove to grab a drink but I recommend the Lulworth Cove Inn which has a pub garden by the sea.

DISTANCE: 6km

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

PARKING: Parking at Lulworth Cove Car Park – Charges apply

Tyneham to Worborrow Bay Circular

Have you been to Tyneham Village before? The small village where time stopped still in 1943. The village was evacuated in December 1943 and has been deserted ever since. You can park for a donation and walk around the village and see how everything was left before you embark on this beautiful walk around Worborrow Bay and back. You’ll need a few hours for this and I suggest taking a picnic with you. You’ll find portaloos near the car park round by the Tyneham farm buildings.

DISTANCE: 3.2km

DIFFICULTY: Easy

PARKING: You can park at Tyneham village. There is no fixed charge. However a?£2 donation per car?is encouraged to help fund the?ongoing conservation work?at Tyneham.

Lulworth Cove to Osmington (Actually … The Smugglers Inn) Circular

This is one of my favourite walks to do, with a coffee and some flapjack on the walk and a toilet stop at Ringstead. I highly recommend taking fluids with you because the steep hills will have you panting and in need of a drink. The views are stunning on this walk so I recommend stopping and soaking up the scenery at any opportunity and admiring the countless butterflies in the wild grass. You start at the car park at Lulworth Cove and the trail heads above the cliffs of White Nothe and winds back via Bat’s Head and Durdle Door. The Smugglers Inn is a great location to stop and refresh with a large cold drink before starting the hike back to the car.

DISTANCE: Apx 21km

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

PARKING: Lulworth Cove Car Park – Charges apply

Worth Matravers and Priests Way Circular

This 8km walk near Swanage not only has beautiful views but there’s a pub at the end of the route too – The Square and Compass in Worth Matravers where you can grab a drink and a pasty. A great place to stop and relax after a long walk. On this walk, you’ll come across Dancing ledge where you might fancy a paddle.

DISTANCE: 8km

DIFFICULTY: Easy

PARKING: Spyway Carpark. Charges apply with free parking for National Trust members.

Kingston to Chapmans Pool Circular

This circular and challenging walk near Swanage is almost 3 hours long and starts at Kingston and then visits The Plantation, Quarry Wood, Chapmans Pool and Swanworth Quarries. refresh. After reading some reviews about this particular route, I highly recommend treating yourself to a cold drink and some food at Scott’s Arms pub which is at the end of this circular hike. This pub dates from 1787 and serves up great food. It has one of the best beer gardens in Dorset offering spectacular views of the Purbeck Hills and Corfe Castle.

DISTANCE: 9.7km

DIFFICULTY: Challenging

PARKING: West Street Car Park, Corfe Castle / Purbeck Park?or National Trust car park

Ringstead Bay Walk

This circular and moderately challenging walk will allow you to explore 13.7km of Jurassic Coast's beautiful scenery! Either stop halfway for a little picnic on the beach, or stop off at the nearby Smuggler's Inn for a breather and some lunch! Make sure to clear 3-4 hours of your day to fully enjoy the Ringstead Bay walk and to allow for some food and toilet breaks.

Distance: 13.7km

Difficulty: Moderate

Parking: National Trust Car Park is located at the top of the cliff above Southdown Farm - Charges apply to non-members

West Lulworth to Weymouth Circular

This is a much longer hike for those of you who fancy over 8 hours of beautiful scenery. You start at Lulworth Cove and head along the coast passing Durdle Door, Bat’s Head, White Nothe and Ringstead Bay. At Ringstead, you’ll find toilets and a café where you can sit outside and enjoy an ice-cream. I highly recommend stopping at The Smugglers Inn at Osmington too for lunch and a change of socks.

DISTANCE: 30.6km

DIFFICULTY: Moderate – you will encounter steep hills

PARKING: Lulworth Cove Car Park – Charges apply