Walk in your own Jurassic world

With nearly 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways, it’s no wonder Dorset is a firm favourite with walkers. 

They’re not all coastal walks of course – Dorset’s countryside has its own unique appeal – but there are plenty of spectacular seaside outings to tempt even the most timid of trekkers.  

Perhaps the simplest itinerary – classified as “easy”, and taking only a couple of hours to cover the 3.5 mile route – centres on Portland Bill. Quarrying was once a key industry here, and St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and even the Tower of London are all built of Portland stone. Portland Bill itself is a haven for bird-watchers, while its three lighthouses stand as testament to the part it once played in maritime safety. 

Rather more challenging is the 4 and a half mile-long route between West Bay and Eype, classified as “moderate” with some steep climbs and eroded footpaths. However, this is the Jurassic Coast at its best, the sand cliffs paint a remarkable picture of changing sea levels over the past 200 million years, while brittle star fossils tell of a prehistoric marine habitat. 

No coastal walking holiday is complete without some great beaches, and the walk from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks encompasses some of the finest beaches on the south coast. The visitor centre at Hengistbury Head gives some fascinating insights into life in an ancient Iron Age settlement, while Sandbanks epitomises the modern era. In between, there is mile after mile of golden sand beaches with year-round appeal.

Image Credit: 1)  Kimmeridge Bay © Diana Jarvis

When it comes to long-distance trails, nothing can yet compete with the 630-mile South West Coast Path, which finishes at Poole Harbour in Dorset.  

Now the centrepiece of “The Salt Path”, a blockbuster film based on the best-selling book by Raynor Winn, the South West Coastal Path winds its way through Dorset, snaking around Devon and Cornwall with its starting point at Minehead in Somerset. 

Those in the know say it can be done in around seven to eight weeks, but the good news is that there are several other, shorter trails within, or starting in, Dorset.  

Visit Dorset have compiled their Top Ten walking gems, tackle all of them and you really will be walking in the footsteps of giants. 

Part of the Purbeck Way trail, the Corfe Castle to Ballard Down walk is just under 9 miles and takes in the dreamy castle and picture postcard village of Corfe Castle. A must for any visitor to Dorset, the route continues along the Purbeck Ridge to Ballard Down and the lovely Victorian seaside resort of Swanage.  

Follow in the footsteps of 18th Century Dorset smuggler Issac Gulliver along a 3 mile walk which starts at Worth Matravers near Swanage. The route takes in the stunning Purbeck limestone coast between Winspit and Seacombe, used for quarrying (and smuggling!). 

The highest point on the entire south coast is Golden Cap, 191 metres high and named after the greensand rock which can just be seen in the distance. Start at Highlands End Holiday Park for the 4 and a half mile circular walk, equipped with binoculars and camera. 

Alternatively explore some of the county’s impressive heathland. The Studland to Agglestone stretch is a 3-mile trail starting at Studland Middle Beach and cutting through Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve. Legend has it the Devil aimed the Agglestone Rock at Corfe Castle from the Isle of Wight but missed, it now stands as a solitary sentinel in the heathland. At your walk’s end, reward yourself with a swim at Studland’s long sandy beach and refuel at the café. 

Image Credits: 1) Portland Bill © Rod Edwards/Visit Britain | 2) Kimmeridge © Alex catt | 3) South West Coast Path © Millard Photography 

Sea air and a few hours walking always sharpens the appetite and in Dorset you’re never far from great, locally produced good food.  

If you’re taking in the majestic sandstone cliffs of West Bay and Golden Cap, stop off at the Watch House Café, an easy-going beachside café in the heart of West Bay. It offers extensive outdoor seating with stunning coastline views and is well known as the backdrop to the Broadchurch TV series.  

Hive Beach Café is well renowned and perfectly located right on the beach at Burton Bradstock. Serving up fresh, locally caught fish and seafood, again with stunning sea views, this time across Lyme Bay and Chesil Beach, It’s the ideal place for a hearty breakfast, a delicious lunch or homemade cakes with tea. 

Towards the eastern end of Dorset near Christchurch, you’ll find the excellent Noisy Lobster right on sandy Avon beach with idyllic views across Christchurch Bay and the Isle of Wight. Family-run, there’s an award-winning restaurant, takeaway, deli, shop and bakery focusing on locally sourced produce and sustainable seafood; lunch and dinner is served year-round as well as breakfast even in off-season months.  Grab a hot drink and pastry from the Coffee Hatch or splurge on oysters and bubbly from the The Lobster Hatch. 

Image Credits: 1) Golden Cap © Alex Catt | 2) Walkers near Durdle Door © Visit Dorset | 3) Durlston Country Park © Harbour Media