South West Coast Path - Lyme Regis to Poole

Arrive in Lyme Regis

This section of the South West Coast Path starts in Lyme Regis which is a lovely old port with beautiful coloured houses. It’s a world heritage site famous for its fossils and geology. It is a 3 and a half journey from London to Lyme Regis and if you are arriving by public transport it involves one change in Axminster.

Lyme Regis to Bridport - 9.5m (15.2km)

Starting in Lyme Regis, the path heads inland skirting the remains of the largest coastal mudslide in Europe. Walking up past the Black Ven cliffs to Timber Hill provides some wonderful views back to Lyme Bay. You soon descend to Charmouth beach which is famous for its fossils, so take time to have a little look and see if you can find any! From here the path follows the cliffs along to Golden Cap which is the highest place on the South Coast. The path finally reaches West Bay where you head inland following the river Brit to the attractive market town of Bridport.

Bridport to Abbotsbury - 9.5m (15.2km)

Todays walk is a lot more varied from the day before. You leave the high cliff tops behind you as you head along the coast today. Burton Bradstock is a great resting spot with its old spinning mill house and thatched cottages. Keep your eyes peeled for the Peregrine Falcon - the world’s fastest bird soaring above you! Chesil beach follows with its 18 miles of pebbles, which is uniquely separated from the mainland by a lagoon. There a choice of 2 paths here, one following the beach and the other heading inland across the South Dorset Ridgeway and visiting Abbotsford Castle.

Abbotsbury to Weymouth - 14m (22.4km)

From Abbotsbury the path starts by heading uphill and inland to open country side with some fantastic views across to the Isle of Portland. Todays walk is bound for ‘The Fleet’ which is the largest inland saltwater lagoon in the UK. Protected since 1393, its one of the oldest nature reserves and teeming with wildlife this is a nature lovers dream. When you reach the waters edge the path follows the coast passing in and out of bays and hamlets on route to Ferry Bridge and then on to Weymouth for your overnight stay.

Weymouth to Lulworth - 14 m (22.4km)

If you have the time, an extra night in Weymouth is recommended which allows you to walk around the Isle of Portland a highly recommended extension. It’s a 13 mile circular route and offers some wonderful rugged walking. Weymouth is a lovely old seaside town with some great eating spots and you may even see some Punch and Judy shows on the beachfront. The path to Lulworth passes the iconic sight of Durdle Door which is a real highlight on the coast path. It is a sea archway which is over 200ft high and a real sight to be seen. Just past here you will enter Lulworth cove with its azure waters and chalk hillside where you head inland for your nights accommodation.

Lulworth to Kimmeridge - 7.5m (12km)

Today walk is one of the toughest sections of the entire walk, it follows a remote route through the firing range between Lulworth and Kimmeridge. You will need to plan ahead as the firing range is heavily restricted and only open on certain weekend days. The walk starts by crossing Fossil Forest - the largest Jurassic Forest in the World and then skirts the coastline with undulating cliff walking to Kimmeridge.

Kimmeridge to Swanage - 13m (20.8km)

The walk from Kimmeridge starts by passing the Purbeck Marine Nature Reserve which has a wonderful rock pool aquarium. It continues along the cliffs past Clave Tower and reaches St Albans Head with its impressive Norman Castle. Worth Matravers is a little village just off the coast path and the pub there is a great stop en-route with its fossil museum attached. You pass Durlston Country Park on your way to Swanage, a pleasant Victorian port and fishing village.

Swanage to Poole - 7.5m (12km)

The final stage of the walk to Poole provides wonderful views over the dramatic chalk stacks of Old Harry before descending to the village of Studland with its nature reserve where many rare snakes and sand lizards live. The last section to Poole involves a ferry trip from South Haven Point to Poole where your last overnight stay will be.

Walking Direction

Our standard itinerary starts in Lyme Regis and finishes in Poole, although we can reverse this on request.

Firing Range at Lulworth 

This section of the South West Coast Path passes a firing range in Lulworth which is only open on certain days of the week, please check with us before booking that the range will be open. You can call on 01929 404819 to get regular updates.

Additional Nights

We strongly recommend adding an extra night in Weymouth so you can add on the extension to walk around the Isle of Portland.  Additional nights can be added at any point on the walk if you would like to spend more time in a certian place.

Fewer Nights

If you wish to reduce the number of nights we can tailor your trip to suit.

Tailor Made Holidays

We are always more than happy to tailor our standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what you would like and we will be happy to arrange it for you.

Grade

This holiday is graded moderate.  Although you follow the coast quite closely it includes plenty of up and down and some steep sections.

Navigation

The route is well way marked and easy to follow. We supply a detailed map and guidebook so you shouldn’t have any problem finding your way.

Accommodation

You will stay in hand picked B&B’s, guesthouses and small hotels, normally either 3 or 4 star.

We always book rooms with ensuite bathrooms, unless nothing else is available, in which case we will let you know in advance.  We always try and book your accommodation as close as possible to the line of the trail.  Occasionally a short transfer may be required and this is always included in the price of your holiday.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you, subject to availability. There is a single room supplement payable.

Solo Walkers

Solo walkers are welcome, but there is a solo walker supplement to cover the additional cost of luggage transfer.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Most of your accommodations will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs or restaurants.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Dogs

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.

Getting to Lyme Regis

By Air - Exeter International Airport is the closest airport and is served by Flybe and Easyjet from UK Airports.

By Rail/Bus - Trains run from London Waterloo to Axminster (2hrs 45mins) and then you change and take the bus to Lyme Regis (20mins).

By Car - Lyme Regis is a 3 and a half hour drive form London, there isare some long stay car parks here but can often be very busy in the summer months, so we always advise public transport is the best option.

Getting from Poole

By Air - Bournemouth International Airport is the closest airport and is served by Easyjet from UK Airports. The closest international airports are Bristol and London.

By Rail/Bus - You can reach London from Poole by a direct train service which takes approx. 2hrs 20 mins.

By Car - Driving to London from Poole takes approx. 2hrs 20 mins, there is limited parking in Poole so we always recommend public transport. If you need to return to Lyme Regis from Poole then the best way is to catch the train to Dorchester (20mins) and then the bus to Lyme Regis (1hr 30 mins) To help plan your travel please visit the traveline website.

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more advice from our team of Destination Specialists.

How fit do I need to be?

Although you are following the coast the ascents and descents are often steep and you will need strong knees and a good level of hill fitness. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness, regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 3 months prior to your walk is recommended. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.

Do I need to be able to Navigate?

Yes, but it's really easy. The path is well waymarked throughout and we supply a detailed map and guidebook so you shouldn't have any problem following the trail. 

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the South West Coast path is extremely popular over the summer months. Even if you are booking last minute we will always try and accommodate your plans, so please do give us a shout.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from our website downloads page and we will send you a list as part of your info pack.

When is the best time of year?

Our favourite times are April, May and June when the spring flowers are out and September and October when the summer holiday makers have gone home.

Am I able to take my dog?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

You can use public transport, local taxis or our baggage van may be able to move you to the next overnight stop. Full details are included in your info pack.

This holiday is available March to October.  You can start your holiday on any date in the season. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.  Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every walking holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.