South West Coast Path - Lyme Regis to Poole Map and Itinerary

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.

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