South West Coast Path: Lyme Regis to Poole | Stage 10

This section of the South West Coast Path starts in Lyme Regis which is a lovely old port with beautiful coloured houses.

The path heads inland and skirts 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 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.

Ascent: +715m (+2345ft) / Descent: -715m (-2345ft)

Leave 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 above you - the world’s fastest bird.

Chesil Beach follows with its 18 miles of pebbles, which is uniquely separated from the mainland by a lagoon. There is a choice of 2 paths here, one following the beach and the other heading inland across the South Dorset Ridgeway and visiting Abbotsford Castle.

Ascent: +165m (+545ft) / Descent: -135m (-445ft)

From Abbotsbury, the path starts by heading uphill and inland to open countryside with some fantastic views across to the Isle of Portland. Today's walk is bound for ‘The Fleet’ which is the largest inland saltwater lagoon in the UK. Protected since 1393, it is one of the oldest nature reserves and teeming with wildlife this is a nature lovers' dream.

When you reach the water's edge the path follows the coast passing in and out of bays and hamlets en route to Ferry Bridge and then to Weymouth for your overnight stay.

Ascent: +220m (+720ft) / Descent: -260m (-855ft)

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 to your overnight accommodation.

Ascent: +560m (+1840ft) / Descent: -535m (-1755ft)

Today’s walk 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. If you happen to be walking on a day the Lulworth firing ranges are live, we offer a lovely alternative walk via Corfe Castle.

Ascent: +570m (+1870ft) / Descent: -565m (-1855ft)

Due to a lack of accommodation in Kimmeridge, you will likely be overnighting in Swanage with a return transfer back to Kimmeridge the following morning.

Pass by the Purbeck Marine Nature Reserve, which has a wonderful rock pool aquarium. It continues along the cliffs past Clavell Tower and reaches St Aldhelm's Head with its impressive Norman Castle. With St. Aldhelm's Head behind you, move ahead along the cliffs past Dancing Ledge to a lighthouse and on to Durlston Country Park, a national nature reserve. From here, walk around Durlston Head and into Swanage, a pleasant Victorian port and fishing village.

Ascent: +985m (+3230ft) / Descent: -975m (-3200ft)

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.

Ascent: +295m (+965ft) / Descent: -300m (-985ft)