Three unmissable South West Coast Path walks from Blackbird Cottage
The South West Coast Path is the longest waymarked footpath in England, covering 630 miles of spectacular clifftop walking from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. For those looking for South West Coast Path walks near Beaminster, the nearby West Dorset stretch between West Bexington and Charmouth offers some of the most breathtaking scenery along the entire trail, with dramatic cliffs, coastal views and a landscape widely regarded as one of the finest sections of the route.
Walk 1 West Bexington to West Bay
Distance: Approx. 7 miles one way (or section walks available)
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated time: 3.5‚ 4.5 hours
OS Map: Explorer OL15 Purbeck & South Dorset
Starting point: West Bexington car park, DT2 9DG
Finishing point: West Bay Road Car Park, DT6 4EW
Pub / Café stop: Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock Bridport Arms, West Bay
This walk takes you along one of the most varied and dramatic stretches of the Jurassic Coast from the quiet shingle of West Bexington, through the spectacular golden sandstone cliffs of Burton Bradstock and into the famous harbour town of West Bay.
From the car park at West Bexington, the path initially follows the back of Chesil Beach a long, narrow shingle ridge that stretches 18 miles along the Dorset coast before climbing steeply as you approach Burton Beach. This first climb is the hardest of the walk, but the views back over Chesil Beach and Portland Bill to the east are outstanding compensation.
Beyond the climb, the path descends to Burton Freshwater before a final ascent to the clifftops above West Bay. The golden sandstone cliffs here amber coloured, dramatic and dramatically eroded are some of the most photographed on the entire Jurassic Coast and familiar to anyone who has watched the TV series Broadchurch, which was filmed extensively around West Bay.
The descent into West Bay is gradual and rewarding and the harbour town itself is a lovely place to finish, with several good cafés and pubs along the waterfront.
The highlight
The stretch of clifftop path between Burton Bradstock and West Bay is the finest section of this walk dramatic amber cliffs dropping sheer to the sea, with wide views along Lyme Bay in both directions. On a clear day the views stretch from Portland Bill in the east to Golden Cap in the west ‚ and you can see why this coastline was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Getting there
Drive south from Beaminster toward Bridport and follow signs for Burton Bradstock and West Bexington (postcode DT2 9DG). The car park at West Bexington has good facilities including toilets.
Pub / café stop
The Hive Beach Café at Burton Bradstock sits almost on the beach midway through the walk and is one of the finest beach cafés on the Jurassic Coast celebrated for its local seafood, brilliant coffee and spectacular setting. It is dog-friendly and very welcoming to walkers. A perfect mid-walk stop.
At the end of the walk in West Bay, the Bridport Arms sits right on the harbour a traditional Palmers Brewery pub with outdoor seating overlooking the water. Dog-friendly and exactly right after a long coastal walk.
Practical notes
This is a one-way walk you will need to arrange transport back to West Bexington, either by car shuttle or the X53 Jurassic Coaster bus which runs along the coast and connects West Bay with Burton Bradstock and Abbotsbury.
Walk 2 West Bay to Seatown via Thorncombe Beacon
Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles one way (7.4 miles circular)
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous steep climbs
Estimated time: 2.5‚ 3.5 hours one way 4‚5 hours circular
OS Map: Explorer OL15 Purbeck & South Dorset / Explorer 116 Lyme Regis & Bridport
Starting point: West Bay Road Car Park, DT6 4EW
Finishing point: Seatown car park, DT6 6JU (or circular back to West Bay)
Pub / Café stop: The Anchor Inn, Seatown
This is one of the most exhilarating short coastal walks in West Dorset and one of the most physically demanding. The stretch between West Bay and Seatown takes in the spectacular ascent of East Cliff and the dramatic heights of Thorncombe Beacon, with views that reward every step of the climb.
From the car park at West Bay, follow the South West Coast Path east along the seafront before the path begins its steep climb up East Cliff. Note: at the time of writing, part of the route between West Bay and Eype is subject to a temporary diversion due to landslips always check southwestcoastpath.org.uk for the latest updates before setting out.
Once above the cliffs, the path opens up across spectacular open clifftop walking wide skies, sweeping sea views and the extraordinary golden and rust-coloured cliffs of the Jurassic Coast stretching away in both directions. Thorncombe Beacon rises to 162 metres above the sea and the views from the top are among the finest on the entire south coast.
The descent to Seatown is steep and exhilarating and the little cove that comes into view as you drop down, with The Anchor Inn sitting almost on the beach and Golden Cap rising dramatically behind it, is one of the most beautiful walking arrivals in Dorset.
The highlight
The view from the top of Thorncombe Beacon is the moment this walk becomes unforgettable. Looking west, Golden Cap dominates the horizon. Looking east, the amber cliffs of West Bay give way to the sweep of Chesil Beach and the distant Isle of Portland. Below, Seatown nestles in its tiny cove and the walk down to it feels like a reward entirely proportional to the effort of getting up.
Getting there
Start at West Bay Road Car Park, West Bay (postcode DT6 4EW). For the circular route, return along the inland path via Chideock. For a one-way walk, park at Seatown (DT6 6JU, £5 all day) and take the X53 Jurassic Coaster bus to West Bay.
Pub / café stop
The Anchor Inn at Seatown is one of the most perfectly situated pubs in Dorset sitting almost on the beach at the foot of Golden Cap, with outdoor seating looking directly out to sea. A Palmers Brewery pub, it serves excellent food, local ales and a very warm welcome to walkers and dogs alike. Booking is strongly recommended for lunch, especially in summer and at weekends.
Practical notes
The climbs on this walk are serious Thorncombe Beacon involves a sustained steep ascent and the descent to Seatown is equally steep. Proper walking boots are essential. This is not a walk for flip-flops or a casual stroll but the views are proportionally extraordinary.
Walk 3 Golden Cap from Seatown and on to Charmouth
Distance: 4.1 miles circular from Seatown or 8 miles one way Seatown to Charmouth
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous very steep ascent of Golden Cap
Estimated time: 2.5 hours circular 4‚5 hours one way to Charmouth
OS Map: Explorer 116 Lyme Regis & Bridport
Starting point: Seatown car park, DT6 6JU (£5 all day)
Finishing point: Seatown (circular) or Charmouth (one way)
Pub / Café stop: The Anchor Inn, Seatown The Beach Shop Café, Charmouth
Golden Cap is the highest point on the entire south coast of Great Britain 191 metres of Greensand capping the ancient cliff, rising above Seatown in the most dramatic fashion imaginable. Climbing it is one of the great walking experiences of the Jurassic Coast. And from the top, on a clear day, the views are simply extraordinary.
From the Seatown car park, cross the beach and pick up the South West Coast Path heading west. The path climbs immediately and steeply through open heathland on the seaward side this is not a gentle ascent. Take your time, stop at the wooden bench part way up to look back over Seatown, and keep going.
The summit of Golden Cap is marked by a stone waymarker and a National Trust topograph and the view from the top rewards every breath of the climb. To the west, the coast curves away toward Charmouth and Lyme Regis. To the east, Seatown, Thorncombe Beacon and the cliffs of West Bay. To the north, the green rolling farmland of West Dorset stretching away to the hills above Beaminster. On a clear day, Start Point in Devon is visible to the west.
The circular route from Seatown descends from Golden Cap via the inland path through the ancient ruins of St Gabriel’s Chapel a beautifully atmospheric medieval ruin in a wooded combe before looping back to Seatown through the National Trust estate.
For the one-way walk to Charmouth, the path continues west from Golden Cap, descending toward the sea before climbing again over the cliffs and eventually descending into the charming village of Charmouth one of the finest fossil hunting beaches on the Jurassic Coast.
The highlight
The view from the summit of Golden Cap is the single finest viewpoint on the entire Dorset section of the South West Coast Path. Standing at 191 metres on a clear day, with the full sweep of the Jurassic Coast visible in both directions and the green hills of West Dorset behind you, it is one of those moments that makes you feel very grateful to be exactly where you are.
The ruins of St Gabriel’s Chapel on the circular descent are equally special a hidden, deeply atmospheric medieval ruin in a wooded combe that most walkers on the main path never discover. If you take the circular route, don’t miss it.
Getting there
Park at Seatown car park (DT6 6JU, £5 per car, card and cash accepted). This is the only parking option there is no road parking nearby. For the one-way walk to Charmouth, arrange a car shuttle or use the X53 Jurassic Coaster bus to return to Seatown.
Pub / café stop
The Anchor Inn at Seatown is the natural start and finish point for both walks and its position right on the beach, with Golden Cap rising dramatically behind it, is one of the great pub settings in England. For the one-way walk to Charmouth, the Beach Shop and Café at Charmouth is dog-friendly, excellent for a post-walk coffee and has a wonderful fossil display to browse while you recover.
Practical notes
The ascent of Golden Cap is very steep and requires proper footwear. The path is well marked throughout the National Trust estate but can be muddy after rain this is Dorset. Dogs are welcome on the circular route but should be kept on leads near the cliff edges. The descent from Golden Cap to St Gabriel’s Chapel involves steps which cannot be avoided.
Your base for South West Coast Path walking
From Blackbird Cottage in the heart of Beaminster, all three of these walks are within a 30 minute drive. The cottage sits in the middle of some of the finest walking country in England and at the end of every Jurassic Coast day, it is exactly what a proper walking base should be.
Hot shower. Dreamy beds with feather and down duvets. The wood-burning stove crackling in the sitting room. An award-winning restaurant a short walk from the front door.
And the outdoor tap for the boots. Because West Dorset has a way of finding its way onto everyone.
Check availability at the link below and come and walk some of the finest coastline in England.