Travel & Places

A Coastal Walk Through Dorset’s Jurassic Cliffs

How the ancient landscape tells stories of time — and offers breathtaking views.

Published on 2025-09-29 08:19 by By Gavin Lewis

The Jurassic Coast, stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, is one of the UK’s most dramatic walking destinations. With its craggy cliffs, hidden coves, and fossil-laden trails, the area offers a walk through both time and terrain.

A popular starting point is the seaside town of West Bay. Known for its golden cliffs and fish shacks, it sets the tone for a journey that blends natural wonder with coastal charm. From here, the South West Coast Path beckons walkers eastward toward Seatown and beyond.

The route reveals constant shifts in geology — from sandstone to clay to chalk — each layer telling a story that spans millions of years. Signage along the trail highlights key fossil zones, and it’s not uncommon to spot amateur collectors combing the beaches for ancient treasures.

While the cliffs offer jaw-dropping views, walkers are advised to stay clear of the edges due to erosion. Still, the vistas are generous from safer vantage points, especially around Golden Cap, the highest cliff on England’s south coast. On clear days, the panoramic sweep extends across Lyme Bay.

Local wildlife adds to the sense of discovery. Kestrels hover in the updrafts, and wildflowers bloom along the paths in spring and early summer. In quieter months, the area feels almost otherworldly — a raw, wind-shaped stretch of land where sea and stone meet in slow conversation.

Villages like Eype and Charmouth provide ideal stopping points. Each has a character of its own — a friendly pub, a fossil shop, a weathered church — and they welcome walkers with the kind of unhurried hospitality that defines this region.

For those seeking a full-day trek, the section from West Bay to Lyme Regis covers a satisfying variety of terrain. It’s not overly demanding but still offers enough climb and descent to earn a hearty lunch. Many walkers time their journey to catch the late afternoon light as it softens the cliffs.

Dorset locals often remark that even regular walkers find something new with each return. 'The cliffs shift, the paths change, and the sea never stays the same,' one local ranger noted. 'It’s a landscape that never stops teaching you something.'

Conservation efforts are evident throughout the route. New wayfinding signs and regular maintenance reflect a balance between preserving the coast and keeping it accessible. Visitors are encouraged to follow the 'leave no trace' principle and respect roped-off areas that protect habitats and reduce erosion.

Whether you come for the fossils, the sea breeze, or the sheer scale of geological drama, walking Dorset’s Jurassic cliffs is a quintessential English experience — one that connects you to both ancient earth and present-day serenity.