8 Days & 7 Nights

4.6

South West Coast Path: Lyme Regis to Poole | Stage 10 | 8 Days

Walk the Jurassic Coast from Lyme Regis To Poole.
Hunting for fossils on Charmouth Beach.
Golden Cap, the highest point between Lands End and Poole.
The birdlife at the Fleet, the UK's largest inland saltwater lagoon.
Durdle Door, a dramatic sea archway.

Walk this unique stretch of the South West Coast Path from Lyme Regis to Poole. Offering spectacular walking, this section takes you along the Jurassic Coast which gained World Heritage Status in 2001. It has a fascinating history dating back millions of years and you can search for traces of prehistoric animals and marvel at the rich beauty that encompasses this area of the Dorset coast. Turquoise bays, lagoons teeming with wildlife, dramatic rock formations and pretty villages are some of the highlights. Search for fossils at Charmouth beach and gaze at the formation of ‘The Fleet’, an inland calm and azure saltwater lagoon.

From £939.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Lyme Regis and overnight

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

Overnight Lyme Regis

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

FRONT-OF-the-mariners-hotel-lyme-regis-dorset

Mariners Hotel | Hotel

Featuring sea views, The Mariners Hotel is nestled in the heart of Lyme Regis. Dating back to the 17^th century, this former coaching inn has a large private garden and rooms with free WiFi access.

Clovelly Guest House | Guest House

Clovelly is a stylish, comfortable Guest House in the centre of Lyme Regis, Dorset. They offer top quality mattresses, clean crisp bed linen and fresh white towels. Each room has a TV\DVD player, tea\coffee making facilities and private en-suite shower room. You will have access to a large collection of films, books and games.

The Royal Lion | Hotel

The Royal Lion is a 400 year old former coaching inn and is just 150 metres from the beach. Some rooms have sea views and balconies. All rooms have a TV with Freeview, tea/coffee making facilities and modern bathroom and rooms feature classic décor. The indoor pool is next to the spa bath and sauna. The games room has full-size snooker, pool and table tennis tables. The Royal Lion also has 2 guest lounges and offers free Wi-Fi.

Day 2 Lyme Regis to Bridport 12.5 miles / 19.5 km

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)

Overnight Bridport

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Tiger Inn | Country Inn

The Tiger Inn is a free house in the town centre of Bridport. Offering food, drink and accommodation in a grade two listed building, only one and a half miles from West Bay beach. Their new boutique guest rooms have king sized beds, flat screen TV, free WiFi and en suite bathrooms, WiFi, a TV, clock radio, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities. The accommodation has recently been extensively refurbished and is clean, bright and airy with interesting and beautiful views over the town and surrounding countryside. They have two pretty courtyard gardens that are sheltered and heated where you can relax with a drink.

Haddon House Hotel | Hotel

Haddon House is a regency style, country house hotel and is the areas only three star Visit England Hotel. The hotel is set in over an acre of grounds and is situated just 300 yards from the picturesque harbour, Jurassic coastline and 18 hole golf course at West Bay.

The Bull Hotel | Hotel

The Bull Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel, situated in the heart of Bridport. The Bull has 19 individually furnished rooms. There are two restaurants in the hotel and a courtyard garden for the warm summer evenings.

Day 3 Bridport to Abbotsbury 11 miles / 18 km

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)

Overnight Abbotsbury

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ilchester Arms Hotel | Hotel

With on-site parking, 8 en suite bedrooms and beautiful views from the garden up to St Catherine’s chapel, The Ilchester Arms is the perfect destination to enjoy precious time with friends and family. All rooms offer either double or single beds, en-suite bathrooms, complimentary toiletries and tea making facilities. Some bedrooms also have tv’s.

Swan Lodge | Bed and breakfast

The Swan Lodge is a warm and friendly Bed and Breakfast establishment set on the East side of Abbotsbury opposite the Swan Inn.

Day 4 Abbotsbury to Weymouth 15 miles / 24.5 km

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)

Overnight Weymouth

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Redcliff | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

John and Sue welcome you to The Redcliff, a charming building set among a row of Victorian houses in a quiet cul de sac and only a few paces from the beach. The building was built in 1827 and they have kept the character of the home, including its creaks and groans and the narrow stairs to all 3 floors. The Redcliff has 12 en-suite rooms, 6 of which have stunning sea views across Weymouth bay.

Cunard Guest House | Guest House

The Cunard has seven comfortable rooms, all rooms have their own en-suite shower room, and are all fresh, clean and modern. The owners pride themselves on their high standards of cleanliness and friendliness. They are situated in a prime position, just off the main road and are just steps from Weymouth’s beautiful and acclaimed sandy beach and coastline. They are close to the town centre and within walking distance of all local amenities.

Day 5 Weymouth to Lulworth 11 miles / 18 km

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)

Overnight Lulworth

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Lulworth Cove Inn | Inn

Lulworth Cove Inn is situated on the doorstep of Lulworth Cove, which has stunning coastal views. All rooms are comfortable, have en-suite facilities, tea & coffee making facilities, tv’s and great views along the coast.

The Castle Inn | Inn

Reflecting the Castle Inn’s stunning coastal location, the plush furnishings and bed linen ensure a great night’s rest, with sleek en-suite bathrooms topping off the laid-back luxury feel.

Little extras like free parking, WiFi and a selection of teas and coffee in your room make your stay easy and worry-free.

The Countryman Inn | Inn

The Countryman Inn is a family-run Inn and bed and breakfast. All rooms are en suite with a TV, an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. The bars have cosy open fires and a rustic atmosphere and good home-cooked food is served. The Inn is proud to use suppliers from Dorset. The food sourced is fresh to your plate from pan fried sea bass to roasted ribs of beef, the vegetables garnishing your plate and the desserts served, all are as local as possible.

Day 6 Lulworth to Swanage 21 miles / 34 km

Today’s journey is one of the toughest sections of the entire walk. It follows a remote route through the Lulworth firing ranges (if you happen to be walking on a day the Lulworth firing ranges are live, we offer an alternative walk via Corfe Castle). Start by crossing Fossil Forest - the largest Jurassic forest in the world and then skirt the coastline with undulating cliff walking to Kimmeridge. From Kimmeridge, you will 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: +1400m (+4595ft) / Descent: -1445m (-4740ft)

Overnight Swanage

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Pines Hotel | Hotel

The Pines Hotel enjoys a magnificent view over Swanage Bay, most of the comfortable, well-appointed bedrooms have their own sea facing balcony. All have private en-suite facilities, colour television, telephone and radio. The Head Chef is proud of his excellent reputation. His “raison d’être” is to delight guests with a variety of splendid menus. He uses only the finest fresh produce and makes full use of local specialities. The Restaurant is personally supervised by an experienced Manager who ensures that you will receive the friendly, attentive service necessary to enjoy your meal – complimented by a wide choice of wines from the cellar.

Glenlee Guest House | Guest House

Glenlee is an attractive 1930s detached building set in a tranquil location on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, opposite putting greens, and is less than a five-minute walk from the beach. Rooms are decorated to a high standard and are all en suite with Egyptian cotton bedding, fresh flowers, fast free Wi-Fi, high-def smart TV (offering catch-up services), hot drinks facilities and high quality toiletries. The town centre is a ten-minute stroll along the promenade.

The Limes | Bed and breakfast

The Limes is an informal, comfortable and well-appointed B&B and theyare pleased to welcome families, groups and pets. Full of character and within a two-minute walk to Swanage town centre, the beach, clifftop walks and all that Purbeck has to offer are within easy reach.

Day 7 Swanage to Poole 7.5 miles / 11.5 km

The final part 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)

Overnight Poole

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Merchant House | Bed and breakfast

This lovely Georgian house has been beautifully transformed into a stylish boutique bed and breakfast. It has elegant rooms all en-suite, lcd tv, coffee/tea facilities, choice of breakfast at The Merchant House or Oriels restaurant. It has parking facilities very close by, with superb restaurants, wine bars, historical pubs and shopping, all walking distance from The Merchant House.

Acorns Guesthouse | Guest House

Acorns is a well established, quality guesthouse, offering a relaxed and friendly service to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one. It is centrally located only 5 minutes drive to Poole Town Centre.

Day 8 Onward travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 14kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 14kg is equivalent to 7 bottles of champagne. That’s a lot of bubbles!. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnight accommodations in guest houses, inn's, B&B's and small hotels
Breakfasts
Door to door baggage transfer
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure navigation App
Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online My Account

Excluded

Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Travel Insurance
Transport should you need to skip a stage
Travel to Lyme Regis and from Poole

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the walk

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/ descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

IMPORTANT - Check Firing Range at Lulworth timetables before booking!

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 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lulworth-firing-notice or with us before booking that the range will be open. You can call on 01929 404819 to get regular updates.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage? Will the firing range at Lulworth effect my tour? What are my options if the path at the Lulworth firing ranges are closed? How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be? Do I need to be able to Navigate? How do the baggage transfers work? Are there upgrade options available? What personal equipment do I need? Am I able to take my dog?

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Walking the South West Coast Path

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