Best place to stay to walk the Dorset section of the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path in an iconic coastal hiking adventure that is on everyone’s bucket list now with the release of the film “The Salt Path”.
The whole trail goes from Minehead in Somerset to Studland in Dorset and is the UK’s longest National Trail. Completing it is equivalent to climbing Snowdon 48 times, Ben Nevis 26 times and Everest 4 times!
The Dorset stretch goes from Lyme Regis to Studland and is about 75 miles (120 km) long. It is our favourite section of the South West Coast path and features the famous West Bay cliffs, Durdle Door and Weymouth Bay.
But where is the best place to stay when you complete the Dorset section? Lots of people carry everything with them in a huge backpack as they complete the trail and camp at sites along the coast. However, we have a better way! By staying in Dorset’s County Town of Dorchester you are right in the centre of county. This means that;
- You don’t have to travel for long each day to you start and finish points because of Dorchester’s central location
- You only have to carry a day pack each day. No giant rucksacks with tents and all your other belongings in.
- You don’t have to change accommodation each night. One room to rest in every night so you can unpack and relax.
- Every evening you can enjoy the excellent food, drink, music and culture on offer in the historic and vibrant town.
- Dorchester is a public transport hub meaning that you will be able to travel to most of the day walking start and finish points by train or bus!
Image: The King’s Arms
We have created the perfect five-day Dorset South West Coast Path Walking Itinerary (5 Days) Overview for you. The itinerary has roughly 15 miles (24 km) walking each day with travel advice. Always check seasonal timetables and real time travel data before you set off though.
Day 1: Lyme Regis · West Bay Distance: ~14 miles (22 km)
Highlights: Charmouth cliffs, Golden Cap, Seatown, West Bay
Transport: To Start: Bus X51 from Dorchester South Station to Lyme Regis (via Bridport) Return: Bus X53 from West Bay to Dorchester (via Bridport) or taxi if late.
Image: The Cobb, Lyme Regis
Day 2: West Bay · Abbotsbury Distance: ~10 miles (16 km)
Highlights: Chesil Beach, Burton Bradstock, Abbotsbury Swannery
Transport: To Start: Bus X53 from Dorchester to West Bay Return: Local bus (limited) or taxi from Abbotsbury to Dorchester
Image: Cliffs at West Bay
Day 3: Abbotsbury · Weymouth Distance: ~13 miles (21 km)
Highlights: The Fleet Lagoon, Portland views, Nothe Fort
Transport: To Start: Taxi to Abbotsbury (due to limited buses) Return: Train from Weymouth to Dorchester South or Bus 10
Image: Fleet Lagoon
Day 4: Weymouth · Lulworth Cove Distance: ~11 miles (18 km)
Highlights: Osmington Mills, Ringstead Bay, Durdle Door
Transport: To Start: Train or Bus 10 to Weymouth Return: Bus X54 (Jurassic Coaster) from Lulworth Cove to Dorchester
Image: Durdle Door
Day 5: Lulworth Cove · Studland Distance: ~17 miles (27 km)
Highlights: Kimmeridge Bay, Chapmans Pool, Dancing Ledge, Swanage, Old Harry Rocks, Studland Bay
Transport: To Start: Bus X54 to Lulworth Cove Return: Bus 50 (Purbeck Breezer) from Studland to Swanage, then Bus 40 or train from Wareham to Dorchester
Image: Chapmans Pool
Day 6 - An extra day to explore Dorchester!
We would recommend tagging on an extra day at the beginning or end of your trip to explore the beautiful, historic town of Dorchester too.
Dorchester has two impressive hill forts Maiden Castle and Poundbury; the Roman Town House; award winning museums, fantastic Georgian Architecture in the picturesque town centre; Max Gate, the house designed and lived in by Thomas Hardy; HRH King Charles III’s urban extension at Poundbury with its open spaces and interesting shops and eateries; and the modern redevelopment of Brewery Square, the former brewery with its dancing fountains.
Dorchester, also known as Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge or the Roman town of Durnovaria, has some fantastic local restaurants and cafes that celebrate local growers and producers and a great mix of local independent shops and valued national retailers.
Image: Roman Town House
