PJS-Adventures | Jurassic Coast Trek

Jurassic Coast Trek
United Kingdom

Adventure Type:

Trek

Technical Equipment Needed:

Fitness Level Required:

Good

Effort Level:

Moderate

Specialist Insurance Required:

Best Months To Go:

April - October

Grading:

see our Grading Guide HERE

Accommodation:

Hotel

Location Map:

Check HERE

Altitude in Meters:

N/A

Food Choices Available:

Kosher, Veggie, Vegan, Nut Free, Lactose Free, Halal

Information Pack:

Download HERE

Walking the Jurassic Coast is like stepping into a storybook where every page reveals a new landscape, a new color, and a new layer of history.

This isn’t just a hike—it’s a journey through time, where the cliffs themselves become storytellers, whispering of deserts, ancient seas, and creatures that once swam in waters long gone. From the first steps on the red sandstone cliffs near Exmouth, you know you’re in for something special.

The early stages ease you in gently, following estuaries and rolling cliff paths where seabirds swoop overhead and the sea is never far from view. These first days feel like an introduction, a chance to get into the rhythm of walking and to soak up the salty air. Villages appear along the way, with cozy pubs and warm welcomes that remind you how much life still thrives along this historic stretch of coast.

As you move deeper into the trek, the coastline begins to grow more dramatic. The paths dip and climb, sometimes demanding a bit of grit, but always rewarding with views that stop you in your tracks. Fossil-rich beaches around Charmouth and Lyme Regis add a sense of discovery—you might even find an ammonite at your feet, a tangible reminder that you’re walking across 185 million years of Earth’s story.

By the middle of the journey, you find yourself surrounded by landscapes that feel almost unreal. Lulworth Cove, with its perfect circle of turquoise water, looks like it’s been painted by nature herself. Just around the headland, Durdle Door rises from the waves in its iconic arch, a sight that never fails to stir awe no matter how many times you’ve seen it in photos. Seeing it in person, after days on the trail, feels like a reward only the trek can truly deliver.

The further east you go, the wilder it feels. The Isle of Portland has an edge-of-the-world atmosphere, all rugged cliffs and windswept plateaus. Then comes Chesil Beach—a massive sweep of shingle that stretches to the horizon, shifting and reshaping with each tide. Walking alongside it, you can’t help but feel small in the best possible way, humbled by the scale of nature at work.

Closer to Swanage, the coast softens a little but remains no less spectacular. Chalk cliffs rise high above the water, gleaming in the sunlight as the sea sparkles below. The path here feels alive with seabirds and wildflowers, a reminder that this is not just a museum of geology but a living, breathing coastline. There’s a sense of anticipation in the air—you know the finale is close, and every step builds excitement.

And then it comes: Old Harry Rocks. Towering chalk stacks, gleaming white against the deep blue sea, standing like sentinels at the end of the trail. Arriving here after eight days of walking feels nothing short of triumphant. The journey has been long and varied—sometimes challenging, sometimes gentle, always unforgettable—and this view is the perfect closing chapter.

Looking back, it’s not just the landscapes that stay with you, but the moments in between. The crunch of pebbles underfoot, the taste of sea salt in the air, the laughter shared over a pint at the end of the day. An eight-day trek along the Jurassic Coast isn’t only about covering miles; it’s about slowing down, reconnecting with the natural world, and experiencing England’s coast in a way few ever do. It’s a walk through time, but it also feels like a walk into yourself.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrive Exmouth, trek to Budleigh Salterton

A gentle coastal warm-up with red sandstone cliffs and estuary views.

Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles. Walking time: 2–3 hours

Day 2 – Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth

Rolling cliffs and the River Otter estuary before reaching the Regency town of Sidmouth.

Distance: ~15 km / 9 miles. Walking time: 4–5 hours

Day 3 – Sidmouth to Beer

Steeper ascents over Salcombe Hill and coastal headlands with sweeping views.

Distance: ~13 km / 8 miles. Walking time: 4–5 hours

Day 4 – Beer to Lyme Regis

Wild “undercliff” terrain, a unique jungle-like stretch, finishing in Lyme Regis, famous for fossils.

Distance: ~14 km / 9 miles. Walking time: 4–5 hours

Day 5 – Lyme Regis to Abbotsbury

A long day along Chesil Beach and quiet countryside paths with rewarding coastal panoramas.

Distance: ~27 km / 17 miles. Walking time: 7–8 hours

Day 6 – Abbotsbury to Lulworth Cove

Chalk cliffs and open downs lead toward the spectacular natural amphitheater of Lulworth Cove.

Distance: ~24 km / 15 miles. Walking time: 7–8 hours

Day 7 – Lulworth Cove to Swanage

A dramatic section including the famous Durdle Door, rolling chalk headlands, and Purbeck views.

Distance: ~20 km / 12 miles. Walking time: 6–7 hours

Day 8 – Swanage to Studland (via Old Harry Rocks)

A fitting finale with gleaming chalk cliffs and the iconic Old Harry Rocks before descending into Studland.

Distance: ~11 km / 7 miles. Walking time: 3–4 hours

Day 9 - Departure

Included:

Local experienced Guides & Tour Leader
Accommodation each night – comfortable inns, B&Bs, boutique hotels, or pre-booked campsites (depending on style of trip).
Daily breakfast – often included with accommodation; sometimes lunch packs as well.
Luggage transfers – bags moved between accommodations so trekkers only carry a daypack.
Local transport where needed – e.g., transfers to/from trailheads or to skip impassable sections.
Emergency support during the trek.

Excluded:

International flights
Insurance
Staff Tips
Any additional costs arising from unforeseen delays (weather, natural calamities, health issues, etc.)
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

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Jurassic Coast Trek United Kingdom