Seatown to Abbotsbury - Walk - South West Coast Path

12.4 miles (19.9 km)

Seatown Abbotsbury

Moderate - Moderate

A walk along a spectacularly dramatic section of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site awaits as you set off from the little village of Seatown. The Coast Path begins with some short, steep climbs before easing as it becomes more level beyond Burton Bradstock.
After resting to enjoy the magnificent views and keeping a look out for peregrines from Burton Cliff, continue as the Path drops to pick up the spectacular, long pebbly sweep of Chesil Beach. It is no wonder that this truly breathtaking place is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and it is especially beautiful in the spring and summer months when there are many colourful flowers to enjoy.
The hundreds of mute swans of Abbotsbury Swannery make for an extraordinary sight at the end of your day and there is a small selection of welcome refreshments in the fascinating, historic village of Abbotsbury.

West Bay to Burton Bradstock - Feb 2024 - Due to a landslip the Coast Path between West Bay to Burton Bradstock is diverted. Please follow the diversion route signed on site. More details.

Highlights

Walking along part of the Monarch’s Way which is based on the escape route taken by Charles II after the battle of Worcester in 1651.
Climbing to the top of Thornecombe Beacon to be rewarded with breathtaking views.
Looking back to the impressive yellow sandstone of the Golden Cap from Eype Mouth. At 626 ft (191 metres) above sea level, the Golden Cap is the highest point on the South coast of England.
The immense sandstone cliffs of West Bay.
Chesil Beach backed by The Fleet, which is the largest tidal lagoon in Britain. This extraordinary natural ridge of pebbles extends for over 17 miles from West Bay to Portland and is thought to be between 4000 and 7000 years old. Many ships have been lost along this stretch of coast, which was renamed Dead Man’s Cove by Thomas Hardy who was born in Dorset.
The wildlife of Burton Cliff. There are many beautiful flowers along these cliffs, enjoyed by butterflies and birds. You may even see dolphins from here.
The pretty village of Burton Bradstock: the church of St. Mary’s is a fine example of 14th to 15th century architecture and contrasts quite dramatically with the plain style of the 1825 Wesleyan Methodist chapel nearby. The West Country’s first 'flax swingling mill' was built here in 1803 establishing the village as a centre for the flax industry.
Bind Barrow: a Bronze Age burial mound and the site of a Second World War pillbox.
Cogden Beach and the reed beds and maritime flowers of Burton Mere.
West Bexington Nature Reserve: the scrub and reed beds are visited by many varieties of birds, including Cetti's warblers, corn buntings, grasshopper warblers, snipe and water rails.
Enjoying a cream tea in the historic village of Abbotsbury. There is much to see here, including taking a walk round the Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens, browsing the art and craft galleries, exploring the great Tithe Barn and ruins of the Abbey and immersing yourself in the incredibly rich history of this area.

Shorter option

Stop at West Bay (3 miles, 4.9 km).

Longer option

We suggest you end the walk at Abbotsbury to avoid having to go too far inland for accommodation further on.

Public transport

The nearest mainline train station in the cathedral city of Exeter. After a 10 minute walk or bus ride into the city centre, you can then catch one of the regular buses to Chideock, which is just inland from Seatown. It then continues on to West Bay, Burton Bradstock and Abbotsbury. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the train station and bus stop symbols, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.