Walk - Lulworth Cove to Worth Matravers

Severe to moderate.

This isolated stretch of the South West Coast Path offers some spectacular views, but be prepared for some difficult walking right from the beginning. The Path roller-coasters along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, rewarding walkers with staggering views of sweeping bays, folded cliffs and richly coloured limestone-loving wildflowers and butterflies.

The path across the Lulworth Ranges is one of the highlights of the Jurassic Coast, but can only be used when the range is not in use. To avoid missing out on this it is recommended you plan your walk to get here when the ranges are open – most weekends and holidays (see here for details). As live ammunition is used, you must not stray off the paths which are clearly marked by yellow posts, and do not pick up any metal objects lying on the ground.

If firing is taking place, red flags are flown and the gates are locked. The alternatives are either a 13 mile detour around the ranges (partly on roads) or a more attractive option is to catch a bus (see Traveline) from West Lulworth to Corfe Castle and then walk along the ridge (which has great views) to the road near Great Wood and then descend down to rejoin the Coast Path at Kimmeridge. Details of the Corfe Castle to Kimmeridge walk can be found here.

After resting and keeping a look out for fossils on the beach of Kimmeridge Bay, continue carefully along the Kimmeridge Ledges and prepare for more strenuous walking ahead. The Path continues its roller coaster journey and then climbs steeply to the top of Houns-tout Cliff, which stands at 490 feet (150 m) above sea level, before leading you out to St Aldhelm’s Head to enjoy the views, look for seabirds and the occasional dolphin, and breathe in the sea air. Finally, take the short walk inland to the pretty village of Worth Matravers, where you can find refreshments at the end of a long but exhilarating day.

Note the village of Worth Matravers is about ¾ mile inland of the Coast Path and you can either reach it by diverting off at Chapman's Pool (about 12½ miles in total), or continue past St Aldhelm's Head and head inland at Winspit (about 14½ miles in total).

There are limited bus services to and from Lulworth. There is a railway station at Wool, which is between Dorchester and Poole, and you will be able to catch a bus from here to Lulworth Cove.
During the summer there is a limited bus service from Worth Matravers to Swanage. 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.

Lulworth Cove (BH20 5RQ), Tyneham, inland on Whiteway Hill, Kimmeridge Bay, inland in Kimmeridge, inland from Chapman’s Pool and Worth Matravers.

Lulworth, inland at Tyneham, Kimmeridge Bay and Worth Matravers.

It is essential that you are well prepared for this walk as facilities are limited. There are shops in Lulworth where you can buy refreshments for your journey, but other facilities lie inland in Kimmeridge and at the end of the day in Worth Matravers.