Walk - South Dorset Ridgeway

Moderate

The South Dorset Ridgeway is part of the South West Coast Path National Trail and was the original route to be designated (the route around Portland was only added in 2003). It runs from West Bexington to Osmington Mills, decreasing the total distance of the South West Coast Path by 25 miles (40 km). Although it is some distance from the sea, it is part of the National Trail as it offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.

The route also provides the opportunity to explore one of the UK’s most significant ancient ceremonial landscapes. The South Dorset Ridgeway has been important to local people for millennia as shown by the extraordinary number of lumps and bumps - or historic monuments - that can still be seen along the ridge. From long and bank barrows constructed around 6,000 years ago in the Neolithic period, stone circles and 4,000 year old Bronze Age round barrows, to Iron Age hillforts, the area rivals the more well known sites of Stonehenge and Avebury. The footpath passes close by to some of these monuments, particularly the round barrow groups at Bronkham Hill and Bincombe Down. Be careful not to trip over the stone circle at Hampton which also lies alongside the path You can find out more on the South Dorset Ridgeway website.

The Ridgeway not only offers fantastic views of the Jurassic Coast, but also of the inland scenery of river valleys, chalk downland, villages and farmland, and it provides access to some of Dorset’s famous landmarks, including The White Horse and Captain Hardy’s Monument. The South Dorset Ridgeway was well known to another famous Hardy - Thomas Hardy -  who captures this enigmatic landscape in several of his stories. The Ridgeway continues to be of inspiration to writers and artists alike, and we are sure that you too will be inspired by the glorious landscape around you.

South West Trains run regularly between Dorchester and Weymouth. There is also a mainline train station in the cathedral city of Exeter. The X53 bus service runs from Exeter to Abbotsbury, stopping at Swyre which is just north-west of West Bexington. The X53 also runs from Osmington to Weymouth, where you can pick up trains to Dorchester. 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.

West Bexington, Abbotsbury, the Hardy Monument, and you may find parking around Osmington and Osmington Mills.

West Bexington, Abbotsbury, Osmington and Osmington Mills.

There are very few opportunities to find refreshments along the route, so be sure to stock up on supplies at the beginning of the day. During the summer (April-October) there is mobile catering van at the Hardy Monument where you can get free range, local burgers, sausages, bacon, homemade cakes, and ice cream. After this the next option are the pubs and cafes in Osmington and Osmington Mills.