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Swanage Walks

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Dorset Jurassic coast walks

Swanage walks often lead you along the Jurassic coast. They provide great days out for avid fossil hunters, nature lovers, couples, and families. The 95 miles that make up this section of coast span across the Dorset and East Devon coastline. This area has been a  world heritage site  since 2001 because of the geological importance it holds. 185 millions years of the earths history make up this area, and provide natural and historical significance in its cliffs, arches, and stacks that provide rich fossil abundance.   

The walks along this path suit so many people. Interest for adults and children is guaranteed, and parents can often find quiet moments together while children are busy looking for Jurassic coast fossils. Iconic features such as Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove, and Durdle Door make up some of the main locations to visit.  

Where To Walk The Jurassic Coast

Natural limestone arch overlooking a sandy beach and clear blue sea with people relaxing on the shore
Lulworth Cove To Durdle Door

One of the most popular Dorset Jurassic coast walks. This is a nice and easy walk that is over 2.1 miles. It usually takes about 1 and a half hours. The walk offers access to parking, is well signposted, and provides beautiful green fields next to the cliffs and sea. Durdle Door is one of the most stunning Jurassic coast beaches​ you could find. It has a long sweeping beach that creates a secluded and peaceful feeling. The cliff and reef further enhance the beauty both in and out of the water.  

Read more here.

Aerial view of white chalk cliffs along a coastline with green fields above
Old Harry Rocks walk

This walk provides a starting point near amenities that then loops back to where you started without covering the same ground twice. The walk is 3.5 miles and takes 1 -2 hours depending on pace and breaks. The first three quatres of the walk will provide paths close to cliffs, and the last quarter then passes over countryside back to the car park at the beginning. The walk includes remains of Celtic earthworks, Old Harry Rocks themselves, a beautiful sea stack, and a historical village cross that was erected in 1976.

Read more here.

Steep white chalk cliffs beside a pebbled beach and turquoise sea under a cloudy sky
South Purbeck cliffs

The medium difficulty walk offers sea views, dramatic visuals of former quarries, and grassland with lots of wildlife spanning 6 miles. The walk creates a loop, meaning parking is both useful for access and getting the most from your route. The route normally takes two and a half hours, and is considered dog friendly however, please be aware that livestock will be in certain areas of the walk.

Find out more about this route here.

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Purbeck Ridge To Corfe Castle

This walk provides a great day trip experience, with 5 and a half hours of walking on offer. The total length is 9.5 miles. Paths can be muddy and steep sections with steps are also present. On clear days the needles on the Isle of Wight are visible.

Learn more about the details of this route here.

 

A scenic coastal bay with steep cliffs, a pebbled beach, and rocky outcrops in the water under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.
Spyway Sea Saunter

The Spyway Sea saunter walk offers an easy walking route that only takes 45 mins across 1.5 miles. The Priest's way, one of the oldest roads in Purbeck is a main point of interest on this route. Sculptures of a cow and pony by Sarah Moore are also on the route, they signify the importance these animals played in this landscape.

Read more about this walk here. 

Cozy bedroom with a large window offering a scenic ocean view.
Where To Stay Nearby

If you would like to stay for the weekend or longer and explore the Dorset Jurassic coast walks further, consider the Grand Hotel Swanage for comfort, access to a Spa, and beautiful restaurant.