If you’re a keen walker, or like to see some of the amazing countryside then I can highly recommend some of these Jurassic Coast walks in Dorset. We have spent a few years exploring different parts of the South West Coast path, and love finding new walking routes to discover along the Jurassic Coast.
Having a dog, we also like to look for dog friendly walks in our area, and all of these listed below are suitable for taking your dog with you.
Ringstead Bay To Osmington Mills Walk
Distance – 3.4 miles (6.8 miles round trip)
Terrain – This is quite a steep walk, especially from the car park down to the beach at Ringstead. You can walk along the shingle beach, or avoid the beach and take the paths.
The terrain is very mixed across fields, shingle, and through wooded areas, so good walking shoes are recommended.
Dog Friendly – Yes but part of the walk is via a private road so dogs must be kept on leads at this point. Some of the coastal path is near the edge of the cliff so advisable to keep dogs on a short lead.
Parking – Parking is free at the National Trust carpark for National Trust members – Unnamed Road, Dorchester, Dorchester DT2 8NQ. Alternatively parking is 50p per hour for non members.
The walk ends at Osmington in the Smugglers Inn beer garden, so the perfect excuse for a drink or meal before turning around to walk back to the car park.
Related Post – Walking between Ringstead Bay and Osmington Mills
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Lulworth Cove To Durdle Door Walk
Distance – 1.3 miles (2.6 miles round trip)
Terrain – The terrain between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door is hilly in places and the ground is often uneven with tree roots. The steps out of Lulworth Cove can be slippery with loose rocks.
Related Post – Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Dog Friendly – Yes the route is dog friendly, but advisable to keep dogs on a lead as you are near the edge of cliffs and there are steep drops.
Parking – Parking is available at Lulworth Cove costing on average £5 for 4 hours. Alternatively there is limited free parking along the roadside near Lulworth Church. This fills up quickly so it’s advisable to arrive early.
Osmington To Weymouth Walk
Distance – 5 miles (10 miles round trip)
Terrain – Osmington to Weymouth is mainly uneven terrain being a mix of grass / earth tracks. The
Dog Friendly – Yes although advisable to keep dogs on a lead as you are walking through fields that may have cattle in, as well as being near the edge of the cliffs at times.
Parking – There is parking available at Osmington at a charge of around £5. There is limited free parking along the road side if you’re lucky to find a space.
Studland Village To Old Harry Rocks Walk
Distance – 1.6 miles (3.2 miles round trip)
Terrain – This walk is generally flat with some slight inclines rather than short steep ones. It’s a generally easier walk however some of the terrain can be uneven.
Your walk takes you past the Bankes Arms Inn which was named after the Bankes family who historically owned a lot of Dorset.
Dog friendly – This is a dog friendly walk, but advisable to keep dogs on leads.
Parking – Parking available at South Beach Car Park, Unnamed Road, Swanage BH19 3AU. This is a National Trust car park, so parking is free for members.
West Bay To Golden Cap Walk
Distance – 4 miles (8 miles round trip)
Terrain – There are some steep inclines along this slightly challenging walk between West Bay and Golden Cap.
Golden Cap is the highest point along the South West coastal path, so be prepared for the altitude changes if this affects you in any way.
Dog Friendly – Dogs are welcome but recommended to be kept on a lead.
Parking – Parking is available at West Bay Road car park – DT6 4EL.
What’s your favourite coastal walks in Dorset?
