Exploring the Jurassic Coast on foot is an unforgettable way to experience one of the UK’s most dramatic natural landscapes. Over three one-day hikes with mixed-ability groups ranging from 2 to 10 walkers, we immersed ourselves in sweeping views, iconic geological features, and charming Dorset villages. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or new to walking holidays, these Dorset walks offer variety, beauty, and camaraderie.
Our group of ten kicked off the first of our group hikes with a bus ride to Lulworth. From here, we split into two sub-groups: the keen hikers disembarked to tackle the full ascent from sea level, while others opted for a gentler start from the Durdle Door campsite.
Both routes offer breathtaking scenery – this stretch of the Jurassic Coast is a textbook example of folded limestone cliffs and eroded arches. Highlights include the world-famous Durdle Door, the natural amphitheatre near West Bottom, and panoramic sea views along the way.
The trails rejoined near Osmington Mills, where a cosy pub provided the perfect halfway rest stop for the reunited team. The second half of the route undulated gently through open countryside before descending to Weymouth, with its sweeping bay and historic harbour.
📹 See our video for trail footage, team moments, and those unforgettable coastal views.
Day two took us west out of Weymouth, with a smaller group of seven walkers ready to explore a less strenuous, but no less rewarding, route. This section of the Dorset Coast featured the remarkable shingle ridge of Chesil Beach and The Fleet Lagoon, Britain’s longest inland lagoon.
A paradise for birdwatchers, the trail offered sightings of oyster catchers and a range of coastal species. Wayfinding was occasionally tricky due to temporary diversions, but the mostly flat terrain made this hike ideal for all abilities.
Those wanting a shorter walk could hop on a bus at Chickerell for a satisfying 10km experience. For a longer adventure, the full 19km to Abbotsbury led us into a quintessential Dorset village tucked between the hills – complete with ancient abbey ruins and country charm.
The final day was reserved for our most dedicated pair of walkers. The Isle of Portland offers a rugged coastal hike that begins with a flat, pebbly stretch at sea level before climbing steeply – but safely – to the island’s higher ground.
Due to erosion and maintenance works, the coastal path here includes several diversions, adding both challenge and variety. The payoff is immense: expansive views across Chesil Beach to the west and stark white cliffs to the east.
The southern tip, known as Portland Bill, is dramatic and exposed, where the Portland Bill Lighthouse stands watch over the waves of the Atlantic. En route, the landscape is dotted with old churches, ruined castles, and even functioning and derelict prisons, giving a fascinating historical layer to the hike. The loop concluded by returning to the causeway that links Portland back to the mainland.
From sweeping coastlines to historic villages and wildlife-rich lagoons, these group hikes along the Jurassic Coast delivered variety, challenge, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a Dorset walk with a large group or a small circle of fellow hiking enthusiasts, there’s something here for every kind of adventurer.
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