There’s no denying that in parts this is a moderately hard walk: the South West Coastal Path on this part of the Jurassic Coast is a continuous roll of steep ascents and descents. But each is duly rewarded by spectacular coastal views.
(For a shorter 4-mile version, simply start in Seatown and use the coastal circular section only)
The pictures are a couple of years old, but we last walked this route last autumn (in the rain, hence no pictures!). The first pull is across farmland – it’s pretty flat for this section, and you’re mostly following the ancient tracks that criss-cross the area, but if the weather’s not been perfect, it’s likely to be muddy.
Take time to stop and explore Stanton St Gabriel on the west side of Golden Cap. It’s a derelict settlement and ruined chapel owned by the National Trust. Then it’s time to gird your loins and make for the headland … The slog up Golden Cap is worth every lung busting step – the views are GLORIOUS from the top and once you’ve made it and sat aroudn for a whiel drinking in the SPECTACULAR views, it’s plain sailing down the other side, straight to the door of the beautiful Anchor at Seatown for a well-deserved pint.
Each month in The BV Magazine, we share a new Dorset walk through the beautiful countryside, under our ‘Take a Hike’ series. We walk and create every route ourselves — you can explore all our previously published Dorset Walks here, plus many more personal routes with downloadable GPX files on our OutdoorActive profile here.
We’d love to hear your feedback if you try one — and don’t forget to send us your photos!
All images © Laura Hitchcock.
