Dorset
Walk the South West Coast Path through Dorset on a self-guided walking holiday. Accommodation, luggage transfer and custom holiday pack included.
Dorset
https://www.contours.co.uk/dorset
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An epic walk along the coastline of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
From £355 per person
At 630 miles (1,008 km) in length, the South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest waymarked footpath and the ultimate challenge for any long distance walker. The route curls around the entire peninsula of Devon and Cornwall, rounds the south-western tip of England at Land’s End, and follows the southern shore through the dramatic scenery of Dorset, constituting a major portion of the England Coast Path.
Although we provide some gentler itineraries, on most holidays, expect stiff climbs on jaw-dropping coastal trails; mile after mile of sea views; and plenty of cream teas and Cornish pasties enjoyed in seaside towns. Walking the South West Coast Path is a challenge, but an immensely (and often tastily) rewarding one.
We’ve broken the full SWCP into ten stages so you can pick and choose your favourite stretches of coast. We also offer a choice of short breaks along the path, which you can find on the South West Coast Path Short Breaks page. If you’re looking for a circular tour, take a look at our walking holiday around the far point of Land’s End Peninsula and inland along St Michael’s Way.
Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.
We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.
From £855 per person
Nature shows its artistic flair here in Dorset, where high cliffs rear abruptly from tranquil shores and beaches of white sand. Sea-sculpted coves, stacks and arches draw the eye at every turn of the South West Coast Path, offset by the soft lines of the dunes of Studland Heath and the tidal flats of Poole harbour.
History is well-represented in the old market town of Bridport, not to mention picturesque Lulworth and the medieval swannery of Abbotsbury.
Book an extra night at Weymouth if you wish to enjoy the circuit of the Isle of Portland (15½ miles/25 km).
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DOR1 | From Lyme Regis to Sandbanks, Poole Harbour(T) | 6 days walking | £855 | |
| DOR2 | From Lyme Regis to Sandbanks, Poole Harbour(T) | 7 days walking | £970 |
Please Note: The Dorset Coast Path goes through the Lulworth Ranges. These are normally open most weekends and around Easter, May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday and most of the summer period.
If your walk between Lulworth Cove and Kimmeridge falls when the ranges are closed, it will be necessary to take a detour inland. There are various options available for this detour and all of them are given in our information pack.
More information on the Lulworth Ranges can be found on the MOD website. Before booking please check that the ranges will be open. A list of opening times can be reached by clicking here.
Additionally: The South West Coast Path concludes at Sandbanks, after a short ferry ride over from Shell Bay. After disembarking from the ferry, you will be taken by taxi to your final night's accommodation, either in Poole or Bournemouth. The cost of this transfer is included in the cost of your tour.
Travel to Lyme Regis where your first night's accommodation will be booked
Lyme Regis to Bridport. 12 miles (19.5km) / 2169 ft (661 m) ascent
Bridport to Abbotsbury. 11.5 miles (18.5km) / 495 ft (151 m) ascent
Abbotsbury to Weymouth. 13.5 miles (21.5km) / 866 ft (264 m) ascent
Weymouth to Lulworth Cove. 12 miles (19.5km) / 1729 ft (527 m) ascent
Lulworth Cove to Worth Matravers(L). 13 miles (21km) / 2480 ft (756 m) ascent
Worth Matravers(L) to Sandbanks, Poole Harbour(T). 17 miles (27km) / 1801 ft (549 m) ascent
Depart from Sandbanks, Poole Harbour(T) after breakfast
This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this tour. Sometimes there may be a shortage of available accommodation in a preferred location, in which case we will transfer you from the trail to your accommodation and back again at no extra charge. Overnight stops marked with a (T) will always require transfers as standard.
Overnight stops marked with an (L) have very limited accommodation, and therefore more often than not will also require a transfer, particularly on bank holidays and weekends. We will use non-transfer accommodation wherever possible.
The daily mileages quoted are average trail miles only and do not include the distance from the trail to your accommodation. We do not expect you to have to travel more than a mile from the trail to your accommodation in most cases; should your accommodation be further than this, transfers will be provided as standard if practical. A very limited number of stops will require you to travel on foot up to two miles off the trail, however these instances will be clearly communicated to you if applicable.
Further transfers may also be required due to some accommodations having a two-night minimum booking policy, especially at weekends.
Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Dog-friendly tours are subject to a Daily Dog Charge, which will be listed below if applicable. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Traveller or Single Supplements apply respectively:
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
Following in the footsteps of Lady Mary Anning, who popularised fossil hunting in Lyme Regis.
Tracing the stark geology of the Jurassic Coastline, with stand-out examples such as Durdle Door, Old Harry Rocks, and Dancing Ledge.
Basking in your own achievement as you reach the end of the South West Coast Path in Poole.
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:
“Really loved the walk! Scenery was gorgeous, B&B's were all very good, trail was very easy to follow. Overall very lovely. Had to call once about a trail question, another walker had recommended we skip a section of trail due to shingle on the path. Right during your phone call, you folks looked up recent trail reports and you were able to reassure us it looked OK to stay on the trail.”Ms Going, USA
“Excellent organisation and accommodation as ever.”Mrs Baillie, UK
“The holiday was specifically tailored to my requirement to complete the SWCP from Weymouth clock tower to South Haven point in 4 days in August and it all worked out very well indeed, including the weather.”Mr Wyatt, UK
“Great time fantastic Coastline. A massive yes to recommending the holiday to others. This was our 2nd trip”Mr Harvey, UK
“Thank you for arranging the coastal path walk for us. All went to schedule and we all got back safe and sound. All the accommodation catered well for Barnaby, the friendly dog.”Mr Thomas, UK
“Thoroughly enjoyed the walk. This was a lovely holiday.”Ms Kim-Scott, USA
“It was just as brilliant as the last four. For one of our party this was her first walking holiday and she is just as keen as me to book again. I don't think we could pick out one as there were so many beautiful places along the way. For myself I was most looking forward to seeing the Lulworth Cove area and it did not disappoint.”Mrs Chopra, UK
“I enjoyed having short distances per day for a winter walk with limited daylight hours. It stopped me from panicking about making it before dark. Ok, some a bit short, but it allowed me to enjoy the days and I realise it's sometimes necessary because of location of accommodations in winter.”Mr Garlick, UK
“The SWCP is truly amazing. It’s a very special place.”Mr Fuller, USA
