Overview

Walking Holidays
7 - 9 Nights
75 miles / 120 km
  • Prices from: £815 per person
  • Start: Lyme Regis, Dorset
  • Finish: Poole, Dorset
  • Availability: Any start date from March to October
  • Grading: Moderate to Challenging
  • Way-marked: Yes

South West Coast Path - Lyme Regis to Poole Highlights

Jurassic Coast
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Journey through the Jurassic Coast, Britain’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, which covers 95 glorious miles of coastline and records 185 million years of the earth’s history. You’ll also visit Golden Cap – the highest point on the south coast.

Isle of Portland & Chesil Beach
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Walk a circuit of the Isle of Portland – a unique, tied island steeped in history. The island is joined to the mainland by Chesil Beach – an 18-mile long shingle barrier beach which is one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks.

Stunning scenery
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Experience white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and peaceful azure waters. The coastline here is truly breathtaking.

Historic harbours
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Visit Weymouth Harbour – the location for the sailing events at the London Olympic Games – and the largest natural harbour in the world at Poole. This Dorset coast is steeped in maritime history.

Incredible geology
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Discover the natural limestone archway of Durdle Door – one of the most famous landmarks on the south coast of England.

Lyme Regis
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Known as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, the vibrant town of Lyme Regis is a historic seaside resort. The town enjoys a beautiful setting and is packed full of independent boutiques, art galleries, and fabulous places to eat and drink.

A Clifftop Adventure Along the Jurassic Coast

This section of the South West Coast Path is best known for its dramatic cliffs, iconic landmarks, picturesque coastal villages, and bustling harbours. From the ‘Pearl of the Dorset Coast’ – Lyme Regis – to the vibrant town of Poole, this section of the path is incredibly diverse and rewarding.

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The trail begins in Lyme Regis and ventures east along the cliffs for spectacular panoramic views. The path takes you to the towering cliffs at Golden Cap and the delightful village of Bridport, world-renowned for rope and net-making.

Along the way you will have the opportunity for fossil-hunting at Charmouth Beach and Kimmeridge Bay. The route is undulating as it traverses the coastline, however, the spectacular scenery more than makes up for the demanding terrain.

Explore the 17-mile bar of shingle at Chesil Beach and the tranquil shores of the Fleet Lagoon, the largest tidal lagoon in Britain and protected since 1393. Durdle Door awaits you with its textbook arch – one of the most famous landmarks on the south coast of England. Your walk ends at South Haven Point, close to the bustling town of Poole.

Please note that due to the busy nature of the South West Coast Path and 2-night minimum stays at most accommodations in the area, we may need to accommodate you for 2 nights in one location with return taxi transfers from the trail. The cost of these transfers would be included in your package.

South West Coast Path (Lyme Regis to Poole) Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is SWCP-LR-P1 which covers the route in 6 days / 7 nights.

Travel to Lyme Regis for your first night’s accommodation
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Travel to the historic town of Lyme Regis, where you could take the chance to explore the famous Cobb Harbour and its world-famous fossil sites before spending the evening at your first night’s accommodation.

Day 1: Lyme Regis to Bridport (9.5 miles / 15 km)
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The South West Coast Path leaves Lyme Regis and initially heads inland, passing what’s left of the largest coastal mudslide in Europe. There is another opportunity for fossil hunting at Charmouth Beach, and from here the path takes to the cliffs towards Golden Cap. This is the highest point on the south coast and the views are dramatic and impressive.

The path goes inland again along the Brit River valley and into the village of Bridport with its thatched brewery.

Day 2: Bridport to Abbotsbury (9.5 miles / 15 km)
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After leaving Bridport, the route quickly returns to the coast as you continue onwards to the pretty village of Abbotsbury with its 600-year-old swannery.

A highlight today is the beginnings of Chesil Bank, a 17 mile stretch of shingle and pebbles, and one of the best-known landmarks on this coast. You’ll pass by the picturesque village of Burton Bradstock, known for its spinning mills and thatched cottages.

Day 3: Abbotsbury to Weymouth (14 miles / 22.5 km)
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A varied day of walking today from Abbotsbury, initially heading to woodland before emerging once again on the coast with Fleet Lagoon in view. Pass by the remains of old Fleet Church, almost entirely destroyed by waves during a tempest in 1824.

At 8 miles long, Fleet Lagoon is the largest tidal lagoon in Britain and a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the rich variety of wildlife and 150 different species of algae to be found here.

Over the Ferry Bridge, with dramatic views of the Isle of Portland, and onto Weymouth and its fine 18th-century seaside facade to hopefully catch a spectacular sunset over Fleet Bay and the south coast.

Day 4: Weymouth to Lulworth (14 miles / 22.5 km)
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On leaving Weymouth another famous landmark awaits – Durdle Door, where you can stop and admire how nature has formed this perfect arch.

Today’s walk ends in picturesque Lulworth Cove, one of the prettiest harbours on the south coast.

Day 5: Lulworth to Worth Matravers (14 miles / 22.5 km)
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Be prepared for challenging walking today as you tackle the undulating headlands of the Lulworth Ranges. The spectacular scenery more than makes up for the demanding terrain.

Your walk continues into Kimmeridge Bay with its plentiful fossils, before more climbing takes you to St Aldhelm’s Head and one of the oldest Norman churches in England.

Some classic clifftop walking will lead you to the small village of Worth Matravers, home to one of the quirkiest pubs in England.

Day 6: Worth Matravers to Poole (15 miles / 24 km)
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Your final day on the South West Coast Path will take you past Dancing Ledge, with its small swimming pool cut into the rock by quarrymen at the beginning of the 20th century.

You will then arrive at Durlston Country Park and Castle where there is a visitor centre for the Jurassic Coast. As you head towards Swanage there will be spectacular views of the chalk cliffs to Old Harry Rocks and the Needles on the Isle of Wight.

Follow the beach at Studland Bay before arriving at the blue marker celebrating the end of the South West Coast Path at South Haven Point. You can then take the chain ferry across to Sandbanks with its impressive houses and onwards to Poole for the last night of your walk.

Onward travel
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After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the South West Coast Path.

What's Included?

Your South West Coast Path walking holiday includes:

  • Carefully-selected accommodation along the route, and trail transfers when applicable
  • En-suite or private bathroom facilities whenever possible
  • Daily door-to-door baggage transfers
  • Comprehensive information pack, kit list, guidebook and map (one set per room)
  • Personalised itinerary with details of your accommodation, route and recommendations for lunch and dinner
  • Traditional English breakfast
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your walking holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to and from the start and end of the walk
  • Ferry crossings
  • Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 4 suggested itineraries for walking the South West Coast Path between Lyme Regis and Poole.

Our most popular itinerary is SWCP-LR-P1 which covers the route in 6 days. Our SWCP-LR-P3 and SWCP-LR-P4 itineraries include an additional day in Weymouth which allows you to complete the Isle of Portland circuit.

Please note that due to the busy nature of the South West Coast Path and 2-night minimum stays at most accommodation in the area, we may need to accommodate you for 2 nights in one location with return taxi transfers from the trail. The cost of these transfers would be included in your package.

Tour code
Itinerary
Average miles infoAverage miles per day
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty
Price per person
SWCP-LR-P1
6 Days / 7 Nights
12.5 miles per day
Challenging
From £815
Average miles infoAverage miles per day 12.5 miles per day
Tour code: SWCP-LR-P1
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty Challenging

6 Days / 7 Nights (SWCP-LR-P1)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Additional information

Due to the difficulty of booking a single-night stay in Lulworth during June, July and August, we strongly recommend adding an additional night in this location.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

  • Standard: £30 per night

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag there is a solo walker supplement of £15 per day in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Lyme Regis for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Lyme Regis to Bridport 9.5 miles / 15 km
2
Day 2 Bridport to Abbotsbury 9.5 miles / 15 km
3
Day 3 Abbotsbury to Weymouth 14 miles / 22.5 km
4
Day 4 Weymouth to Lulworth 14 miles / 22.5 km
5
Day 5 Lulworth to Worth Matravers (overnight Corfe Castle) 14 miles / 22.5 km
6
Day 6 Worth Matravers to Poole 15 miles / 24 km
Depart Onward travel from Poole

Prices

Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £815 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

SWCP-LR-P2
7 Days / 8 Nights
10.5 miles per day
Moderate
From £910
Average miles infoAverage miles per day 10.5 miles per day
Tour code: SWCP-LR-P2
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty Moderate

7 Days / 8 Nights (SWCP-LR-P2)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Additional information

Due to the difficulty of finding single night stays in Swanage and Lulworth during June, July and August, we strongly recommend adding additional nights in these locations.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

  • Standard: £30 per night

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag there is a solo walker supplement of £15 per day in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Lyme Regis for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Lyme Regis to Bridport 9.5 miles / 15 km
2
Day 2 Bridport to Abbotsbury 9.5 miles / 15 km
3
Day 3 Abbotsbury to Weymouth 14 miles / 22.5 km
4
Day 4 Weymouth to Lulworth 14 miles / 22.5 km
5
Day 5 Lulworth to Kimmeridge (overnight Corfe Castle) 7.5 miles / 12 km
6
Day 6 Kimmeridge to Swanage 13 miles / 21 km
7
Day 7 Swanage to Poole 7.5 miles / 12 km
Depart Onward travel from Poole

Prices

Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £910 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

SWCP-LR-P3
7 Days / 8 Nights (Isle of Portland circuit)
12.5 miles per day
Challenging
From £895
Average miles infoAverage miles per day 12.5 miles per day
Tour code: SWCP-LR-P3
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty Challenging

7 Days / 8 Nights (SWCP-LR-P3)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Additional information

Due to the difficulty of booking a single-night stay in Lulworth during June, July and August, we strongly recommend adding an additional night in this location.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

  • Standard: £30 per night

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag there is a solo walker supplement of £15 per day in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Lyme Regis for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Lyme Regis to Bridport 9.5 miles / 15 km
2
Day 2 Bridport to Abbotsbury 9.5 miles / 15 km
3
Day 3 Abbotsbury to Weymouth 14 miles / 22.5 km
4
Day 4 Isle of Portland Circuit 13 miles / 21 km
5
Day 5 Weymouth to Lulworth 14 miles / 22.5 km
6
Day 6 Lulworth to Worth Matravers (overnight Corfe Castle) 14 miles / 24 km
7
Day 7 Worth Matravers to Poole 15 miles / 24 km
Depart Onward travel from Poole

Prices

Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £895 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

SWCP-LR-P4
8 Days / 9 Nights (Isle of Portland circuit)
11 miles per day
Moderate
From £1010
Average miles infoAverage miles per day 11 miles per day
Tour code: SWCP-LR-P4
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty Moderate

8 Days / 9 Nights (SWCP-LR-P4)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Additional information

Due to the difficulty of finding single night stays in Swanage and Lulworth during June, July and August, we strongly recommend adding additional nights in these locations.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

  • Standard: £30 per night

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag there is a solo walker supplement of £15 per day in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Lyme Regis for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Lyme Regis to Bridport 9.5 miles / 15 km
2
Day 2 Bridport to Abbotsbury 9.5 miles / 15 km
3
Day 3 Abbotsbury to Weymouth 14 miles / 22.5 km
4
Day 4 Isle of Portland Circuit 13 miles / 21 km
5
Day 5 Weymouth to Lulworth 14 miles / 22.5 km
6
Day 6 Lulworth to Kimmeridge (overnight Corfe Castle) 7.5 miles / 12 km
7
Day 7 Kimmeridge to Swanage 13 miles / 21 km
8
Day 8 Swanage to Poole 7.5 miles / 12 km
Depart Onward travel from Poole

Prices

Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £1010 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

South West Coast Path Accommodation

All of the accommodation that we reserve for you has been personally selected by our expert team to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We regularly review our extensive database.

We will always prioritise accommodation as close to the walking trail as possible. Occasionally, your accommodation may be located a short distance from the trail, or you may need to spend more than one night in the same place, in which case we will provide return transfers.

If you’d like to upgrade from Standard to Premium accommodation, please let us know when you enquire. Due to the limited availability of Premium accommodation on this trail, this is not currently listed as a selectable option on our website. However, upon request, we can upgrade you to the best available guest houses, inns, and hotels in each location. Keep in mind that upgrading to Premium options in certain locations could avoid off-trail transfers.

Travel Information

As an environmentally conscious tour operator, we actively encourage the use of public transport by providing clients with a detailed breakdown of travel options in their information packs. The following information may help with your pre-trip planning.

Getting to Lyme Regis
By Air

Nearest international airports: London Heathrow and London Gatwick

 The Heathrow Express operates train services to London Paddington where you can take the London Underground  to London Waterloo Station. 

From Gatwick, you can take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station, where you can connect to London Waterloo via the London Underground.

From London Waterloo you can connect with a train to Axminster (journey time 2 hours 45 min), from which you can take a bus or taxi to Lyme Regis. 

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Axminster

There are train services from London Waterloo to Axminster (journey time 2 hours 45 min).

A short bus or taxi journey (approximately 20 min) from Axminster takes you to Lyme Regis.

As the train services can be very busy, we recommend booking in advance.

By Car

Lyme Regis is a 3 hour 30 min drive from London. There is no secure long term parking in Lyme Regis, although there are several long stay car parks. However, leaving your car at one of these car parks is at your own risk and the parking can often be very busy and expensive in the summer months, so we always advise public transport is the best option.

Departing from Poole
By Air

Nearest International Airports: London Heathrow and London Gatwick

From Seldown Coach Station in Poole, there is a direct bus to London Heathrow.

For Gatwick, you can take a train from Poole to Clapham Junction via Bournemouth, and from there you can take a train to the Airport.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Poole

There are fast and regular train services from Poole to London Waterloo via Bournemouth (journey time 2 hours 30 min).

National Express buses also serve Poole.

As the train and bus services can be very busy, we recommend booking in advance.

By Car

London is a 2 hour 20 min drive from Poole. There is limited parking in Poole so we always recommend public transport. 

If you need to return to Lyme Regis from Poole to collect your car, take the train to Dorchester (journey time 30 min) and then a bus to Lyme Regis (journey time 1 hour 30 min).

Additional Days

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you along the South West Coast Path – Lyme Regis to Poole.

You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at any of the locations along the route which offer activities or sightseeing opportunities – we’ve made some suggestions below. Please request this when you make an enquiry.

Lyme Regis
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  • Walk along the Cobb, built in the 13th century to protect the town and harbour and allow Lyme Regis to develop as a significant port
  • Fossil hunt on the Jurassic Coast – there are organised fossil hunting walks from Dinosaurland on Coombe Street
  • Take a boat trip from the harbour
Bridport
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  • Visit Palmers Brewery – Britain’s oldest thatched brewery. Guided tours offer a fascinating insight into the Victorian brewing process, and you can sample the result!
  • The Bridport Museum is worth a visit – it tells the story of the town from Roman times to the Second World War. Learn what it means to be ‘stabbed with a Bridport dagger’ and who made the 1966 World Cup goal nets
Abbotsbury
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  • Explore the 600-year-old Swannery, home to over 600 flying swans
  • Step back in history by exploring the Iron Age hill fort and 14th-century St Catherine’s Chapel
  • Visit sub-tropical gardens, interesting shops and cafes, and the world’s largest thatched Tithe Barn
Weymouth
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  • Take the opportunity to walk around the Isle of Portland, a 13-mile scenic walk combining coast and castles
  • Rest your feet with a glass-bottomed boat trip on the Fleet Observer to examine the marine world of the Fleet much closer
  • Stroll along the Promenade and see what George III loved about Weymouth – there is so much to see and do

Make an enquiry

South West Coast Path – Lyme Regis to Poole

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

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