Jurassic Coast Path, Walking Solo - 2023, 2024
If you love walking by the coast, hearing the sound of the sea, and want to be blown away by spectacular scenery and walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs, then this is the path for you.
Why I did it:
I had heard so many good things about the Jurassic Coast Path and how stunning it was - so I decided to walk it. I had already walked a large section of the South West Coast path, so it would be like revisiting an old friend.
How I did it:
- I completed this path over a 2 year period.
- I completed it solo.
- I stayed at an Airbnb both times and used my car to get to the start of the walk. On some occasions, I used public transport as well as my car. This reduced the need to double back on myself.
- I tried to avoid the overly crowded season and completed it during July and September to October.
Some facts about the Jurassic Coast Path:
- It is part of the South West Coast Path
- It is 'way marked' and easy to follow without any map (if you choose)
- It is England's first natural World Heritage Site
- It is approximately 95 miles from Exmouth (East Devon) to Studland (Dorset)
- It is famous for its important geology, fossils, and geomorphology of the coast
- Some of the rocks along the path date back 185 million years - back to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods!!
- It is considered to be like 'a walk through time'
Come with me
I started my walk at Exmouth, ending in Studland.
I have put my photos in the order you would see them if you completed the path following the map. I didn't do this as parts of it were shut on certain days due to military activity, especially around the Ludlow ranges.
This is only a small selection of my favourites, and I have enjoyed revisiting them.
So enjoy my journey!
Geoneedle at Orcombe Point, Exmouth, which marks the starting point for the Jurassic Coast Path walk
Thursday 7 September 2023 marked the start of my Jurassic Coast Path journey. This photo was taken at dusk on the return leg of my trip before heading back to my car.
West Down - Meadoring through fields on a yellow 'brick' road
The coastal path isn't all by the sea. Due to path corrosion, some of the paths are diverted inland. I am sure you would agree that the views are equally stunning but in a different way.
Budleigh Beach colourful beach huts
My approach to Budleigh Beach. So beautiful on a really lovely day. The path is high up, above the huts and gently descending to the level of the beach. Great photograph opportunities. Also, a great place to people watch.
Budleigh Beach Prayer Stack
Others stopped to stare and read the messages in this Prayer Stack. I talked with strangers. A couple out walking with their dog commented that they had never really noticed the stack before - it seemed to be growing.
Just fishing. Budleigh Beach - Second Time round. This time marking the start of my walk.
Such a relaxed vibe on Budleigh Beach. A laid-back feel of being on holiday. The sky was clouding over with rain clouds. There was a slight chill in the air. These 2 lads were heading to a small inlet to the side of the beach - a quiet place for fishing.
Ladram Bay at dusk
A place to refresh before turning round and walking the same route in reverse. A beautifully quiet place at dusk - hardly anyone around. I stopped and relaxed listening to the sound of the sea. Stunning.
Ladram Bay to Sidmouth walk
Some sort of netting over these crops gave them an eery appearance! Much of today's walk was in green foliage with glimpses of the sea.
View of Jacob's Ladder Beach in the distance
A beautifully hot day. The stone placed in the tree described perfectly how I was feeling: "Happy". The path was busy and walkers chatted freely.
Jacob's Ladder
The white wooden steps are referred to as 'Jacob's Ladder' and they lead down onto the beach. It wasn't overly crowded when I was there in mid September.
Walking down towards Sidmouth
Walking down toward Sidmouth was lovely, with the views spread out before me. However, on the return, when I was walking up the slope, it proved to be a bit of a slog!
Walking Sidmouth to Weston Mouth
A beautiful section for walking. Some enclosed sections but mainly open, undulating fields with dramatic views of the sea. Lots of steep ups and downs, with mud adding to the drama. This was a day I wished I had some walking poles.
Seaton Beach. Walking from Branscombe to Seaton (Marine Place).
The lights of Seaton were just coming on. A very quiet stretch along the beach. Due to using public transport, I hadn't set out on my walk until 16:48. Later than I would have liked. It was just gone 19:00 when this photo was taken.
The Cobb, Lyme Regis after the rain. Walking direction Seaton to Lyme Regis
The rain had started as I was approaching Lyme Regis and then thankfully stopped at The Cobb, to allow me to take some photos. The Cobb was so picturesque and I felt extremely lucky to get this rainbow sighting.
There was a lot of activity at this time of day - early evening. A time when people finished work and maybe went out for a spot of rowing to wind down.
Esplanade, Lyme Regis, on a grey misty morning
The Esplanade was quiet. The rain was keeping people away. It was very beautiful and had a peace and tranquility about it - as the path stretched away from the busier Lyme Regis centre.
West Bay Beach - the golden cliffs
The yellow sandstone of West Bay cliffs was spectacular - something I would imagine seeing in Egypt perhaps.
I was told later that 400 tonnes of the West Bay cliff had come crashing down in April 2024 without warning, spilling across the beach towards the sea and blocking the path. Thankfully, there was no loss of life on that occasion.
However, in July 2014, Charlotte Backman, from Derbyshire, was killed by another 400-tonne rockfall at West Bay. A clear message and reminder to us all, to stay a safe distance away from cliff bases and the tops of cliffs!!
A fun fact! This is where Broadchurch, the ITV series, was filmed! I have to say, they got rather close to the cliff!!
The long stretch of Chisel Beach (Walking: Westbay to Abbotsbury)
An 18 mile stretch of flat beach from West Bay to Portland Island. The going was slow and tough as I walked along this shingle beach. Only later did I realise that there is a small lane to the left of it, a quicker way to cover the mileage!
Secluded bay near Chickerell turn off (Walking Abbotsbury to Chickerell)
I noticed a group of photographers, with a guide, in this bay, so I stopped. The flat open background in this picture shows the route I had been walking. It shows Fleet Lagoon, which separates the mainland from Chisel Beach and then the sea.
Bill of Portland Lighthouse, Portland Island
I will always remember the long, bleak, and windy walk to the Lighthouse. Of course, the easier alternative would have been to drive there 😄, which a lot of other people had done, so the area was busy by the time I got there.
Harbour area at Weymouth
I must admit to not liking Weymouth beach front area. To me it felt drab with too many arcades. This harbour revived my spirits, with its relaxed vibe, slow pace, and lots of little coffee shops. Beautiful weather for 29th September!
Walking Weymouth to Osmington - the starting gate to my walk
This was the gateway to the more secluded part of my walk along the stunning Jurassic coastal path. I was grateful I was now leaving the busier Weymouth section.
Walking from Weymouth to Osmington - enjoying the shelter of the trees on a hot day
I loved this stretch. It was gently undulating. Only a few other walkers around. It was early afternoon. Most other people would be stopping for a bite of lunch.
Approaching Durdle Door - a magnificent sense of openness from up high.
Difficult walking but spectacular. I stopped and chatted with many friendly walkers going in the opposite direction. It amazed me the number of people making a 'pilgrimage' to Durdle Door from the local car park.
Lulworth Bay
Lulworth Bay is a circular cove. The busier section is to the right of the picture, leading to Durdle Door and the tourist attractions. The most spectacular bit lies to the left and leads to the quieter section of the cove and beyond.
Looking back at Kimmeridge
My walk for the day was coming to an end. I was now leaving the busier, but beautiful section behind and heading away from the sea due to path corrosion.
The walk to this point was through the single track through this wheat field.
View of Chapman's Pool
Beautiful spectacular rolling hills, with plenty of sheep for company.
Old Harry Rocks
This area was spectacular. Very dramatic and stunning rock formations. Some people got too close to the edge, and it was frightening to witness them from a distance, given how much of the Jurassic Path had corroded.
Studland - The End! (or the start if you're going in the other direction)
I wanted trumpets and flags to mark the end of my journey - but this was all I got. I have to say, it wasn't in the most scenic of locations!! There was a very busy road nearby and out of the picture.
Photos by Maria Dillon
Wild flowers along the way.
The End!
“... walking offers the added benefit [over faster pursuits such as cycling or running] of sensory saturation. Things do not whiz by. We really see them. In a sense, insight follows from sight. We fill the well and later tap it more easily.” (Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way,p.188)
Thoughts on the Jurassic Coast Path:
If you have ever wanted to do it, then do it now before there is any more path erosion.
In the path's current state, many stretches were inland, where the sea was not even visible!
I loved the whole experience. It is indeed stunning!
Looking back in hindsight:
- I wish I had brought a pair of walking poles. These would have helped with the steep ups and downs of the path and supported me in the slippery, muddy sections.
- I was grateful for my barefoot walking boots (Vivobarefoot), 10-litre rucksack (Osprey), gortex jacket (Keela), hair buffs (Buff), and sun hat (Tilley).
Please feel free to copy and share the photos contained in this blog, quoting the Source. The copyright for photos remains with Maria Dillon.
Resources:
Harvey Map, XT40, National Trail South West Coast Path 3, Plymouth to Poole Harbour
Related Posts:
If you enjoy coastal walking, you may enjoy my post on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path Walk
Read more about walking the South West Coast Path by reading The Salt Path
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