Coastal Walks - Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove: 3 Miles

SOME of the most famous rock structures in the country dominate this walk. Lulworth’s shell shaped cove, the remarkable rock strata of Stair Hole and the natural arch of Durdle Door have attracted visitors for centuries and it is not surprising given their remarkable shapes. Add to this the broad paths and lovely beaches and it is not surprising either that this is great walking country.

This circular route shows off the best of the coast and has a section of inland walking for variation and to avoid the worst climb. Coast lovers can miss out the inland section and return from Lulworth on the Coastal Path.

The route:

Grid Reference: 810805

The Lulworth Estate owns much of the land around Lulworth Cove including Lulworth Castle and Park and the Durdle Door Holiday Park. Lulworth Castle was built as a hunting lodge for royal visitors to the region. The current owners, the Weld family, built a much more suitable house for themselves to live in, Castle House near the old ‘castle’. They have also opened the Holiday Park at Durdle Door, with areas for touring caravans and motorhomes with superb views over the coast and sea. The Holiday Park is off the West Lulworth to Winfrith Newburgh road and the car park near the Holiday Park makes an excellent starting point for this walk, that is of course providing you are not already staying on the Holiday Park.

The car park is at the top of a broad path leading down to Man o’ War Bay and Durdle Door. Durdle Door is a picturesque arch where hard rocks have been undermined by the actions of the sea. The beaches here give excellent swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing in this natural suntrap.

After viewing the arch return up the path to the car park until it divides, take the right hand fork and walk along the top of the cliffs through the grassland following the Coast path marker stones towards Lulworth Cove. The views from the tops of these cliffs are superb.

The path rises on the cliff tops before plunging down a hillside into the large car park at Lulworth Cove. Walk right through the car park to its entrance before turning right at the Lulworth Cove Hotel to examine the Cove. A pebble beach surrounds the shell shaped cove, created by the action of the sea over millions of years. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and swimming in the sheltered water.

Turn right past the lifeboat house and climb the narrow stairs, continue climbing to the monument commemorating the creation of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The view back to the Cove from here is breathtaking.

Climb up more steps and reach the viewing platform overlooking Stair Hole. The contorted rock strata of the Hole illustrate the ‘Lulworth Crumple’. Changes in climate 147 million years ago produced layered Purbeck rock strata that were later heaved up and folded by the "meeting" of the continental plates. The result is a dramatic sight on the coast.

Walk past Stair Hole and follow the track down to a lane. Turn right and walk to the Heritage Centre, it has a museum about Lulworth, its coast and the history of the village. Those needing refreshment will find that the centre has a small café or there are pubs in the village.

After visiting the centre walk back through the car park to the stone marker at the start of the climb up the hillside. Turn right and follow a path along the hedge inland. The path curves around the foot of Hambury Tout past Hambury Farm. Continue on the path following the signs to Durdle Door, crossing stiles and keeping the hedge on your right until you return to the car park.

Back to "Travel" Category