Swanage to Lulworth Cove Walk

19.3 miles (31 km)

Walk the South West Coast path from coastal resort of Swanage to one of the highlights of the Jurassic Coast at Lulworth Cove. The route runs for about 19 miles along the waymarked cliff top path.
Starting on the front in the town you first head south along Durlston Bay before climbing to Durlston Country Park. You then head west to St Aldhelm's Head, passing Worth Matravers on the way. St. Aldhelm's Head is the site of one of the oldest churches in England. It is built on top of a 300ft high clifftop with views along the Purbeck Coast.
The route then heads around the lovely Chapman's Pool to Kimmeridge Bay. The beautiful Kimmeridge Bay is part of the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve. On the beach you will find a number of rock-pools where you can look out for a variety of marine wildlife.
The final section runs past Worbarrow Bay and Mupe Rocks before coming to Lulworth Cove. The sheltered bay is enclosed almost in a circle and was formed 10,000 years ago by the combined forces of a river and the sea. Next to the cove you will pass the West Lulworth Heritage Centre which contains a museum about the coast and the village.
To extend the walk you can continue along the coast path to Durdle Door where you'll find a spectacular natural limestone arch with an adjacent beach and caves.

Swanage to Lulworth Cove Walk Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Swanage to Lulworth Cove Walk Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Swanage to Lulworth Cove Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Swanage to Lulworth Cove Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head a couple of miles inland from Lulworth Cove and you could visit the historic Lulworth Castle. The castle dates back to the 17th Century and includes some beautiful grounds and gardens. Near here there's the Winfrith Newburgh Heath and Tadnoll Nature Reserves. The reserves include miles of peaceful heathland trails with lots of wildlife and a splendid viewpoint.