Jurassic Coast, Dorset

From the main road outside the Sly Fox (formerly Sunray) Pub, head down Church Lane through the picturesque village of Osmington. Pass the church and follow the signs for the inland route of the South West Coast Path (National Trail acorn symbols), which leads you along a track up to the top of White Horse Hill (SY718845). The Dorset and East Devon coast – known as the Jurassic coast – is England’s first natural World Heritage Site. It covers 152km / 95 miles of stunning coastline, with rocks recording 185 million years of earth’s history. One of the most spectacular features is Durdle Door, a dramatic natural archway pierced by the sea. This lies to the west of Lulworth Cove along a superb stretch of chalk cliff coastline. It’s exhilarating to walk at any time of year, but Lulworth Cove itself can get very busy so is best avoided in the height of summer or on sunny bank holidays. Inland there is excellent – and quieter – walking to be had along the downland ridges that afford a wealth of extensive views. This walk combines the best of both worlds, with an outward leg along these ridge-top tracks and a return via the Coast Path.(A) The White Horse is a figure of King George III on horseback, which was cut into the chalk hills in the early 19th century.

At the top, turn right along the bridleway heading east/southeast, continuing ahead at a crossing track. This brings you out at the A353 again — on a rather tricky bend in the road. Cross with great care and continue down the farm access lane opposite and up to a minor road. Turn left along the road to reach the National Trust South Down car park (SY757824), where there are splendid views over Weymouth Bay to Portland.

Now head southeast along the broad ridge-top track for a few miles — fine, easy walking. There are excellent views along the coast in both directions and inland.

Before reaching Dagger’s Gate, take the footpath that leads right to Newlands Farm (SY812811), with the open access area of the wonderfully named Scratchy Bottom below. Turn right and follow the road down to Durdle Door Holiday Park caravan site (which can’t have failed to catch your attention already — a bit of a scenic eyesore). The footpath goes right through the park on the eastern edge. At the southern end, head southeast over the hill to join the Coast Path just west of Lulworth Cove and follow the broad stony track down to the cove. (B) Lulworth Cove (SY825800) is picture-postcard worthy, but pays the price of popularity. The contorted strata of limestone on either side of the cove can be clearly seen and more about the underlying geology of the area can be discovered at the excellent heritage centre.

The return leg of this walk is straight forward, following the superb coast path westwards as far as Osmington Mills (SY735817), taking in the famous Durdle Door and the fine viewpoints of Swyre Headand White Nothe.On reaching Osmington Mills, turn right along Mills Road, away from the coast and after passing Streamside caravan park on your right, look for the footpath sign leading off to the left at the bend in the road. Don't follow the South West Coast Path, but take the route through a set of fields back to Osmington passing Rosewood and Osmington Mills Corner campsites on your right. On reaching the A353, turn left and walk (with care) back into Osmington.