Walk 6 hrs (19.1km) 
Total Ascent 647 m 
Highest Point 198 m Welcome to this Signature Guide
This Signature Hike is an insider’s guide to the Jurassic Coast. Distilled down to 19km that is easily achievable in a day, you will not be disappointed. In our humble opinion, it contains everything you could want from a great day out, including the all-important perfect pub for the end of your hike.
Ready to walk?
Be sure to download your PDF guide for the walk and make sure you have the OS maps app downloaded.
Before you start
Here’s 3 important things you need to know before you head off:
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Save this Guide
Save the PDF guide on your device that you’re going to use on the walk. (This contains all the handy information, from how to get there, points of interest and pubs, taxis etc).
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Download OS Map App
This is how you will navigate your way around the route. The link for the route is in this guide and will take you to the OS Maps app.
Click here for Apple
Click here for Android
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Battery
Make sure you have plenty of battery. We hope you have a great walk.
The Curator Ed Down
Meet the Curator
Ed, or ‘Sped’, was our very first Vespucci Outsider. An avid adventurer in his own right, it is no surprise he was able to curate such an epic hike. Ed is based near Poole and spends most of his weekends exploring the Jurassic Coast or kite surfing. Nobody is better placed than Ed to bring this adventure to you.
“The Jurassic Coast has to be one of the most unique seafront experiences in Europe. Millions of years of erosion have resulted in one of the most rugged, beautiful and geologically fascinating hiking routes England has to offer.
Together with Vespucci, we have ensured that not only can Jurassic Coast hikers experience the sandy beaches, cliffs, stacks, arches, coves, caves and headlands – but that the route takes in the imposing Purbeck Hills and finishes with you arriving on foot at the ancient Corfe Castle, strategically located between the hills. Pick up some fossils, assault the castle, raise your eyebrows at the oldest Nodding Donkey in the UK and catch a breather on one of the beautiful beaches along the route.
Whatever your thing is, you’re sure to find it in the wild landscape of Dorset.”
Adventure Summary
Jurassic Coast, Dorset
The spectacular Corfe Castle is the cornerstone of this adventure, supported by a beautiful ridge walk along the Purbeck Hills with outstanding 360-degree views. Crossing the valley with the Lulworth Range on your right (make sure it stays there!) you then pass through Kimmeridge before enjoying the spectacular South West Coastal Path.
Look out for the grand Encombe Estate and The Scott Arms in Kingston. For those not in a rush, pull over for the night. Otherwise, enjoy a drink and crack on to complete the final section with the imposing silhouette of Corfe Castle guiding you back to base.
Parts of the walk are exposed and fairly remote, all adding to the feeling that you really have entered a land that time forgot. Whatever the conditions, you are set to have a memorable experience in one of Britain’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hike Highlights
Wild swimming
Enjoying a bracing dip at Kimmeridge Bay Marine Wildlife Reserve.
The perfect pub
Sipping on a well-earned drink in a quintessential English pub.
The Scott Arms
Stretching out the hike into two days with an overnight stay at Scott Arms.
By Train – Get the train to Wareham Station from London Waterloo – it is a direct train and takes just over 2 hours. From Wareham catch the Breezer 40 bus to Corfe Castle, which leaves on the hour.
The alternative is to take a taxi from Wareham to Corfe Castle.
By Car – Parking around Corfe Castle is a challenge! National Trust members can take advantage of parking at the Corfe Castle car park, but overnight parking is not allowed. There is a four hour time limit for non-members. A limited number of free spaces can be found by taking the road beneath the Castle and carrying on for 300m or so. Alternatively, spaces can be found at West Street Car Park.
Sometimes, we can get so caught up in reaching our destination that we forget to take in our surroundings. When in fact, some of the best moments on a walk are the ones spent not walking. It is not until you stop and look a little closer, that you truly see the magic of where you are.
Our hikes are not about how fast you walk, but about how much you take in. We share these beautiful trails with an abundance of wildlife and there’s always something to marvel at – so long as you take the time to look around.
Nestled in Dorset’s scenic hills, The Scott Arms is a cozy retreat after a long days walk. Step inside and be greeted by mouthwatering Jamaican barbecue. The warm hospitality of the staff and the charming ambiance make every visit feel like a homecoming. If you have the time, staying the night in The Scott Arms and extending the hike to a two day adventure is an excellent idea!
Points of interest
Places to enjoy along the route
What’s Next?
Done the hike? Let us and fellow members know how you got on and leave any tips and advice!