Footscape Holidays

Jurassic Coast West Inn to Inn Walk

This is a mostly linear hiking tour of up to 50 miles (80 kms), covering the western part of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast from Charmouth to Lulworth Cove, although you can extend the walk eastwards along our Jurassic Coast East trail for a further 30 miles (48 kms) to Corfe Castle (see box below). Please visit our map page for details.

Our full Jurassic Coast West trail includes Weymouth and a circular walk around the "Isle" of Portland - the site of the 2012 Sailing Olympics. You can also opt for a shorter, more direct trail that leaves out the Portland circuit. If you have more time to spare you can continue on to the eastern section of the Jurassic Coast, ending your walk in Swanage or Corfe Castle.

It is a simple formula: you walk from one place on the trail to the next, staying in a different place each night, with your baggage moved for you. You choose your own dates, subject to availability, as well as the average number of miles to walk each day, within certain limits.

About the walk

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is both varied and spectacular, tracing 185 million years of the Earth's history. For much of the way, our trail follows the scenic South West Coast Path, which is easy in parts and moderate to strenuous in others. For long stretches there is nothing between you and the sea. If you walk an average of around 10 miles (16 kms) a day, you can complete our Jurassic Coast West Trail in 5 walking days (excluding any rest days), i.e. a 6 night holiday, or complete the shorter trail in 4 days. You might also wish to have one or more stopovers during the course of your walking holiday.

Accommodation and services

The accommodation on this inn to inn walking holiday is mostly of a good standard, but the number of rooms is limited. So unfortunately we cannot accept large groups (or dogs), and we strongly advise you to book early. It is ideal for an active family holiday, as there are many great beaches and other attractions for children along the trail (have a look at our links page). The price of your holiday includes your accommodation, a full English breakfast each morning, our detailed and informative Trail Guide and baggage transfers. We will also supply you with the relevant ordnance survey maps, with the Footscape trail highlighted.

Trail Highlights

• Fossil beaches
• Golden Cap, the highest point on England’s south coast 
• The magnificent Chesil Bank
• The beautiful village of Abbotsbury, with its Sub-Tropical Gardens and Swannery
• The Georgian seaside town of Weymouth and the "Isle" of Portland
• Scenic Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.