Jurassic Coast Walk: 72 Miles of Cliffs & Coves in 3 Days
The Jurassic Coast walk challenge takes you 72 miles along England’s only natural World Heritage Site in three summer days, from the fossil beaches of Lyme Regis to the golden sands of Studland Bay. Along the way you’ll pass Golden Cap, Chesil Beach, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove – rocks that span around 185 million years of Earth’s history. It’s a big walk, with days of 22 to 25 miles and plenty of climbing, but the scenery repays every step.
Here’s the route, the stages, how hard it is and how to get ready. If you’d like to join us, the Jurassic Coast Challenge runs 9–11 July 2027.
Quick facts
Distance | 72 miles (116km) |
|---|---|
Days | 3 (25, 25 and 22 miles) |
Start / finish | Lyme Regis → Studland Bay |
Total ascent | The Dorset coast path is famously hilly; full details are in your event pack |
Terrain | Clifftop coast path, grassy downland, shingle in places, many steep climbs and descents |
Best time | May to September; July brings long, warm days |
Our 2027 dates | Friday 9 – Sunday 11 July 2027 |
Price | £399, or a £79 deposit (pay in 3 interest-free with PayPal) |
What is the Jurassic Coast?
The Jurassic Coast is 95 miles of Dorset and East Devon coastline, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for its geology. Walk west to east and you travel forward through time: Triassic red cliffs in Devon, Jurassic rocks around Lyme Regis and Charmouth, and Cretaceous chalk at Old Harry Rocks near Studland. The route follows the South West Coast Path National Trail, waymarked with the acorn symbol. Our challenge walks the Dorset section, finishing at Studland Bay, close to the end of the South West Coast Path at South Haven Point.
Day-by-day itinerary
Full stage details, including end points and camps, are in your event pack.
Day 1: Lyme Regis towards Chesil Beach (25 miles)
You set off from Lyme Regis, famous for its fossils and the Cobb harbour wall. The path climbs over the cliffs to Charmouth and up to Golden Cap, the highest point on England’s south coast at about 191m, with views along the whole of Lyme Bay. Then it drops to Seatown, passes the honey-coloured cliffs of West Bay and heads east past Burton Bradstock towards the great shingle bank of Chesil Beach. Lots of ups and downs today, so settle into a steady rhythm.
Day 2: Chesil Beach and Durdle Door (25 miles)
The coast path here runs behind Chesil Beach and the Fleet lagoon before reaching Weymouth. Beyond the town, the chalk cliffs begin. You’ll pass the White Nothe headland and come to the most photographed spot on the coast: the limestone arch of Durdle Door, followed by the perfect horseshoe of Lulworth Cove. The section between Ringstead and Lulworth includes some of the steepest climbs of the whole walk.
Day 3: Finish at Studland Bay (22 miles)
East of Lulworth the path crosses the Lulworth Ranges. Beyond lie Kimmeridge Bay, St Aldhelm’s Head, Dancing Ledge and the old stone quarries around Swanage. Then it’s up onto Ballard Down and out to the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks, before the final stretch onto the sands of Studland Bay.
Photo: Phil Richards from London, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How hard is the Jurassic Coast walk challenge?
The coast path doesn’t have high mountains, but it has a lot of short, steep climbs. Some of the cliffs between Lulworth and Kimmeridge are steep enough to have steps cut into them. Combine that with 22–25 miles a day and summer heat, and it’s a properly rewarding challenge. In return, you get sea views almost every step of the way.
It suits you if you:
walk regularly and have done a 20-mile day, ideally with hills
are happy on narrow clifftop paths
want a summer adventure with sea air and swims (when you have the energy)
Choose how much you carry: Enjoy (day pack only), Endeavour (10kg+ plus food and water) or Endure (15kg+ plus food and water).
Photo: Paste, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Training & kit
Start at least 12 weeks out with our 12-week training plan, and include as many hills and steps as you can. In July, sun and heat matter as much as rain: pack sun cream, a sun hat, sunglasses and enough water capacity for the gaps between checkpoints. You’ll still want a waterproof jacket – it’s the British coast. Our multi-day kit list covers the rest.
Doing it with Endurotrek
This is a supported challenge event, not a guided walk. You walk at your own pace while we look after the logistics:
Checkpoints with drinks and snacks
Support staff throughout the route
Camping, with a hot breakfast and a packed lunch
Baggage transfer
A medical team
A personalised finishers keepsake at the finish
The 2027 event runs 9–11 July 2027 and costs £399, or secure your place with a £79 deposit. You can also pay in 3 interest-free with PayPal. Walking for a cause? Take a charity place and raise money for Sense, SANE, Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice or any charity you choose. There are three ways to take a charity place: a £75 registration fee with a £799 fundraising target, a £225 registration fee with a lower fundraising target of £499, or the full event price (this varies by event) and raise whatever you can. We ask that you raise at least 50% of your target 4 weeks before the event start date. *subject to change Find out more about charity places.
FAQs
How long is the Jurassic Coast walk?
The full Jurassic Coast is about 95 miles from Exmouth to Studland. Our challenge covers 72 miles of the Dorset coast, from Lyme Regis to Studland Bay, in 3 days.
How hard is walking the Jurassic Coast?
The terrain isn’t technical, but the coast path has many steep climbs and descents. At 22–25 miles a day it’s a rewarding challenge for well-trained walkers.
Can you walk to Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast path?
Yes. The South West Coast Path passes directly above Durdle Door, between Weymouth and Lulworth Cove.
Where is the highest point on the Jurassic Coast?
Golden Cap, near Seatown, is the highest point on England’s south coast at about 191m.
When is the best time to walk the Jurassic Coast?
May to September offers the longest days and the best chance of good weather. Midsummer can be hot, so carry plenty of water and sun protection.
Photo credits (via Wikimedia Commons): Walkers on the South West Coast Path above Durdle Door: Photo: Peter Barr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons · Golden Cap, West Dorset coast (source: 'looking eastwards at Golden Cap'): Photo: Phil Richards from London, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons · Lulworth Cove from the cliff path: Photo: Paste, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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