The Jurassic Coast around Lyme Bay

We have featured the following walks previously in our blog but we think it’s worth highlighting these two wonderful walks again. If you have over-indulged over the festive season get out your hat, gloves and walking boots and enjoy a walk along the beautiful Jurassic Coast while burning off those extra calories.

East Devon – from Beer to Branscombe
One of our favourite forms of exercise is a bracing two mile walk along the East Devon coast between Beer and Branscombe. But be warned, a head for heights will come in handy! This walk is quite strenuous but you will enjoy the most fantastic views across the open seas.

There is large car park at Beer Head and this is the starting point for the walk. Head west out along the relatively level white cliffs of Beer Head and enjoy the views to Portland Bill in one direction and Torbay in the other. On your walk you will pass the spectacular chasm of Under Hooken that was created in 1790 when part of the cliff broke away and slipped down. Follow the well-maintained path on to Branscombe Mouth. This is the spot where the container ship MSC Napoli was shipwrecked in 2007 and this became national news as crowds flocked to the beach in a re-creation of ‘Whisky Galore’. Tranquility has now returned to this beautiful part of the coastline.

The village of Branscombe is a short way inland from Branscombe mouth and is spread out along a long winding road. There are two pubs in the village, The Masons Arms, which is closest and the Fountain Head, which is at the far end of the village – both are well worth a visit. You can enjoy at your leisure a locally brewed Branscombe ale before you head back to Beer.

West Dorset – Stonebarrow , Golden Cap and Seatown
Golden Cap, at 191 metres above sea level, is the highest point on the Jurassic Coast and gets its name from its distinctive yellow sandstone summit. Do yourself a favour and have a wonderful day out walking to the summit of Golden Cap and slightly beyond to Seatown. Good walking shoes are strongly recommended.

Start at the National Trust car park at Stonebarrow, near Charmouth and then head east and follow the route to Seatown, it’s about 2 miles. The views are stunning, both out to sea and inland. The route can be steep and quite challenging at times, but it’s well worth it – especially when you reach the summit at Golden Cap. And now here’s the bonus – on arrival at Seatown you can visit the Anchor Inn, nestled below Golden Cap. The food’s very good and the local real ale is a treat. Having spent a relaxing hour enjoying lunch you can then burn off the calories on the walk back – perfect!