Rock Around the Coast ...
23rd June
…and take a walk through time, explore the unique geology, spectacular landforms, diverse wildlife and rich history of England’s only Natural World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast. This series of walks offers an exceptional opportunity to learn about the Jurassic Coast and the people that work to preserve and promote this amazing World Heritage Site.
Eleven different organisations, visitor centres and groups in Dorset and East Devon are working in partnership to run guided walks that span the entire Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site. Following the South West Coast Path Regional Trail each leg will be led by a local guide with their own expert knowledge and unique perspective of the area. As the walks progress west to east a relay of guides takes up the story for each section of the Jurassic Coast revealing its rich heritage.
Each walk can be enjoyed independently of the others in the series, so you can join as many or as few as you like.
What previous Rock around the coast walkers had to say…
“Fab walk, pace great, many thanks”
“Amazing walk. Very informative. Fantastic day! Thanks.”
“Great idea ‘walking the coast’, hope to do more next year.”
“Very interesting and excellent series of walks. Managed to get to three – would certainly come again.”
A truly magnificent coastline
The cliffs between Exmouth in East Devon and Studland in Dorset are made of rocks that formed between 250 million and 65 million years ago. During that time the environment shifted from desert to ocean, followed by forests and swamps and finally a warm tropical sea. These changing conditions gave rise to many different kinds of rock which in turn have given us a remarkably varied coast line. The cliffs, landscape, wildlife and even towns and villages are influenced by the changing geology, creating a coast where every part is different from the rest.
Rock Around the Coast takes 95 miles of cliffs, beaches, woods, open downs, quarries, lagoons, landslides and many wild and windswept places. Finish all 14 walks and complete the ‘Walk Through Time’?
Download the Rock Around the Coast walks planner
Further information
The walks in this series can be physically demanding in places, often covering uneven terrain and steep hills. Sturdy footwear should be worn.
Cost
All the walks are free for 2012 but booking is essential. There may be optional extras on certain walks. Packed lunches are required unless indicated.
Please ring 01929 552740 for all bookings. There is a small charge of £1 to cover administration costs.
For general enquiries please email walks@jurassiccoast.com
Car Parking
We encourage you to use public transport when possible. The cost of car parks in coastal towns is often rather high. Please contact the local Tourist Information Centre for advice on where to leave your vehicles.
Car Sharing
Car sharing can help reduce the cost of travel significantly. If you are willing to offer a car share for any of the walks you are joining please email walks@jurassiccoast.com
Getting back to your car
We endeavour to time the walks so that participants have the option of using public transport to return to their cars. Please be aware that we have no way to guarantee any bus service and that there is always a chance that a bus could be late or full when it arrives. Details for suggested bus services are on the planner pdf available to download here.
Health and Safety
The walks in this series can be physically demanding in places, often covering uneven terrain and steep hills. Sturdy footwear should be worn. Please check the distance and rating for each walk. Some sections include additional information regarding terrain and walking conditions. All walks are fully risk assessed and insured.
Future Walks
30th June West Bay to Abbotsbury 9.3 miles moderate
7th July Abbotsbury to Chesil Beach 11 miles moderate
14th July Portland (circular walk)* 8 miles moderate
21st July Overcombe to Lulworth Cove 9 miles strenuous
28th July Lulworth Cove to Kimmeridge Bay 7 miles strenuous
4th August Kimmeridge Bay to Worth Matravers 6 miles moderate/strenuous
11th August Worth Matravers to Durlston* 4.5 miles easy
18th August Swanage to Studland* 4 miles moderate
Venue
Charmouth to West Bay *
7 miles STRENUOUS
(location and time to be confirmed on booking)
Charmouth
tel: 01929 552740
email: walks@jurassiccoast.com
website: www.jurassiccoast.org
Do check out our accommodation pages if you would like to stay in one of our Lyme Regis hotels during your visit.




