Trails & Inspiration

10 of the Best Walking & Running Trails on the Jurassic Coast

Planning on taking a trip down south to the awe-inspiring Jurassic Coast?

Trail runner and photographer David Miller shares his top 10 running and hiking routes, available for you to download onto a GPS device so you can experience the very best trails that the Jurassic Coast has to offer. This list purposely includes a range of distances to suit everyone from beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

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Read on for a selection of these incredible walks and runs, or click below to head straight to a trail:

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Here are David Miller’s top 10 recommendations;

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1. GOLDEN CAP (3 MILES)

Pictured: Golden Cap living up to its name

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The highest point on the South Coast of Britain. Touch the trig point and spoil yourself with some of the finest views on the Jurassic Coast.

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VISIT KOMOOT FOR A ROUTE MAP & MORE INFORMATION

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2. SOUTH DORSET RIDGEWAY (16.5 MILES)

Pictured: Last light over Bincombe Bumps

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Did you know the South Dorset Ridgeway used to be part of the old South West Coast Path and used as an inland diversion? Stretching from West Bexington to Osmington, the South Dorset Ridgeway is an A to B adventure which leaves you with a great sense of satisfaction having completed an entire national trail.

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3. HOOKEN CLIFFS (4 MILES)

Pictured: Branscombe Beach

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Dropping down into the Hooken Undercliffs is like emerging from Jurassic Park. A dramatic land slip in 1790 left a tumbled landscape with spectacular white cliffs, pinnacles and a mass of vegetation. A must see!

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4. LULWORTH RANGES (10 MILES)

You’ll need your mountain legs for this route as the Lulworth Ranges feature some of the hardest climbs on the Jurassic Coast (or South West Coast Path) for that matter. Worth the effort as you’ll witness huge panoramic views of the coastline. Please stick to the way-marked paths and DO NOT wonder off course because of the potential explosives.

*Before attempting this route please check the following website for Lulworth Range opening times*

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lulworth-access-times

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5. FLEET LAGOON (7 MILES)

Pictured: Sunset down the fleet

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Flat and underrated. England’s largest lagoon is a pure joy to run or hike on a summers evening. It won’t disappoint.

*Note* The path gets very muddy in the winter so unless you have the appropriate footwear I’d avoid during the winter months.

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6. PURBECK HILLS (16.5 MILES)

A perfect example of the rolling hills of Dorset. A longer route where you’ll see the best of the Purbecks in one hit. Corfe Castle, Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck Heaths. Be sure to check out the Corfe Castle Bakery when you finish. You’ve earned it!

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7. SWYRE HEAD (9 MILES)

Not so obvious but definitely one of, if not the best viewpoint on the Jurassic Coast. A varied route which will take you along the Kimmeridge ledges and up the mighty Houns Tout Cliff. You’ll find a complimentary bench on top before a steep step descent down into Chapmans Pool.

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8. DURDLE DOOR (8 MILES)

Pictured: Riding the rollercoaster to Durdle Door

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Us locals call this section the rollercoaster. Self-explanatory really. Be prepared to work hard up the severely steep hills but also be prepared to be blown away by the famous scenery and arguably one of the greatest views in the country when you come over the brow of the White Nothe. Totally worth it.

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9. ISLE OF PORTLAND (10 MILES)

Pictured: West Cliff, Portland

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Maybe a little biased as this route is on my doorstep, but having looped Portland 50+ times it never gets boring. This is a trail runners paradise with dramatic cliff tops, technical single trail and local folklore to keep you interested for many loops to come.

Click here for a more detailed description of this particular route.

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10. HELL LANE (6 MILES)

Pictured: Hell Lane

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Dorset’s best kept secret. Passing through Hell Lane is like running through the neverworld. I won’t spoil it too much but you can’t help but feel at unease. Tying this route in with the South West Coast Path and an almighty forest trail descent back into Symondsbury Estate is a MUST DO for all runners and hikers alike. Come back to me with a better route on the Jurassic coast?

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VISIT KOMOOT FOR A ROUTE MAP & MORE INFORMATION

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All photos: David Miller

Follow David and all his outdoor komoot adventures here.

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