The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s greatest and most famous walks; 630 miles in total, running from Somerset around Devon, Cornwall and finally into Dorset and through West Bay ending at Poole Harbour.

West Bay Discovery Centre is proud to be one of their Way Makers, which allows walkers not only to follow the trail, but highlights great places to stop along the way, adding to those great memories of walking along this famous path.

The official South West Coast Path website has excellent tools and guidance for selecting your start/finish point or route. For decades, the South West Coast Path (SWCP) has attracted long-distance walkers from all over the country and indeed, the world. It is always fascinating coming across these walkers, many are willing to stop and tell you about the distances they have travelled. You don’t need to be a long-distance walker however, as luckily there are lots of shorter walks to enjoy too.

Please note that during lockdown you must ‘Stay home’ so you can only access the South West Coast path for exercise if the path is in your “local area”.

Below are some circular walks along the South West Coast Path in our area, and with spectacular coast scenery in both directions from West Bay you are spoilt for choice!

• Walk -West Bay & Burton Bradstock 5 miles
• Walk -Eype & Bridport 4 miles this can also start from West Bay see link for details.
• Walk -Thorncombe Beacon & Doghouse Hill 4 miles
• Walk – Hive Beach 2.0 miles

Please search on the South West Coast Path for longer circular walks in the area or pop into the Centre and ask our volunteers for their advice.

Dog-friendly walks

Dog owners love the fact that their four legged friends are welcome on all of the South West Coast Path at any time of the year. Walkers must take care to look after their dogs responsibly, to ensure that they don’t harass livestock or wildlife and that they don’t cause a nuisance of any kind. Remember to always have your dog on a lead near the cliffs. The South West Coast Path website has a special page aimed at helping dog-walkers to manage their pets correctly while using the coast path.

Please note that there are some seasonal dog restrictions on some beaches please read local notice boards or visit here for dog friendly beaches in Dorset.