Team Picks: Our Favourite Dorset Walks

Looking for walking routes for your holiday at Durdle Door? Look no further! We asked our team for their favourite walks across the Dorset Coast. Below you’ll find our top picks – from Portland through to Swanage.

Worbarrow Tout – Worbarrow Bay, 4.2 miles away from walk start

This one is dependent on the Lulworth Ranges Firing Times. Worbarrow Tout is at the eastern end of Worbarrow Bay. It’s a steep and narrow path down to the bay, but well worth the walk. Safe waters to swim and a lovely shingle/sand beach. You can park at Tyneham Village or walk from the viewpoint carpark.

Walk distance: approximately 1 mile

Walk difficulty: One steady climb and a steep descent on to the beach, otherwise fairly level

Jim, Security

Arish Mell Gap – Arish Mell, 3.6 miles away from walk start

This one is also dependent on the Lulworth Ranges Firing Times. When the Range Walks are open, it’s just under a mile from Lulworth Castle to Arish Mell Gap. If we are feeling ambitious we will walk right (west towards West Lulworth) and all the way along the top to Lulworth Cove and stop on the dog friendly beach or grab a snack. We’ve learnt from past experience to firstly drive the car to Lulworth Cove (two cars and drive one home again) and leave it there as the walk back to Arish Mell and home again is a killer on the legs! You can see all the way across to Weymouth & Portland and the views are spectacular.

Walk distance: Just under 1 mile to Arish Mell Gap, approximately 3.5 miles further from Arish Mell Gap along the coast back to Durdle Door Holiday Park.

Walk difficulty: A fairly level route to Arish Mell Gap from East Lulworth. For those continuing West from there, there are some very, very steep hills! Difficult.

Lucy, Accommodation Supervisor

Swyre Head – Kingston, 10 miles away from walk start

It’s a nice and easy walk! There is a free car park, and it’s roughly 2 miles. I’d say it would take an hour if not less, or can be extended to walk down to Kimmeridge and have a drink in Clavells Restaurant (medium walk as has some hills!)

It has 360 views so can see right across to Bournemouth from parts of the walk, over Swanage, then over the cliffs towards Durdle Door and Weymouth, but is also fantastic for watching the sun set!

Walk distance: approximately 2 miles with the option to extend.

Walk difficulty: 2 mile route, easy. Extended walk has some hills so moderate.

Emma, Accommodation Manager

Circular walk from Durdle Door Holiday Park – start the walk from the Holiday Park

Via Durdle Door, Man O’ War Beach, St Oswalds Bay, Stair Hole and Lulworth Cove

Check the tide times for this one!

My favourite walk takes you past most of the local beaches and bays to the immediate east of Durdle Door. Take the path down to Durdle Door from the car park, and at the view point walk down to Man O’ War Beach. When the tide is out, you can walk round the corner of Man O’ War to St Oswalds Bay. At the other end of the beach there is a path up the hill, and walking down the road at the top takes you to Stair Hole and Lulworth Cove. Take the path from Lulworth Cove car park over Hambury Tout back to Durdle Door Holiday Park. There are several restaurants and pubs down at Lulworth Cove to help break up the journey!

Walk distance: approximately 2.6 miles

Walk difficulty: Some steep steps and hills – moderate to difficult

Harriet, Senior Customer Care & Operational Assistant

Portland Bill to Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland – approximately 23 miles from walk start

This isn’t too long of a walk, with mostly level ground from the Portland Bill car park along to the Lighthouse. It’s a circular walk using the coast path, taking you past several old buildings and the old quarry.

Combine with a trip to Weymouth for a full day out!

Walk distance: approximately 3.5 miles

Walk difficulty: Easy – a few gentle hills, quiet roads, stony in places

Simon, Security

Weymouth Seafront – approximately 13 miles away from walk start

One of our favourite places to visit with the kids since moving to Dorset is Weymouth – having four children, Weymouth is a great place to keep them entertained! We normally drive to Weymouth from Lulworth, which takes roughly 20 minutes for us. We start with a walk on the sea front and normally end up in the amusement before we head for ice cream. In the summer months, they have fireworks on a Monday night along the sea front, which is well worth the visit too!

Walk distance: approximately 2.5 miles from the west side of Weymouth Beach to the east side of Bowleaze Cove

Walk difficulty: Easy

Lisa, Customer Care Assistant

Book your accommodation now and find the perfect base for your walking holiday! You can browse our range of accommodation here.