South West Coast Path
Coastal Walks
Keep away from cliff edges at all times!
West Bay to Eype, Seatown, Golden Cap & Charmouth
(Westbound)
West Bay to Eype is a relatively easy 25 minutes walk with a distance of less than a mile. The gradients of hills and obstacles involved should be relatively easy for even the inexperienced walker, the reward being superb Lyme Bay coastal and inland views.
The walk from Eype to Seatown is approximately 2 miles and is more strenuous. A steep climb over Thorncombe Beacon is involved, though the views are excellent. A pub next to the beach at Seatown (The Anchor) makes a refreshing stop.
The coastal path westbound then moves on to the highest point along the south coast...Golden Cap, then on towards Charmouth.
West Bay to Freshwater, Burton Bradstock, West Bexington & Abbotsbury
(Eastbound)
West Bay to Freshwater and Burton Bradstock is a relatively easy half hour walk with a distance of approximately three quarters of a mile. However, the initial climb to the top of east cliff is quite steep, though short.
Continuing further, a similar walk will be encountered over the next cliff to Hive Beach and on to West Bexington. From here the official path goes inland, but you can choose to take the Chesil Beach route on to Abbotsbury.
Brit Valley Way
The Brit Valley Way starts at West Bay and finishes 11 miles inland at Chedington.
The path begins through the caravan site at West Bay and on to Bridport. It basically follows the meandering trail of the River Brit up through the villages of Pymore, Waytown and Netherbury. Then on to Beaminster and finally Chedington where the path links up with the River Parrett trail.
A map of The Brit Valley Way can be found on a poster at the main entrance to the caravan site.
Regular guided walks in the area are organised by the Dorset Ramblers. Dates of their arranged walks can be obtained from our Diary page by clicking on the Month.
Touring by Car
The B3157, travelling south east from West Bay makes a good village and sightseeing tour for passengers. You will pass through the picturesque Dorset villages of Burton Bradstock, Swyre, West Bexington, Abbotsbury and Portesham along the way. The total journey distance is about 12 miles. The rewards are excellent village pubs and tea rooms, together with stunning views of the Chesil Beach / Chesil Bank coastline.
Alternatively, take the A35 westbound out of West Bay. After about one mile you can turn off to the quiet village and beach of Eype. Or stay on the A35 to Chideock, then turn off to Seatown, again another quiet beach with a pub. Remaining on the A35 will take you to the fossil beach of Charmouth, a total distance of about 8 miles.
