Museum
National Trust
View Point
Railway Station
Tourist Information Centre
South West Coast Path
National Trail
X53 Bus Route
National Cycle Network
Route 2 (Proposed)
Linked Bus Route
National Cycle Network
Route 2 (Open)
(please see main list for contact details)
0
0
1
2
1
3
2
4
5
3
6
7
4
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9
10 km
5 Miles
Visitor Centre
Boat Trips
Studland
Bus/walk (2 miles): The views of Old Harry
Rocks – at the eastern extreme of the Jurassic
Coast – are magnificent from the South West
Coast Path. The Swanage to Bournemouth 150
bus goes through Studland, allowing you to pick
up the South West Coast Path ‘Studland Village
to Old Harry’ walk from here. Make this a circular
walk by heading back to Studland from the top
of Ballard Down. Check the South West Coast
Path website for details of this walk.
explore without your car
JURASSIC COAST
The suggested itineraries listed in this leaflet will help
everyone to enjoy the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
to the full, without causing unnecessary harm to the
local – or global – environment.
The Tourist Information Centres (TICs) listed below are
a good point of contact for further details about routes
covered.
Also listed in this leaflet are useful contacts/websites
which relate to the itineraries that have been suggested.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES (TICs)
Exeter Visitor Info, Exeter City Council, Dix’s Field, Exeter
% 01392 665700
Exmouth TIC, Temple Road (Alexandra Terrace), Exmouth,
% 01395 222299
Budleigh Salterton TIC, Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton,
% 01395 445275
Sidmouth TIC, Ham Lane, Sidmouth, % 01395 516441
Ottery St Mary TIC, 10b Broad St, Ottery St Mary,
% 01404 813964
Honiton TIC, Lace Walk Car Park, Honiton, % 01404 43716
Seaton TIC, The Underfleet, Seaton, % 01297 21660
Axminster TIC,The Old Courthouse, Church St, Axminster,
% 01297 34386
Lyme Regis TIC, Guildhall Cottage, Church St, Lyme Regis,
% 01297 442138
Bridport TIC, 47 South Street, Bridport, % 01308 424901
Weymouth TIC, Pavilion Complex, Weymouth,
% 01305 785747
Dorchester TIC, 11 Antelope Walk, Dorchester,
% 01305 267992
Swanage TIC, The White House, Shore Road, Swanage,
% 01929 422885
Wareham TIC, Trinity Church, South Street, Wareham,
% 01929 552740
Poole Welcome Centre, Enefco House, Poole Quay, Poole,
% 01202 253253
Visitor Information Bureau, Westover Rd, Bournemouth,
% 0845 051 1700
Christchurch TIC, High Street, Christchurch % 01202 471780
Portland
Bus/walk (3 miles and 5 miles): Change
from the CoastlinX53 bus to the X10 bus
(or the open top 501 bus in the summer)
at Weymouth (Kings Statue) to Portland Bill
where you can pick up the South West Coast
Path which circles the island. The scenery
is wild and rocky with examples of Portland
Stone quarrying in the landscape. Portland is
an ‘Island of Stone’ and the 140 million year
old Portland Limestone is one of the most
famous building stones in the world. There are
two recommended short walks ‘Around the
Isle of Portland’ parts 1 and 2. Check the South
West Coast Path website for details of this
recommended walk.
Boat Operators
Weymouth
Ferry Step Cruises % 01305 789761/777521 or
07773 299383
Weymouth Whitewater % 01305 781146 or
07899 892317
The Fleet Observer % 01305 759692
MV Freedom (equipped for people with a
disability) % 07976 528054 or 01305 826199
Discoverer % 07780 600233
White Motor Boats Ltd % 07749 732428 or
01305 785000/814225
UK Sea Safari % 01935 477585 or 07701 059407
Second Wind Jurassic Coast Kayak Tours
% 01305 835301
GB Yachts Jurassic Kayak Tours % 0845 2072078
Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Marine % 01929 400560
Swanage
Marsh’s Boats % 07807 735486 or
01929 427309
Western Lady III % 07807 249649
West Lulworth
Bus/walk: You will need to get a connecting
bus from the CoastlinX53 bus at Wool – there
is a bus service called Door to Dorset 103
which can be booked in advance. Follow the
South West Coast Path from the top of the
timber steps which lie east partway along the
Cove (use the higher path if the tide is in). Go
through a gate into Lulworth Ranges (they
are typically open during holidays and most
weekends - check opening times % 01929
404819) and take the steps down to the Fossil
Forest. This consists of doughnut shaped layers
of algae and mud (now compressed to form
limestone) that built up around the base of
the ancient trees when they were drowned
within a swamp 135 million years ago. Today,
the fossilised tree stumps form a strange and
unworldly landscape. For the return route and
further details of this circular walk, check the
South West Coast Path website.
Dorset and
East Devon
Coast
The rocks have been tilted
to the east which means that the oldest rocks are found
in the west and the youngest in the east. Following the
South West Coast Path National Trail you can literally
‘walk through time’ along the coast – 185 million years
in 95 miles!
The DIGS (Dorset’s Important Geological Sites
Group) ‘Beneath Your Feet’ walks pack for
Purbeck is available from the TICs at Wareham
and Swanage.
This story is explained in much more detail in the
Jurassic Coast Mini Guide leaflet and the Jurassic Coast
Official Guide, both available from Tourist Information
and Visitor Centres.
Swanage
Jurassic Coast Team % 01305 225101
Email [email protected]
www.jurassiccoast.com
Weymouth
Train/boat: Travel to Weymouth by train,
then head for the Clock Tower on the seafront
and make your way towards the harbour. This
walk should take about 15 minutes and has far
reaching coastal views on a clear day. There are
many boat trips operating from the harbour
– look out for those with a commentary about
the Jurassic Coast. From the sea, notice how
the rocks dip down at Portland Bill, or if your
trip takes you eastwards you can enjoy views of
Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
The Jurassic Coast is
England’s first and only
natural World Heritage Site.
The 95 mile (155km) stretch
of coast was designated by
UNESCO in 2001. It is a
World Heritage Site because
it offers a unique insight
into the Earth Sciences – the
rocks which make up the Site
record 185 million years of
the Earth’s history.
Bus/walk (5 miles): You can reach Swanage
by the 142 or 143 bus by changing from the
CoastlinX53 bus or alighting from the train at
Wareham, or by taking the steam train from
Norden near Corfe Castle. Take the earliest 144
bus from Swanage to Worth Matravers (this
should allow enough time to walk and get the
last bus back) and follow the South West Coast
Path ‘Worth Matravers and St Aldhelm’s Head’
walk. This walk takes in the high cliffs and
headlands and can be especially good for bird
watching. Check the South West Coast Path
website for details of this walk.
Boat: Alternatively, take a boat from Swanage for
a fabulous view of the 80 million year old chalk
stacks of Old Harry Rocks.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Contacts listed below relate to the itineraries suggested
in this leaflet.
Train/bus
www.traveline.org.uk % 0871 200 22 33 for all public
transport enquiries
www.tram.co.uk % 01297 20375 for Seaton Tramway
Door to Dorset Bus Service % 0845 602 4547
www.discoverdorset.co.uk % 01202 557 007 for Discover
Dorset Day (minibus) Tours
www.swanagerailway.co.uk
% 01929 425800 for Swanage Steam Railway
Walk
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath % 01392 383560
– for Geology themed walks and information to help you plan
your own Coast Path walks
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
www.walkswithwheelchairs.com – for wheelchair friendly routes
www.dorsetrigs.org.uk – Dorset’s Important Geological Sites
Group for walks that give you an insight to the ‘geology
beneath your feet’
Lulworth Ranges % 01929 404819
www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk
www.dorsetaonb.org.uk
Kimmeridge
Cycle
www.sustrans.org.uk % 0845 113 00 65 – the UK’s leading
sustainable transport charity, helping people benefit their
health and the environment.
Minibus tour: Kimmeridge Bay can be reached
via the South West Coast Path or by the weekly
(Tuesdays) 275 bus from Corfe Castle and
Swanage. Another option is to join a ‘Jurassic
Coast Day Minibus Tour’ with Discover Dorset
Day Tours which picks up passengers in
Bournemouth & Poole and includes a visit to
this remote bay. The Jurassic rocks here are 155
million years old and consist of Kimmeridge
Clay. The bay is particularly good for
rockpooling. A ‘nodding donkey’ can be seen
on the cliff top, which has been producing oil
since 1959 – the oil is held in a layer of rock
called the Cornbrash Limestone.
Boat
www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk % 01395 222144
All boat operators listed on map
Whilst every effort has been made to provide accurate
information, the authors can accept no responsibility for any
errors or omissions.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means
including photocopying or recording, without the permission
of the copyright holder.
Photographs:
Richard Edmonds and Mark Simons Dorset County Council,
First Bus Company and Ross Simmonds
Wareham - Brenscombe Rib Charter % 01929
481222 or Pequod % 0779 2334879
Poole - The Dorset Belles % 01202 558550
Blue Line Cruises Ltd % 01202 467882
Brownsea Island Ferries Ltd % 01929 462383
Greenslades Ferry Service % 01202 669955 or
631828
Dolphin III (equipped for people with a
disability) % 01929 550006
Bournemouth Pier - The Dorset Belles
% 01202 558550
The Waverley paddle steamer (seasonal)
% 0845 130 4647
Funded by Dorset and Devon County Councils and the South
West Regional Development Agency.
Designed and produced by Dayfold Ltd % 01202 812203
www.jurassiccoast.com
Museum
View Point
National Trust
0
Railway Station
0
Tourist Information Centre
South West Coast Path
National Trail
X53 Bus Route
National Cycle Network
Route 2 (Proposed)
Linked Bus Route
National Cycle Network
Route 2 (Open)
(please see main list for contact details)
1
2
1
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2
4
5
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7
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10 km
5 Miles
885
b
P
Visitor Centre
a
Boat Trips
Beer Fine Foundation
Heritage Centre
Sidmouth
Lyme Regis
Boat/bus: The 2-3 hour Coastal Hopper Cruise with Stuart
Line Cruises between Sidmouth and Exmouth (board at
either town) lets you travel through 30 million years of Earth
history showcasing the oldest (Triassic) period of the Jurassic
Coast with its stunning red, sandstone cliffs. You will be
provided with a full commentary on the geology, history
and wildlife of this particular stretch of coast. Disembark
at either Exmouth or Sidmouth. The return journey on the
CoastHopper 157 bus is included in the fare.
Exmouth
Jurassic Coast Bus Service
CoastlinX53
Travelling by bus lets you
sit back, relax and enjoy the
views (much of the landscape
is an Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty). Hop on or
hop off at any of the stops
along the route.
The CoastlinX53 and CoastHopper157 and
899 services are ideal for walkers - combine
walking along a section of the South West
Coast Path National Trail with the option of
either travelling out or back by bus.
Some of the areas not visited by the
CoastlinX53 or the CoastHopper 157 and
899 services are accessible by linking to other
buses – the 31 bus service offers links from
Axminster and Dorchester down to the coast,
and in the summer, the 501 open-top bus
runs hourly/daily from Weymouth down to
Portland Bill.
Pick up the CoastlinX53 or CoastHopper 157
timetable from any TIC listed on this leaflet or
contact Traveline.
Train/bike: From the mainline train at Exeter, take the
Avocet Train Line to Exmouth along the Exe Estuary. This
local service takes its name from the bird which winters on
the estuary and the 25 minute journey offers great estuary
views of this Site of Special Scientific Interest. Take your bike
and cycle on to Budleigh Salterton via the National Cycle
Network Route 2 traffic-free cycle route.
Budleigh Salterton
Wheelchair/buggy friendly walk (I mile): From Lime Kiln
car park walk up to the sea front then turn left along a
gravel path following the sea front. You can see the famous
pebble beds from here – the pebbles were transported by
one of the giant rivers that flowed into the Triassic Desert
about 240 million years ago. The pebbles have been falling
from the cliffs on to the beach, but please don’t take any
home with you or you will be contributing to the depletion
of the beach. The path loops round to the left and you can
walk back along the River Otter to where you started. There
is a small steep slope at the end of this walk. Visit the ‘walks
with wheelchairs’ website for further information.
Boat Trips
Beer and Seaton
There is a wide range of boat trips to chose from – the
contact details of the boat operators are listed on both
sides of this leaflet.
Charmouth
West Bay
Boat/bus: The striking, sandstone cliffs here are about 180
million years old. From the sea they are particularly dramatic
– especially in the evening sun. Take a boat trip to see the
amazing fractures in the rock face or take the water taxi
to Lyme Regis returning to Bridport or West Bay on the
CoastlinX53 bus.
Abbotsbury
Walk (3miles)/bus: Walk along the South West Coast Path
westwards over the white cliffs of Beer Head – most of the
chalk has been eroded in East Devon but here the rocks
were folded and faulted downwards level with the older
rocks, so the chalk is still visible today. You will see the
spectacular Hooken Landslide, created in 1790 when part
of the cliff broke away. Follow the path into the chasm and
on to Branscombe Mouth. Catch the CoastHopper 899 bus
back to Beer or walk back on the inland footpath which
climbs steeply back up the valley side and stop off at the
impressive Beer Quarry Caves and join one of their guided
tours. Check the South West Coast Path website for details
of this walk.
Bus/walk/tram: Travelling east to Seaton you will get
your first real views of the cliffs from the CoastlinX53 bus.
The strenuous 7 mile hike eastwards along the South West
Coast Path, runs through the Undercliff of the giant Bindon
Landslide. This is a National Nature Reserve and offers the
keen walker an amazing wilderness experience. A more
leisurely way to explore the area is by taking a tram ride
inland along the serene Axe Valley.
Boat Operators
Travelling by boat provides
impressive views from the
sea of the geology exposed
in the cliffs. Look out for
those boat operators who
provide a commentary
about the rocks and cliffs
you will see on your trip.
Bus/boat: Travel eastwards to Lyme Regis on the
CoastlinX53, and as the bus descends into the town you
are treated to spectacular views of the cliffs and coastline.
Take a boat trip from the Cobb harbour to view the dark
clay cliffs which surround Lyme Bay. The cliffs here are 200
million years old and mark the start of the Jurassic section of
the World Heritage Site. The beaches between Lyme Regis
and Charmouth are famous for fossils.
Exmouth
Stuart Line Cruises % 01395 222144
Avocet Cruises % 01803 898280
Exeplorer Water Taxi Ltd % 07970 918418
Beer
Sambe % 07989 631321 Lillie May % 07779 040491
Blue Lady % 07815 669796 Abrenat % 07779 875507
Barbara Jean % 07968 032557
Lively Lady % 07779 076347
Branscombe Beach
Branscombe Pearl II % 01297 680369 or 07971 519163
Lyme Regis
Kraken % 0797 4796002
Marie F % 07974 753287
Lyme Regis Pleasure Boat Company % 07765 501539
Susie B % 07850 180331 Jozilee % 07958 492953
Joint Venture % 01297 442656 or 07720 900235
Frances Jane Boat Trips % 07890 739625
West Bay
Huntress II % 07720 328251
Lyme Bay Rib Charter % 07971 258515 or 01308 423479
Bus/walk: Join the circular DIGS (Dorset’s Important
Geological Sites Group) ‘Golden Cap and Hardown Hill’
walk from the bus stop at Morecombelake on the A35 – get
details of this walk from the ‘Beneath Your Feet’ walks pack
from Bridport TIC. From the top of Hardown Hill you will
see distant views of Golden Cap, which at 191 metres is the
highest cliff on the south coast of England. You will reach
Golden Cap halfway through this walk – the steep climb is
well worth the stunning views eastwards from the top.
South West Coast Path
National Trail
The South West Coast
Path National Trail offers
stunning views of the
Jurassic Coast, with a
superb view of many
coastal features with
much of the countryside
designated as an Area
of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (AONB).
The Coast Path is easy to follow - just look out for the
acorn symbol as you make your way along the path
Remember the CoastlinX53 and the other bus services
which link from this, stop at points along or near the
Coast Path, giving more scope when planning linear or
circular walks.
A network of local footpaths links with the Coast Path
making circular walks possible. Descriptions of many of
these – including most of those mentioned in this leaflet
- can be downloaded from the official South West Coast
Path website. The website also has detailed information
about suitability for people with impaired mobility. Bus/walk: As the CoastlinX53 bus drops down into
Abbotsbury, stunning views unfold towards the Isle of
Portland. Pick up the circular DIGS (Dorset’s Important
Geological Sites Group) ‘Abbotsbury Area’ walk from the
CoastlinX53 bus stop at the Ilchester Arms hotel – get
details of this walk from the ‘Beneath Your Feet’ walks
pack from Bridport TIC. The walk includes an iron ore
quarry, outcrops of iron ore in-situ (Site of Special Scientific
Interest), an Iron Age hill fort and the remains of an Abbey –
although the most stunning feature has to be Chesil Beach.
Chesil Beach is one of the best examples of a barrier beach
in the world. It is made up of 17 miles (28km) of pebbles
and shingle. The beach and the Fleet Lagoon behind it are a
nature reserve.
The Rail Network
Let the train take the strain
- from you and from the
environment.
From some stations you
can combine your train
journey with the CoastlinX53 or other bus services. Look
out for the Jurassic Coast signs at the following stations:
Exmouth, Axminster, Weymouth and Wareham – all
have good bus connections.
Remember you can take your bike on the train (check
with the operating company first regarding space), and
continue your exploration of the Jurassic Coast from any
station on route.
Cycle Routes
Explore the Jurassic Coast
on two wheels - the
healthy, non-polluting
way to travel. Look out
for those routes which
are recommended by
Sustrans, the co-ordinator
of the National Cycle
Network.
Take your bike on the train – you will be able to
travel further and see the landscape from a different
perspective while you take a rest from pedalling.
Please note parts of the National Cycle Network Route 2
are still only proposed.
Find out more about national and local cycle routes on
the Sustrans website.
Contact Traveline for help in planning your journey
– for non-scheduled local services such as the Seaton
Tramway and the Swanage (Steam) Railway, contact
them directly.
Visit the South West Coast Path website for further
information or call in at any TIC for details
of which guide books and OS maps you
will need for the walks – you can also
buy the National Trust walks
leaflets here. Also visit the East
Devon AONB and the Dorset
AONB websites for more
information about walks.
www.jurassiccoast.com