Walking the Jurassic Coast

On reaching the start of the tarmac lane above Chapman's Pool, the former footpath down to the Pool has now been closed due to the unstable Kimmeridge Clay surface, and its steps and stile removed (although it is still being used by the disobedient). The former bridleway having also been closed, the only access to the shore is by the former track to the boathouse.

Accordingly, at the bottom of Hill Bottom keep left on the rough track above the stream, along the foot of the steep slope. After a landslipped area, it winds down to the boat houses at the southern corner of the big bay.

The walk continues back up the same track.

Walk 26 Kimmeridge

At Tynham Cap, a minor route alteration. On the outward part of the walk, where the green track along the ridgeline turns into a field on the north side of the ridge, instead take the grass path ahead. After 200 metres, a small gate leads back onto track again. Just before this gate note the path turning down sharp left, which will be used on the return route.

P160, descending towards Minterne Magna

The small gate on the left ('signposted for Minterne Magna') has dropped its arm and just has a bridleway marker. The mid-field signpost below has been lost, so slant gradually away from the track, working gently downhill for 300 metres. After passing above a small wood, look out for a small gate in the fence at the field foot.

(Thank you to Simon Stevens)

P150 In Weymouth Bay the holiday park signposting and shop have changed, so just follow 'exit' signs to escape to the A353.

Two cliff falls in April 2021 affect this route, though neither as yet has caused radical diversion of the Coast Path. One is east of Seatown, on the ascent to Thorcombe Beacon. The other east of Eype's Mouth, above Fault Corner (previously reported on the website), and has a small diversion inland into the holiday park here.

Look out for signs marking the path alterations, and be aware that they may develop further.

At Hillend Farm, exit to the corner of a lane.

Keep ahead along this lane. After 50 metres, there has sometimes been a cleared path up left through the bracken, and turning right along the slope top. Otherwise, in 300 metres along the lane turn up left on a right-of-way path. Either way, you reach a lane at the slope top.

Thanks to Mr Simon Stevens for this update!

Walk 10 Permissive path to St Gabriel's Beach

The path and steps down to St Gabriel's Beach, so handsomely restored in 2014, was undercut by cliff erosion in 2017 and is currently closed until further notice. Maintenance, repair and replacement of this path is a constant battle between the National Trust and the sea, with the NT in the role of the plucky underdog. A notice (or absence of one) at the top of the path will give its current status – see also the Golden Cap page at www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
This does not affect the main route continuing along the cliff top towards Golden Cap.

April 2016

Walk 8 Lyme Regis Undercliff

The route has reopened (Spring 2016) after being closed due to a landslip above Culverhole Point. The new, slightly diverted route takes in Goat Island (which isn't an island - see 'Insolated Strip' in the diagram with Walk 8). Thanks to Paddy Dillon for flagging this.

The cover of the guidebook refers to 'notes on the Jurassic Coast Path' which were not included in the final published book/ePub/Kindle.

We apologise for any confusion or disappointment but readers can now download Ronald's introduction to, outline description of and tips on the logistics of tackling the Jurassic Coast Path.