Overview
One hundred miles of the South West Coast Path along the waterfront of Devon and Dorset. A World Heritage Site of outstanding natural beauty. On the sea side your view includes dramatic cliffs, endless strips of white sand, and windy headlands; inland the patchwork quilt of fields, pasture and ancient villages delights your eye. Few places offer a neo-nomad such soulful drama as the Jurassic Coast.
Access The major towns are Exeter on the west side and Bournemouth on the east, both of which have direct train connections from London. Buses can take you to the start and finish of the trail if you are walking the whole Jurassic Coast, or if you are picking individual day hikes, buses can get you to most spots, and a rental car everywhere. But if driving, be aware that off the main routes the rural roads are mostly single track where oncoming cars must be passed with a gap of just inches, which can be alarming to drivers not used to such traffic.
Shelter An abundance of accommodation for every budget, including hotels, Airbnb, hostels and plenty of campgrounds, although the latter usually require a car to access.
Roam The trail is well marked and mostly hugs the coast. The topography often undulates requiring frequent ascents and descents.
Cell Signal Mostly excellent. A few dead zones, but rare.
Optimal Season
May and June. The weather is best in July but summer holidays are in full force then, making accommodations more of a challenge. In late May and June the days are longest and the latter usually has weather that often rivals the summer months.
Comments The 600 miles of the South West Coast Path is a neo-nomad’s paradise but this section is one of the most scenic.
