Walk 1551 - printer friendly version

Seatown and Charmouth via Golden Cap Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.0 miles / 8.1 km

Ascent - 1100 feet / 333 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SY364930
Lat 50.733117 + Long -2.9025611
Postcode DT6 6QX (approx. location only)

Dorset's Jurassic Coast is exceptional and England's first natural World Heritage site. This linear walk follows the South West Coast path from Charmouth to Seatown with great views along the coast. As a linear walk you have two options. Either use two cars parked at each end of the walk or make use of public transport. The latter is my preferred option and I normally park at the end of the walk and catch the bus to the start. This way you can plan your day more effectively and avoid the need to rush for the next bus! The Dorset Coast bus routes X31 and X53 cover this walk and run from Chideok Bridge just to the north of Seatown to the centre of Charmouth. Parking is available at Chrmouth and Seatown.

From the seafront in Charmouth (grid ref. SY364930) you immediately get a good idea of the walk ahead. Looking east you will see Golden Cap, the highest point on the Dorset Coast at 191 metres above sea level. Looking west you can see as far as the Cobb in Lyme Regis. Facing the sea, turn left and cross the small footbridge over the River Char. The South West Coast Path is signed and you ascend steadily onto Stonebarrow Hill from where the view becomes much wider.

Like all coastal walking the path has its ups and downs. Descending you cross Westhay Water on a footbridge before a short climb and descent lead you to a footbridge over Ridge Water. Another climb over the top of Broom Cliff is followed by another descent to cross a small stream (grid ref. SY397923). From here the final ascent to the top of Golden Cap commences with some steep sections before the top is reached.

The summit of Golden Cap offers a grandstand view along the coast in both directions and is a perfect place to spend some time before the descent into Seatown, still following the South West Coast Path. Reaching the shore at Seatown it is just under a mile to Chideok Bridge if you are catching the bus back to the start.

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