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Rodden & Langton Herring from Abbotsbury

Jurassic Coast Walk

Region - Jurassic Coast

County/Area - Dorset

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 9.2 miles / 15 km    Ascent - 800 feet / 242 metres

Time - 5 hours 20 minutes    Grade - easy/mod

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Ordnance Survey Explorer OL15Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL15Digital Map1:25kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Rodden & Langton Herring from Abbotsbury
Click image to see photo description.

The pretty Dorset village of Abbotsbury provides a perfect starting point for this walk. There is a pay and display car park on the south side of the B3157 just east of the village centre (grid ref. SY579852). Refreshments are available in Abbotsbury and there is a pub in Langton Herring (check opening hours before starting).

After parking exit the car park and turn right along the B3157. Continue along this road for about 600 metres to reach a signed bridleway on your right (grid ref. SY583851). Follow this clear route - The Ridge Bridleway - and continue east to West Elworth which is reached in about a mile. Reaching the lane through this hamlet (grid ref. SY597847) turn right and continue along the lane for just over 300 metres. Turn left onto the continuation of the Ridge Bridleway and continue to a lane at Rodden (grid ref. SY610842).

Turn right down the lane and then take the first footpath on the left (grid ref. SY609841). This path leads across pastures in a shallow valley to a lane (grid ref. SY609832). Turn right down the lane and continue into the centre of Langton Herring. Turn right down Shop Lane, passing the parish church on your right, and locate the footpath (an enclosed track) that heads south towards the sea. Reaching the northern edge of Under Edge Planation bear left and stay on the track which runs alongside the eastern edge of this woodland.

Reaching the shores of West Fleet (grid ref. SY615813), turn right onto the South West Coast Path. To your left across the lagoon is Chesil Beach. The South West Coast Path is well signed and this is followed all the way back to Abbotsbury. Despite its name this long distance footpath does not follow the coast on this section turning inland around the Perimeter of Wkye Wood before climbing onto a ridge running west between Merry Hill and Linton Hill. This section offers some fine views south to Chesil Beach and the English Channel.

Reaching a lane (grid ref. SY579846) close to Horsepool Farm, bear right and then in a short distance leave the lane and continue following the South West Coast Path as it passes beneath the eastern slopes of Chapel Hill on your left. If you have enough energy, then the short climb up to St Catherine's Chapel is worth the effort. Whatever your choice, continue north the short distance back to Abbotsbury and some well-earned refreshment. Also remember to allow time to explore the village which is full of interest.

Other walks nearby

Walk 2289 Abbotsbury Castle and Chesil Beacheasy/mod6.0 miles
Walk 3523 Abbotsbury & Portesham Circulareasy5.2 miles
Walk 2370 The Fleet from Langton Herringeasy/mod7.0 miles
Walk 3629 Eggardon Hill from Lodersmoderate8.4 miles
Walk 2391 West Bay & Burton Cliffeasy4.5 miles
Walk 3265 Eggardon Hill from Powerstockeasy/mod6.3 miles
Walk 1597 The White Horse & Sutton Poyntz from Osmingtoneasy/mod4.0 miles
Walk 2440 White Nothe & Moigns Down from Osmingtonmoderate10.5 miles
Walk 1549 Golden Cap from Seatowneasy/mod4.0 miles
Walk 1889 White Nothe from Ringstead Bayeasy/mod5.8 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast PathGuidebook to walking the entire South West Coast Path National Trail. The route runs for 630 miles from Minehead to Poole along the north Devon, Cornish, south Devon and Dorset coastline. Divided into 45 stages, this long-distance coastal trek could be completed within 4 weeks, or walked in sections. Guide includes maps and essential information.
More information

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - St Ives to Plymouth

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - St Ives to PlymouthMap of part of the southern section of the 630 mile (1014km) South West Coast Path National Trail. Covers the trail from St Ives to Plymouth along the west Cornwall and Devon coastline. This convenient and compact booklet of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps shows the route, providing all of the mapping you need to walk the trail in either direction.
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