Walking BritainDorset Walk
Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door
Maps 
| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL15 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer OL15 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 194 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 194 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
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This short walk includes two of the most famous features on the Dorset Coast, namely the circular inlet of Lulworth Cove and the rock arch known as Durdle Door. For a longer walk including these two features walk 2575 is a more challenging route.
The start is the main car park next to the visitor centre at Lulworth Cove(Grid ref. SY 821800). This can be a very busy place during peak times and if you prefer a quiet walk then do avoid peak holiday periods. From the car park take the broad paved path heading uphill westwards towards the coast. All the height gained on this section will be lost as you descend to Durdle Door and as you have guessed will have to be climbed again to return to Lulworth Cove.
Reaching the summit of the first hill you get the first good view of the Dorset Coast with its fine white cliffs. Stay on the main South west Coast Path to reach Durdle Door where you can descend to the beach to get a better view of the rock arch.
To complete the walk return by the outward route to the car park continuing past the information centre to reach the shingle beach of Lulworth Cove. Almost completely circular the cove provides a sheltered haven for small boats and is a pleasant place to spend some time before returning to the start of the walk.
Other walks nearby
| Walk 1329 | Durdle Door & White Nothe from Lulworth Cove | moderate | 7.0 miles |
| Walk 3389 | Bindon Hill and the Fossil Forest from Lulworth | easy/mod | 4.0 miles |
| Walk 2568 | Egmont Point & Kimmeridge Bay from Tyneham | moderate | 14.0 miles |
| Walk 1533 | Gad Cliff & Povington Hill from Tyneham | easy/mod | 4.5 miles |
| Walk 2575 | Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove | moderate | 10.0 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
The South West Coast Path
Guidebook 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 - Minehead to St Ives
Map of the northern section of the 630 mile (1014km) South West Coast Path National Trail. Covers the trail from Minehead to St Ives along the north Devon and Cornish 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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Map and Compass
An instructive guidebook explaining map and compass techniques, to help readers enhance their outdoor experiences. Whether you are experienced in map-reading, or have never used a compass before, this guidebook will sharpen your skills and have you exploring new areas in no time. There are also tips for GPS and digital mapping technologies.
More information
Further Information
Walk Location Map
Walking in Dorset
Dorset is a beautiful county for walking with a varied landscape including chalk downs, limestone ridges, low-lying valleys and a glorious coastline. Predominantly rural in character the walking offers wonderful views and pretty villages. Much of the coast is part of the Jurassic Coast Natural World Heritage Site due to its geological significance, including Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach and Durdle Door.
Walk grading - Learn how each walk is assessed and select a walk to suit your ability and experience by going to Walk Grading Details.
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