Walk 2391 - printer friendly version

West Bay & Burton Cliff Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.5 miles / 7.3 km

Ascent - 400 feet / 121 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SY464903
Lat 50.7098500 + Long -2.7604850
Postcode DT6 4EP (approx. location only)

An interesting walk from West Bay (Dorset) exploring the coast southeast to Burton Bradstock. The outward route follows the South West Coast Path over East Cliff which consists of layers of Fuller's Earth. The walk then descends to Birton Freshwater Beach before continuing onto Burton Cliff as far as Hive Beach. Turning inland the route returns to West Bay using a short section of the Hardy Way.

The walk starts from the large car park behind the beach in West Bay (grid ref. SY464903). It is worth allowing time to visit the pretty, bustling harbour either at the beginning or end of the walk. After parking welk across the beach towards the sea. Bear half left to join the coast path which after an initial climb reaches the top of East Cliff. The path undulates near the cliff offering fine views along the coast. After a kilometre, the path descends to the beach at Burton Freshwater. The path follows the rear of the beach and then continues along the north bank of the River Bride to a footbridge (grid ref. SY482896).

Cross the bridge and turn sharp right to continue along the South West Coast Path. Which arcs left to reach the path over Burton Cliff and continue to Hive Beach with its convenient café. After refreshments retrace your steps for 250 metres and turn right onto a path signed to Burton Bradstock. The path runs on the left-hand side of a car park before heading half-right across a field to a path junction in the far corner. Turn right towards Burton Bradstock and continue to the village outskirts to exit onto Cliff Road. Bear right and then first left into Southover. At the end of the road continue ahead on the clear footpath. Ignore a path on the left and continue ahead to reach the footbridge crossed earlier in the walk.

Cross the river and turn left along the SWCP. After 200 metres turn right onto signed path. Keep ahead to reach a service road, turn left, pass the site reception and then right uphill passing between permanent mobile homes. Where the driveway turns right, turn left through gate and shortly after right as indicated by a sign. The onward path crosses Bridport & West Dorset golf course and is waymarked. You are asked to stay on the marked path and be aware of flying golf balls. Continue across the course to reach a stile. Cross the stile and turn right downhill to a lane. Turn left and continue back to the car park in West Bay.

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