South West Coast Path Section 9, Lyme Regis to Poole

Dorset Coast Path Walking Holidays - Lyme Regis to Poole Jurassic Coast ​ 86 miles in total (easy 11 miles, moderate 47 miles, strenuous 21 miles, severe 7 miles - what these grades mean ​ Options from 5 to 9 days including the Isle of Portland & Inland Dorset Ridgeway Path Options ​ Given World Heritage Status in 2001, The Jurassic Coast Path through Dorset is quite simply unique - this is the only location on the planet where in a few short days of coastal walking you will travel through a few million years of earth time. The path draws together a fascinating history of long lost deserts, lagoons and swampy forests. A land of the dinosaurs, revealed by today’s tumbling landslides and spectacular coastal erosion. ​ The best way to experience all this is on foot. Expect soaring limestone buttresses and multi coloured sandstone cliffs, gleaming white chalk stack pinnacles and folded fossil lined rock strata. Completing the scenery a backdrop of encounters with glittering azure bays, spectacular caves, huge rock arches and soft sandy coves, part of the ever changing and always breathtaking backdrop of the ocean itself. On a trail with twisting ascents and descents from soaring cliffs to perfect little coves - put simply, this is a walker’s paradise. ​ The dramatic and isolated headlands offer the chance to spot Peregrine Falcons, dolphins, deer and kestrel whilst the hanging valleys and hidden little bays reveal carpets of rare wildflowers, orchids, butterflies and birdlife galore. Along the Dorset Coast Path follow in the footsteps of pirates, smugglers, quarrymen and fossil collectors revealing a rich history of these activities and escapades throughout your walking holiday. ​ Overnight, walkers will enjoy stays in a good variety of locations from impressive Regency Royal Towns, to tranquil little coastal harbours and ancient rural villages, giving this section of the South West Coast Path a real sense of an old England past... but one not completely lost. ​ Why is this section so special for the walker? Be aware that there are challenging sections, isolated areas and Army Restricted Access sections to deal with but for those who take the challenge it’s the sheer contrast in scenery that only those on foot can find. Every day between Lyme Regis and Poole presents a different walking environment and terrain, from Inland lagoon to gorse covered peaks and along the way the follies, ghost villages, hill top forts and abandoned mines leave you with a walk that at every turn has something new, surreal or surprising to offer – and then of course there are the fossils...