14/09/26 - Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

Ever get the feeling you've been (nearly) cheated?

A trip to Dorset would be lacking if it missed this classic coastal walk. Yet things conspired to defeat us. Meteorological conditions could not be helped. The British appetite for ripping off people could.

We drive past several fine looking parking spaces in West Lulworth to try the official car park at Lulwoth Cove. A whole 5 minute walk away. You've never seen a Seat do a 180 quicker than when its driver spots that 3 hours parking is £17.

Jesus H Christ. On a bike. Going downhill. Without brakes.

After the walk, we pop down to the cove for coffees. A 20 minute boat trip is £20 for adults and £15 for children. £70 for a family of four to be entertained for a whole third of an hour.

Padstow's £25 fish and chips may have lost its crown as "Britain's Worst Tourist Trap"

If you are lucky, or it's a Monday on a bleak day, then you should find street parking to commence the walk. We decided to do the high headland first, saving the highlights for the return. They is a good reason for this.

On Hambury Tout things, can only get better

And they do - as we get to the many lung-bursting ups and downs of the coast path, the gloom lifts. Camera phones out for the magnificent seascapes around every corner. Durdle Door Arch leads to Man O' War Cove and then Lulworth Cove.

Did I tell you how much the boat rides were?

Man O'War

Final drop to Lulwoth Cove. Ironically through the car park.

It's a walk that all Rambers should do. Just time it right to start in the right place. In the right weather.

Walk Details

Distance - 7.5 miles

Geocaches - 5

Walk Inspiration - AA 1001 Walks, Walk 102