The best walks and hikes around Catherston Leweston
4.5
(1022)
8,024
hikers
274
hikes
Hikes around Catherston Leweston explore the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape is defined by coastal paths along cliffs, rolling countryside hills, and footpaths that follow the River Char. The trails pass through a mix of pastoral fields, ancient hedgerows, and woodlands.
Best hiking trails around Catherston Leweston
- The most popular hiking route is the Golden Cap loop on the South West Coast Path from Stonebarrow Hill — Dorset…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.7
(62)
203
hikers
9.26km
02:46
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.2
(6)
17
hikers
6.31km
01:57
240m
230m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(3)
21
hikers
4.30km
01:18
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.44km
01:58
190m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
On the right day the views across to Lyme Regis and towards Portland are spectacular.
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The highest point on the south coast of England. quite the lung opener and leg burner to reach. well worth it with the views though. Just be careful near the cliff edge. Constantly eroding away.
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Situated on the Dorset/Devon border and just two miles from Lyme Regis, Charmouth is a quiet, unspoilt village, with lots of amenities. The village has a rich history going back hundreds of years, and was once on the main road from London to Exeter. As a consequence of this historical strategic location the village has seen many important visitors over the years with King Charles II staying in the village during his escape to France, and Jane Austen who, as a regular visitor, once wrote that Charmouth was “a nice place for sitting in unwearied contemplation”. Fortunately these days the busy roads bypass the village, and Charmouth retains the charm and tranquility it has enjoyed for hundreds of years. Charmouth is best known for its beach. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the local coastline provides an unique insight into millions of years of evolution, and of course is best known as the Jurassic Coast due to the large number of fossils that can be found on the beaches. However, the beach is not just for fossil hunters, having large areas of sand and gently shelving waters that make it an ideal family day out when the sun shines. The local cafés, shops and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre provide food, drink, beach goods and information about the geology and fossils. Within the village Charmouth has a wide range of shops to ensure that visitors do not need to venture further afield during their stay. Everything from daily essentials, household and holiday goods, gifts, and beauty salons all available right in the village centre. A range of pubs, restaurants and cafés give a fantastic choice of refreshments from breakfast to dinner. As part of both the Jurassic Coast and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it is possible to lose yourself in sights, countryside and wildlife.
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Stunning views of Lyme Regis from the top of Stonebarrow hill
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Opening1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 * March to October: 7 days a week from 10:30am until 4:30pm. (Closed Tuesdays in March) November to February: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10:30am until 4.00pm. Ticket Type Ticket Tariff Beach Clean / Nurdle Hunt Free Centre Admission Free Fossil Hunting Walk (Adult) £14.00 per ticket Fossil Hunting Walk (Child) £8.00 per ticket Seashore Safari (Adult) £10.00 per ticket Seashore Safari (Child) £5.00 per ticket Visit Raffle, a rare 3D plesiosaur skeleton. Named after Raffle the dog, who found the fossil whilst walking the beach with owner Tracey Barclay, this unique Jurassic marine reptile is one of the few 3D Lower Jurassic plesiosaurs in the world. Free to enter, it has an incredible array of fossils on display from the world-famous Jurassic Coast. Meet their newest and biggest residents: Raffle, a 3D plesiosaur skeleton, and David Attenborough’s Sea Dragon (as seen on TV). All the fossils are kindly on temporary loan from local fossil collectors, and so with more fossils found every day, the displays are frequently changing to showcase the newest fossils. Going out fossil hunting? they'll get you geared up to help you hunt! Whether that’s joining a guided fossil hunting walk with their expert wardens (run all year round) or getting free hints and tips from the knowledgeable volunteers in the Centre, they are there to help. Being right on the seafront of the world-class fossil hunting beach of Charmouth, they are well placed to identify your fossil finds too. The gift shop and online shop are well stocked to help you too, including fossil hunting kits, fossil ID guides and books. Right at the heart of the Lyme Bay Marine Conservation Area, they also celebrate the life under the waves. Between April – October they fill their catch and release fish tank with creatures from Charmouth’s rockpools. Why not join them on a Seashore Safari where they discover the fascinating local rockpool creatures. they are passionate about keeping the seas clean, and run regular free beach cleans and nurdle hunts. Public walks can be booked via their website: www.charmouth.org/chcc/events-calendar/.
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Beach huts are available to hire for the summer or winter seasons. They can also be hired on a daily or weekly basis between May-September. Full time residents of Charmouth Parish may enter an annual lottery for a number of huts that are made available for the summer season at 50% of the full price. These are normally located on the grass area. The lottery also includes blue huts on the beach which are restricted initially to residents with children aged under 18. The lottery takes place at the beginning of April each year. ** PLEASE NOTE THAT SEASONAL HUTS ARE FULLY BOOKED FOR THIS YEAR AND THE SUBSTANTIAL WAITING LIST IS CURRENTLY CLOSED**
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More information about opening times etc. can be found here: https://charmouth.org/chcc/ Important⚠️!! You are not allowed to be on some parts of the beach at high tide, as there is a risk of being trapped or the beach could flood. The tide table is available in the visitor center and you can also find out the best time of day to search there. We had fun, the beach is very beautiful and we found something 😉
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails around Catherston Leweston suitable for dogs?
Yes, many trails in the area are great for walking with dogs. The region, including parts of the Dorset National Landscape and the Golden Cap Estate, generally welcomes dogs, but they should be kept under control, especially near livestock. For a specific dog-friendly route, consider the Charmouth loop walk, which offers a mix of countryside and coastal paths.
Where can I find a good circular walk?
The area is excellent for circular hikes, saving you the trouble of backtracking. Many routes combine coastal views with inland scenery. A great example is the Westhay Water & Charmouth loop from Stonebarrow Hill, which provides fantastic views from the hill and takes you through the charming village of Charmouth.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes?
Definitely. There are several shorter, less strenuous walks perfect for a family outing. The Smugglers Trail at Stonebarrow is a popular choice; it's a relatively short and engaging walk for all ages. Langdon Hill Wood also features an all-ability circular trail suitable for families.
What is the general difficulty of the hikes in this area?
The trails offer a good mix for all levels. Out of more than 290 routes, you'll find a large number of easy and moderate options, with only a small portion being rated as difficult. The main challenges often come from the steep climbs up coastal hills like Golden Cap, but there are plenty of gentler walks along the River Char or through inland meadows.
Where is the best place to park for a walk?
A popular and convenient starting point is the National Trust car park at Stonebarrow Hill. It provides excellent access to several key trails, including routes to Golden Cap and Charmouth. For walks starting closer to the coast, there are also parking options in the village of Charmouth itself.
How can I get to Golden Cap?
The most common way to hike to Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast, is by starting from the Stonebarrow Hill area. The Golden Cap loop on the South West Coast Path is a well-trodden moderate trail that takes you to the summit for panoramic views across Lyme Bay.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Catherston Leweston?
The trails are very highly regarded by the komoot community. With thousands of visitors, the routes have earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal scenery of the Jurassic Coast, the well-maintained paths through the Golden Cap Estate, and the variety of walks available.
Are there any good viewpoints or scenic spots?
The region is famous for its dramatic views. Besides the summit of Golden Cap, both Stonebarrow Hill and Thorncombe Beacon are exceptional viewpoints. Thorncombe Beacon is a historic landmark offering excellent views over Bridport and Chesil Beach. These spots are highlights on many of the local coastal walking routes.
Can I get to the trails using public transport?
Yes, it's possible to access the area via public transport. The nearby coastal town of Charmouth is served by bus routes connecting it to larger towns like Lyme Regis and Bridport. From Charmouth, you can directly access the South West Coast Path and a network of local footpaths leading towards Catherston Leweston and Golden Cap.
Are there any pubs or cafes on the walking routes?
While the immediate trails are rural, many routes pass through or near the village of Charmouth, where you can find several pubs, cafes, and restaurants. It's a perfect place to plan a stop for lunch or refreshments before, during, or after your hike. Some inland walks may also pass near traditional countryside pubs in villages like Wootton Fitzpaine.
What kind of landscape can I expect on a hike here?
You can expect a classic Dorset landscape. Hikes feature a mix of dramatic cliff-top paths along the Jurassic Coast, steep climbs to panoramic viewpoints, and peaceful strolls through rolling green hills, ancient woodlands, and wildflower meadows alongside the River Char.
Besides hiking, what other outdoor activities are popular here?
The area is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Fossil hunting is extremely popular on the beaches near Charmouth and Lyme Regis. The coast also offers opportunities for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding, while the countryside has bridleways for horse riding and designated cycle paths like National Cycle Network Route 2.
Most popular attractions around Catherston Leweston
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