Bridport to West Bay loop — National Trust coastal walks in West Dorset

This 6-mile (9.4 km) circular walk leads you southwards alongside the River Brit to West Bay, a charming harbour on the Lyme Bay Coast. From there, you hike westwards along the cliffs to Thorncombe Beacon before heading inland through beautiful undulating countryside back to your start point. You’ll find plenty of cafes in both Bridport and West Bay, so this is a great hike if you want to treat yourself to lunch out.

1) Begin at the Football Club car park and take the trail leading south alongside the river. It deviates from the water sometimes, taking a more direct route.

2) When you reach West Bay, you can admire the harbour or pause for a snack. When you’re done, take the clifftop path leading west.

3) Hike over West Cliff and down the otherside to Eype Mouth.

4) Continue onwards up the clifftop to Thorncombe Beacon.

5) Turn north away from the sea and pick up the bridle path heading east at the back of the Beacon. Take a left hand turn to Down House Farm then head southeast to Lower Eype.

6) In the village, head uphill then take a sharp right hand turn along a bridleway. When you reach the radio mast, take the northeast-going footpath across several fields to pass under the A 35 and follow it through Watton Farm.

7) When you reach Skilling Hill Road, turn right along it and follow it back to the start.