Jurassic Coast Walking Weekend - Lulworth Cove
Join Large Outdoors for a social walking weekend along the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Explore this remarkable coastline, meet new friends, and enjoy two days of guided walks, with different options available each day. The weekend package includes accommodation, all meals, and easy access via public transport. It's a chance to discover new places and enjoy good company.
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 30
Level: Leisurely Plus & Active - please note all walks will go along hilly coastal paths.
Age: Over 18s only
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
Public Transport: This trip is fully accessible by public transport, we will be organising a group taxi from and back to Wool train station. Please see the Meeting Location & Time section below for full details.
Book today…
Gentle walks, gorgeous coastline and grand company…
Just the names Durdle Door and Bat’s Head can be enticement enough to walk along an outstanding stretch of Dorset’s coastline.
So we thought why not create a weekend walking trip where we can dawdle at Durdle Door, linger at Lulworth Cove, saunter up to Swyre Head, and rest our limbs afterwards in peaceful surroundings just a spitting distance from the sea.
Staying in the picture postcard village of Lulworth – think nautical themed tearooms and thatched cottages – we’ll be walking in the footsteps of novelist Thomas Hardy as this is true ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ country.
With limestone landmarks, stunning seascapes and the energy that comes with clifftop walking you’ll soon forget that the paths we’re following dip down and then back up in a series of undulations along the way.
But Dorset’s delights don’t stop at the coast as we can find out on the second day when we venture inland for a stroll from Corfe Castle, perhaps taking a ride on the Swanage steam train later in the day.
A group of Large Outdoors walkers at Lulworth Cove.
Suggested Itinerary
Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!
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Our base for the weekend is YHA Lulworth Cove, a real rural retreat nestled in undulating countryside and yet just a short hop away from the fishing village and two inviting hostelries.
Following introductions to the rest of the group, there’s ample time for you to explore the surroundings and simply relax before our Large Outdoors host dishes up the evening ‘icebreaker’ meal.
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Fuelled up on a good breakfast, we head out for today’s walks, following the spectacular undulating coastal path that relives Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’. Now for all those who have just read that sentence and are now hyperventilating having translated undulating as ‘steep’ we’d like to say a few words of reassurance: “Yes there are dips and swoops in the path before it climbs but the trail is very do-able and as you look at the scenery while putting one foot in front of the other these blips will soon pail into insignificance.”
From Lulworth Cove we head towards the famous Durdle Door, a limestone arch jutting out into the sea. From there the path leads us up to Swyre Head before it tumbles back down to Bat’s Head and then upwards again, all the while with beautiful views of the white limestone cliffs. Just beyond West Bottom, we turn inland to explore the rolling countryside as we cross fields and green lanes back to Lulworth.
There, that wasn’t so bad was it? Once back at base, there is plenty of time to relax. For some that means tea and cake, while for others it could be a mooch into the village and a drink at one of the inns to break up the return journey before sitting down to the freshly-cooked evening meal.
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Today, subject to group size, we plan to offer a choice of walks – a yomp along further stretches of the coastal path; or a walk on the Purbeck Ridge from the village of Corfe Castle into countryside, where we will pass by the famous Blue Pool nature reserve.
Essential Information
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Meeting Time: from 5pm
You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.Meeting Location:
YHA Lulworth Cove
School Lane
West Lulworth
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 5SANearest Train Station: Wool
Taxi: We will be arranging a group taxi from Wool Train station at 7pm on Friday. This will cost £5 per person and must be booked no later than 7 days before the trips starts, to do this please contact the Large Outdoors office.
We will either arrange lifts back to the station or another group taxi to get you back on Sunday. This will be organised by your host over the weekend.
At alternative times there are plenty of taxi's at Wool Station and these cost about £20.
Parking: There is limited free parking at the hostel.
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We have exclusive use of the YHA’s hostel in Lulworth, tucked away in a quiet corner of this picturesque hamlet.
YHA Lulworth Cove
School Lane
West Lulworth
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 5SARoom Types:
All rooms are Shared Rooms (you’ll be sharing a single-sex dorm room with other participants). You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
Bed in a Shared Female Room
Bed in a Shared Male Room -
Included:
2 nights’ accommodation at YHA Lulworth - we have taken over exclusive use of the hostel, so it will just be Large Outdoors participants staying.
A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.
Guided walks on two days (Saturday and Sunday).
Home-cooked set menu 2-course dinners at the accommodation on both evenings.
A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).
A DIY packed lunch for Saturday’s walk.
Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.
Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not Included:
Travel to and from the meeting location.
Travel from the accommodation to the walk start points and back, where walks don’t start from the door.
Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.
Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.
Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
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Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
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What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is rated as both Leisurely Plus and Active , so we will have a choice of walks on offer each day.Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian, vegan, and/or provide meals with gluten free ingredients - these options can be selected when booking.
Please see our FAQs for more information about dietary options.What transport is provided during this trip?
We do not provide any transport for this experience.Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog on an experience, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary. -
Renowned the world over as a fossil hunting Mecca and as an incredibly beautiful stretch of coastline. We’re very lucky to have it right on our doorstep, and with miles of walking trails taking us to all parts of the coast and great sites inland, it’s perfect for walkers to explore.
The jewels in the crown along this ‘Jurassic Coast’ are the natural bay of Lulworth Cove and the rock arch of Durdle Door. You’ll almost definitely have seen photos of these two features, but being there is even better, piecing together the area’s history, seeing how the rock formations fit into the landscape, or just gazing out to sea on a relaxing Sunday morning. Formed over the last few millions of years, this coastline is protected for its unique heritage, making a special place to visit regardless whether your interest is geological or purely aesthetic.
Latest News, Blogs and Jurassic Coast Galleries:
