After clambering over the pebble beach of Chesil, turn away from the sea to wander along the old roads that were used by many coastal foragers of the Victorian age. Venture further inland to discover the old manor of Berwick before weaving through a number of peaceful fishponds sitting on the banks of the River Bride. Walk up to the remote but lost settlement of Sturthill, now only an isolated cottage surrounded by wild woods, crumbling walls and the site of a medieval chapel. The old village portrayed the charm of Dorset so well that it was used in a BBC production of Tess of the D’Urbervilles. Circle the site of the chapel to return to the coast, with views across the bay to the seaside town of Lyme Regis and into the county of Devon, all under the shadows of Hammiton Hill and Shipton Hillfort.
Distance: 7 miles/11km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Ability: Medium.
Max Height: 320ft.
Min Height: 0ft.
Total climb: 650ft.
Terrain: Tracks, paths and roads.
Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset.
Start Point: Cogden Beach National Trust Carpark – payment required, free parking for members. (Postcode: DT6 4RN, Grid Reference: SY502885, What Three Words: doctor.risking.regal).
How to Get There: From Bridport take the Burton Road (B3157) to Burton Bradstock. Head straight through the village and up the hill past Chesil Beach Lodge. Cogen Beach Car Park’s entrance is on the right just before the final climb up the hill.
The X53 bus stops here.
Dogs: In accordance with the Countryside Code and any notices on route. Dogs allowed on the beach all year around.
Refreshments: Just off the route is the Bull Inn in Swyre. Nearby are The Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock and The Crown Inn in Puncknowle.
Neighbouring Walks: Burton Bradstock, Shipton Gorge, Chilcombe, Puncknowle and West Bexington.
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