Description:
This circular walk follows the South West Coastal path along the western end of Chesil Beach between Burton Bradstock and West Bexington before heading in land on minor roads through West Bexington to reach Swyre. There is a short section besides the B3157 at Swyre where particular care needs to be taken because there is no pavement.
Grade:
Easy
Distance:
7.1 miles / 11.4 km
Time:
2.5 – 3 hours
Parking:
This walk starts from the National Trust car par park at Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock DT6 4RF (Grid Ref: SY491888). Charges apply for non-members.
Walk Route:
From the car park walk in a southeasterly direction across the access land of Bind Barrow to join the South West Coastal Path, (Grid Ref: SY490887). The route now follows the wide path along the top of the cliff edge. After passing the Old Coastguard Holiday Park the path gradually descends to the beach.
Stay with the way-markers for the South West Coastal Path to enter the nature reserve at Burton Mere (Grid Ref: SY503880). The path through the nature reserve runs parallel to the beach, but is easier going than walking on the pebbles. On leaving the nature reserve continue along the shingle bank to reach West Bexington (Grid Ref: SY531864).
Leave the beach and follow Beach Road as it passes the Club House Cafe and continues up through the village. After 500 metres the road bends to the left and becomes Swyre Road. Follow this minor road for 1.4km to a junction with the B3157. Turn left opposite the Bull Inn and pass the War Memorial, ignore the footpath on the left besides the war memorial (however this path will lead back to the beach and avoids a section of road). Stay on the road for a further 125 metres, care is needed as there is no pavement, and then take a track, New Lane, on the left (Grid Ref: SY526882).
After 750 metres on New Lane take a footpath on the left (Grid Ref: SY520878). Follow the path downhill through pasture fields to reach the beach (Grid Ref: SY517873). Turn right and retrace the route back to the starting point by following the South West Coastal path heading west.
Toilets:
Public toilets at West Bexington
Toilets are also available in the pubs and cafes on this route during opening hours.
Refreshments:
Burton Bradstock: The Hive Beach Cafe
West Bexington: The Club House Cafe, The Manor House Hotel
Swyre: The Bull Inn
To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:
To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL15 – Purbeck & South Dorset
Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.