The Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door walk is one of the first things we recommend to guests staying at Honeysuckle Cottage.
It’s not a long walk, but it packs an extraordinary amount of scenery into a couple of hours. You start at the sheltered waters of Lulworth Cove, climb onto the cliffs and follow the South West Coast Path towards one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Jurassic Coast.
And if you’re staying at Honeysuckle Cottage, you can walk down to Lulworth Cove from the cottage rather than worrying about parking.
How far is the walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door?
From Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is just over a mile each way, making it around 2.5 miles (4 km) there and back.
Allow around 1½ to 2 hours for the return walk, although you’ll probably want longer if you stop regularly for the views.
The distance isn’t the difficult part.
The route includes some steep climbs and descents, particularly as you leave Lulworth Cove, so good footwear is important.
Starting the walk
If you’re not staying locally, you can start from the Lulworth Cove car park.
If you’re staying at Honeysuckle Cottage, there’s a better option.
The cottage is around a 10-minute walk from Lulworth Cove, so you can leave your car on the private driveway and walk down to the coast.
That also means you can set off early, before the busiest part of the day, or time your walk for later in the afternoon when the light starts to change.
Leaving Lulworth Cove
From Lulworth Cove, follow the South West Coast Path towards Durdle Door.
The path climbs fairly steeply from the Cove, so this is the part where you’ll notice the hills.
Don’t rush it.
There are plenty of reasons to stop and look back. As you climb, the view over the curved shape of Lulworth Cove opens up behind you, and the higher you get, the more impressive the coastline becomes.
This is one of those walks where the climb is part of the reward.
Along the cliffs to Durdle Door
Once you’ve gained some height, the path continues along the clifftops towards Durdle Door.
The views are the real attraction here.
You’ll see the coastline stretching away in both directions, with the cliffs, sea and changing colours of the Jurassic Coast making the walk feel much more dramatic than its relatively short distance suggests.
Eventually you’ll get your first view of Durdle Door.
If you’ve seen photographs of it before, it’s still worth seeing it for yourself.
You can continue down towards the beach if you want to get closer to the arch, or simply enjoy the view from above before starting the walk back.
The walk back to Lulworth Cove
The return journey follows the same route, but it doesn’t feel quite the same.
The views are different when you’re looking back towards Lulworth Cove, and the light can change dramatically during the afternoon.
It’s also worth remembering that the hills work both ways.
If you’ve walked down a steep section on the way out, you’ll be walking back up it later.
Take your time and don’t worry about how quickly you’re doing it.
How difficult is the Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door walk?
I’d describe this as a moderate walk with some steep sections.
You don’t need to be an experienced long-distance walker, but it isn’t a flat stroll either.
I’d recommend:
- Proper walking shoes or boots
- Water, particularly in warmer weather
- A waterproof jacket, because the weather can change quickly on the coast
- Sun protection on bright days
- Plenty of time for stops
The cliffs are exposed, so conditions can feel very different from those in the village.
And, as with any coastal walk, keep well back from cliff edges.
Can you walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door and back?
Yes.
For most visitors staying in West Lulworth, walking there and back is a much nicer option than driving between the two.
There are separate car parks at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, so you shouldn’t assume that parking at one gives you somewhere to leave your car at the other.
Walking also means you get to experience the whole stretch of coastline rather than simply arriving at Durdle Door by road.
An alternative route back through the countryside
If you’ve had enough of the clifftops by the time you reach Durdle Door, there is another option for the return journey.
You can take the countryside paths that start near the caravan park at Durdle Door, which bring you back towards West Lulworth through the fields rather than following the Coast Path all the way back.
You won’t get the dramatic sea views you have on the coastal route, but it’s a lovely change of scenery and, in our opinion, can feel a little easier underfoot.
It’s also a good option if you’ve already had plenty of hills and don’t fancy doing the coastal route in reverse.
So you don’t necessarily have to walk the same way there and back. You can make the day into a circular-ish walk, enjoying the cliffs and sea on the way out and the quieter countryside on the way back.
Route map: The South West Coast Path provides a useful map of the route and surrounding walks. View the route map →.
When is the best time to do the walk?
There isn’t really one perfect time.
Early morning is lovely if you want quieter paths and softer light.
Late afternoon can be beautiful too, particularly when the cliffs start catching the evening light.
In summer, setting off earlier can also help you avoid the busiest part of the day.
Outside the summer season, the coastline has a completely different feel. The weather can be less predictable, but on a clear winter day the views can be spectacular.
A note about the Lulworth Ranges
The route between the Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door walk does not depend on crossing the Lulworth Ranges, but if you’re planning a longer walk around this part of the coast, it’s worth checking access arrangements.
Some of the surrounding Coast Path routes pass through the military training area and can be closed when firing is taking place.
Always follow the current signs and access information rather than relying on an old walking guide.
Our tip if you’re staying at Honeysuckle Cottage
Don’t feel that you have to rush this walk.
It’s tempting to think of the Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door walk as something to tick off a list, but the best part is stopping along the way.
Take your time.
Look back at Lulworth Cove.
Stop for photographs.
Watch the sea.
And if the weather changes, enjoy the fact that you’re walking one of the most spectacular stretches of the Jurassic Coast.
Then, when you’ve finished, you can walk back to Honeysuckle Cottage, have a hot shower and put your feet up.
Or, if you feel adventurous, there are lots of things to do in and around Lulworth. You can find these on our Lulworth guide: InLulworth.co.uk
Staying at Honeysuckle Cottage
Honeysuckle Cottage is around a 10-minute walk from Lulworth Cove, making it an ideal base for exploring this part of the Jurassic Coast on foot.
You can leave the car on the private driveway and walk straight from the cottage towards the coast.
We’re a 300-year-old Grade II listed thatched cottage, created for two, with a comfortable king-size bed, underfloor heating, a fully equipped kitchen and everything you need to come back to after a day on the Coast Path.