Walk this way: Golden Cap

Climb to the top of this table-topped hill in Dorset for spellbinding views of the Jurassic Coast. Then, when you're done, go fossil-hunting on the shore...

The route: From the car park in front of the Anchor Inn, follow Seahill Lane north through Seatown village, turning left at the sign for Langdon Woods and Seahill House. After the B&B, proceed uphill along a track. At the far end of the woods, go through the gate and take the right fork diagonally across the field to another gate . Follow the path along the left edge of the field, as it contours around the base of Golden Cap, then drops sharply, past a three-way signpost on your left to the bottom corner of the field. Keep to the path as it passes St Gabriel's chapel and the NT holiday cottages. Continue via a five-bar gate to the left downhill, signposted To Coast Path. At the path junction, turn left onto the coast path to ascend Golden Cap. Continue across the summit to the trig point. Follow the route down the east side of the hill, turning right after a kissing gate to Seatown. The coast path (re-routed recently due to a landslip) brings you out on Seahill Lane. Turn right for the Anchor Inn.

 

 

Why go? The views from Golden Cap, the giant table-topped hill rising sheer from the Dorset coast between Lyme Regis and Bridport (and the highest point on the Jurassic Coast), are sensational, extending from Start Point in South Devon, across Chesil Beach to Portland Bill in the east, and inland across low hills and pretty, thatched villages.

 

How long will it take? The route, which takes in tracks and heathland, is straightforward but involves steep climbs and descents.

 

Stamina required An easy walk, if you can go the distance. Mostly you'll be walking on good, surfaced lanes and bridleways. 

 

Refuelling options The Anchor Inn at Seatown (01297 489215) serves hand-pumped Palmers ales (from Bridport) and fairly priced meals.

 

What else is there to see? The views are just as good from Thorncombe Beacon, a 30-minute climb up the cliffs east of Seatown.

 

Wildlife highlights Seabirds, kestrels and peregrine falcons. Spring is also a good time to visit, when the clifftop thrift is in flower.

 

And for kids? Go fossil-hunting on nearby Charmouth beach. Contact 01297 560772, www.jurassiccoast.com for info).

 

Where to stay Smartly furnished Seahill House is a one-bed, self-catering cottage above Seatown (01297 489801, www.seahill.co.uk).

 

Don't miss...For a special treat, try the Coast Award-winning Hive Beach Café, further down the coast (01308 897070, www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk).

 

Getting there: Chideock is 0.6 miles north of Seatown and is on the bus routes FirstGroup X53 and First Dorset 31. The nearest rail station is at Axminster (0871 200 2233, www.travelinesw.com).

 

OS maps Explorer 116: Lyme Regis & Bridport; Landranger 193: Taunton & Lyme Regis. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online.

 

Tourist information

Bridport TIC (01308 424901, www.westdorset.com) or The National Trust's Golden Cap estate office (01297 561900, www.nationaltrust.org.uk). See also www.dorset-ramblers.co.uk. Walk Britain's Great Views guidebook, published by the Ramblers, is available from bookshops priced £14.99 or free to Ramblers members.

 

Coast readers can join the Ramblers at a special discounted rate, saving 20 per cent on both individual membership at £23.60 per year (usually £29.50) and joint membership at £31.60 per year (usually £39.50). To join, go to www.ramblers.org.uk/offer and use the code CSD or call 020 7339 8500 and quote CSD. Note: this offer is not available to existing Ramblers members. Discount applies to first-year membership. Special offer rates valid until 31 January 2010.

 

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