Jurassic Coast Hiking Weekend – Lyme Regis & Cerne Giant – 4 days / 3 nights

Join us for a spectacular long weekend exploring West Dorset and the Jurassic Coast, one of England’s most dramatic and rewarding walking landscapes. This four-day Adventure Women UK trip focuses on the western end of Dorset, taking in sweeping coastal paths, rolling chalk downland, ancient hill forts and classic villages — offering big views, fresh sea air and a real sense of journey across the landscape

Over the weekend, we’ll walk a carefully balanced mix of routes, starting with the coastline around Abbotsbury and Chesil Beach, building to a longer and more demanding coastal day to Golden Cap, and finishing with gentler but still rewarding walks to round off the trip. The programme is designed to offer variety and challenge without rushing, with time to pause, take photos and enjoy being out on the trail.

This itinerary is distinct from our previous East Dorset trips, showcasing the wilder landscapes and iconic highlights that make West Dorset such a special place to explore on foot.

This is a women-only trip with a supportive, friendly atmosphere, ideal for women who enjoy good walking, shared adventure and exploring beautiful places together — whether you’re coming solo or with a friend.

Our base for the weekend is The Cow Shed in Toller Porcorum, a comfortable group house set on the edge of the Kingcombe National Nature Reserve, owned and run by Dorset Wildlife Trust. Surrounded by countryside and wildlife-friendly gardens, it provides a peaceful retreat after full days on the hills, with all bedrooms en-suite and relaxed communal spaces to unwind.

Evenings are flexible and sociable — we’ll either eat out together at local pubs and restaurants or you’re very welcome to use the self-catering facilities at the accommodation, depending on preference.

Planned Walks

Day 1 – Abbotsbury & Chesil Beach
~11 km | 270 m ascent | 3–4 hrs | Grade 2 – Moderate

A stunning coastal introduction to the weekend, taking in wide views across Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon. Rolling paths, sea air and expansive horizons make this an ideal first walk — scenic, uplifting and a great way to ease into the trip after travelling.

Day 2 – Hardy’s Monument to Maiden Castle
~19 km | 425 m ascent | 5.5–6 hrs | Grade 3 – Challenging

A longer inland day across classic West Dorset chalk downland. This route links Hardy’s Monument with Maiden Castle, one of Europe’s largest Iron Age hill forts. Expect wide open views, steady climbs and a strong sense of history. A satisfying full day on the hills without technical terrain.

Day 3 – Lyme Regis & Golden Cap
~14.5 km | 540 m ascent | 4.5–5.5 hrs | Grade 3 – Challenging

The standout coastal day and a real highlight of the weekend. This dramatic Jurassic Coast walk includes sustained climbs, cliff-top paths and big sea views as we pass through some of Dorset’s most iconic scenery. We finish in Lyme Regis, with free time after the walk to relax on the beach, explore the town, enjoy an ice cream and soak up the seaside atmosphere before returning to accommodation.

Day 4 – Cerne Abbas & the Cerne Giant
~10 km | 260 m ascent | 3–3.5 hrs | Grade 2 –

Moderate We finish with a gentler inland walk through the historic village of Cerne Abbas, passing beneath the famous Cerne Giant. Rolling countryside, steady climbs and a relaxed pace make this a perfect final day — sociable, scenic and relaxed walk before heading home.

🔎 Overall Trip Grade: 3 – Challenging
- Two coastal days balanced by two inland countryside walks
- One longer inland day and one demanding coastal day
- Ideal for those who enjoy varied landscapes and classic British walking
- Suitable for walkers comfortable with 10–19 km days on hilly terrain

Accommodation The Cow Shed, Toller Porcorum – West Dorset
A spacious and welcoming group house set within the Kingcombe National Nature Reserve, owned and run by Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Key features:
• All bedrooms en-suite.
• Mix of twin rooms and solo rooms
• Large fully equipped kitchen/diner and separate dining room
• Boot room and utility space for walking kit
• Comfortable lounge/snug
• Free Wi-Fi
• Off-road parking
• Outdoor seating area and access to peaceful shared grounds
• On-site café available during the day

Comfort Grade: Level 4 – Comfortable Group House

A high-quality, well-equipped base offering more comfort and privacy than hostel or lodge accommodation — ideal for a multi-day walking trip.

Price:
- Twin share: £315 per person plus meetup fees Or book direct HERE
- Solo room: £385 per person (limited availability) - Book via website only HERE

Deposit: 50% to confirm your space
Balance due: 6 weeks before departure
Around 6–8 weeks before the trip, you’ll receive your full trip pack, kit list, preparation guidance and access to the private WhatsApp group for coordination and car sharing.

What’s Included
✔ 3 nights’ accommodation at The Cow Shed
✔ 4 fully guided hikes
✔ Qualified walk leader throughout
✔ Qualified outdoor first aid cover
✔ Detailed trip pack and preparation guidance
✔ Private WhatsApp group for coordination & connection
✔ Adventure Women host — all planning taken care of

What’s Not Included
❌ Meals & drinks
❌ Transport to and from the walks. Typically participants arrange informal car shares.
❌ Personal hiking kit (boots, waterproofs, etc.)

Come Solo or Bring a Friend
Most women come on their own — and always leave with new friends.
This is a supportive, welcoming trip designed for women who enjoy good walking, beautiful landscapes and shared adventure.

💬 What Our Previous Adventurers Say

“Thank you for an amazing trip — the walks, the views, and the company were all brilliant.”
“It was so lovely meeting everyone and spending time together. I’m already looking forward to future adventures.”
“I’ll definitely be back — this might become an annual tradition.”

Important Note By RSVPing “yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions and payment policies. All payments are non-refundable, and any deposit and reserved spaces will be forfeited if the full balance is not paid on time. Visit Adventure Women T&Cs: [https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs]

You acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, medical emergencies, serious injury and death, and you voluntarily assume all such risks.
For more details, visit: [https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs]

Min 10 people required to run this trip. You will need to complete a waiver and provide a UK-based emergency contact before joining.

Note: The itinerary and activities are subject to change for the safety and overall experience of the group based on weather, conditions, or group competence.
Please see Ts&Cs for full details.

About Us
Adventure Women is an outdoor pursuits club for women united by a shared passion for exploration and an unwavering spirit of adventure. We believe the outdoors is a canvas for personal growth, camaraderie and unforgettable experiences. Join us to embark on journeys that inspire, uplift and redefine what it means to be an Adventure Woman.