Home > Walk – South Dorset Ridgeway

Walk – South Dorset Ridgeway

Distance: 17.1 miles (27.5 km)
Start & End Points: West Bexington to Osmington Mills
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

A Ridge of Ancient Monuments and Timeless Views

The South Dorset Ridgeway offers a memorable inland alternative to the coastal route between West Bexington and Osmington Mills, forming part of the official South West Coast Path National Trail. Once the main inland route before the Portland section was added in 2003, it reduces the full trail distance by about 25 miles (40 km) — but adds plenty in return.

Though away from the sea, the ridge rewards walkers with far-reaching views of the Jurassic Coast, as well as sweeping inland landscapes of chalk hills, river valleys, farmland, and timeless Dorset villages.

This stretch is also rich in history. The path passes through one of Britain’s most important ceremonial landscapes, dotted with Neolithic long barrows, Bronze Age burial mounds, stone circles, and Iron Age hillforts. Key spots include Bronkham Hill, Bincombe Down, and the stone circle at Hampton, which lies just beside the footpath. You might also spot The White Horse carved into the hillside, or pause by Hardy’s Monument — a tribute to Admiral Thomas Hardy of Trafalgar fame.

Literary fans will recognise the Ridgeway from the pages of Thomas Hardy, who wove this landscape into his stories. The trail continues to inspire artists, writers, and anyone looking for quiet grandeur in nature.

Where to Stay Nearby

Whether you’re breaking the walk into sections or staying nearby to explore the area, there are some charming accommodation options close to the Ridgeway and Coast Path:

🏡 Guesthouses and B&Bs

  • Wheelwrights – Thatched country B&B with a comfortable ground-floor en-suite double room, breakfast included.
    📞 01305 871800
  • Chapel View B&B – Cosy cottage near the sea with private bathroom, resident dog, and home-cooked breakfast. Single-night stays welcome.
    📞 07932 713224
  • Cunard Guest House – Friendly, family-run guest house in Weymouth, just a short walk from the beach. Clean en-suite rooms.
    📞 01305 771546

Landscape Highlights

  • The White Horse, Osmington – Chalk figure of King George III on horseback
  • Hardy’s Monument – Landmark in memory of Vice Admiral Hardy
  • Hampton Stone Circle – Ancient site beside the path
  • Bronkham Hill & Bincombe Down – Bronze Age barrows with sea views
  • Jurassic Coast Vistas – Stunning perspectives from high ground