Golden Cap in Dorset – A stunning hike to the highest point of the Jurassic Coast

Last updated on 24 Nov 2022 by Thierry

The Golden Cap in Dorset is a major landmark on the Jurassic Coast between the towns of Charmouth and Bridport. It lies on the South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest and best-loved walking route. It runs for 1015km (630 mi) from Poole Harbour in Dorset to Minehead in Somerset following the coastline all around Cornwall.

Reaching 191m (627 ft), the Golden Cap is the highest point on the south coast of England. And with such a height, expect stunning panoramic views from the top over the coastline, well worth the effort of the walk uphill. On a clear day, it is possible to see Portland Bill about 35km (22 mi) in the East and Dartmoor towards the West about 60km (37 mi) away. Beautiful rolling hills stretch inland as far as the eye can see will complete the scenery.

The Golden Cap is on a large National Trust estate made of farmland, woodland, valleys, hills and a few ruins. Stonebarrow Hill is also on the estate and is a good start for a walk.

Good to know: the Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural World Heritage Site, inscribed by UNESCO for the outstanding rocks, fossils and landforms. The breathtaking coastline stretches 153km (95 mi) from Exmouth in Devon to Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage, Dorset and is one of the finest stretches of coastline in Europe. The base of the cliff just below the Golden Cap hill is covered with large rocks. It is a famous spot for fossil collectors (ammonites and belemnites). The name of the hill comes from the golden greensand rock present at the top of the cliff.

How to get to the Golden Cap

There is no direct access by car to the Golden Cap, the only access to the hill is by walking.

Reaching the Golden Cap by car

The nearest car parks are located at Stonebarrow Hill (postcode DT6 6RA or grid reference SY382933) and Langdon Hill (postcode DT6 6EP or grid reference SY412930). Both car parks are accessible via the A35. Prices are £1 per hour, capped at £4 for the day. National Trust members can park there for free all day.

Our walk starts from Stonebarrow Hill, we would suggest parking there.

Access to Stonebarrow Hill is by a narrow, steep single-track lane that’s only suitable for cars or reasonably sized vans (we went there with our Mitsubishi Delica). This is not suitable for big camper vans or other larger vehicles.

Reaching the Golden Cap by public transport (bus or train)

• By train: the closest station is Axminster, about 5 miles away. Then catch bus X53 which connects to the Golden Cap estate.
• By bus only: your best choice is still the X53 linking the Golden Cap Estate to Exeter bus station, Beer, Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Bridport, Weymouth train station, Wareham and Bournemouth.

Click here for the X53 timetables.

Reaching the Golden Cap cycling

Finally, if you’re cycling, note that the National Cycle Network Route 2 passes near the Golden Cap estate. The closest point from the Golden Cap estate is Whitchurch Canonicorum just 5km (3.1 mi from the Stonebarrow Hill car park).

You can check the map here.

How do you walk to the Golden Cap (Circular Walk)

We planned a route starting from Stonebarrow Lane, from the Chardown Hill car park, just after the Stonebarrow National Trust car park.

This Golden Cap circular walk is about 8.35km (5.2 mi) and goes through hills and woods and along the coast. The main markers are St Wite’s Well, Sy Gabriel’s Wood, the Golden Cap, and the ruins of St Gabriel’s Chapel. That took us about 4h to complete this circular walk, including a long stop at the top of the Golden Cap and a lunch break. Consider 2 to 2.5h for the walk alone.
Please note that the route and the Golden Cap itself are not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. If travelling with a baby like us, we advise using a baby or child carrier. There are some steep steps and slopes on this walk as well as sections of coast path close to cliff edges. We definitely advise wearing walking boots.

Up to St Wite’s Well

Starting from the car park, head East for 850m (about 1/2 mi) up to a signpost indicating 2 different directions: one footpath and one bridleway. Follow the bridleway up to a quiet lane, Ship Knapp. You will need to walk for about 150m (500ft) before turning right and walking along a track. After a little distance walk, St Wite’s Well will appear on your right.

St Wite’s Well is believed to have healing properties, especially for sore eyes. The well is associated with a Saxon holy woman whose shrine & relics survive in Whitchurch Canonicorum Church about one mile to the North. The records state she was a hermit living at or nearby the well during the 9th century. She became a virgin martyr after being murdered by Danish pirates during a raid on Charmouth. Confusingly, St Wite is also known as St Candida. The wild periwinkles that carpet nearby Stonebarrow Hill every spring, are still known as St Candida’s Eyes.

From St Wite’s to the Golden Cap

The walk continues on the same track for about 400m (1/4 mi). You will need to find a signpost indicating a public footpath on your left. Be careful as you could easily miss it. Crossing meadows (several water streams originate on those meadows so it might be spongy/ boggy) and going downhill, you will cross a lane, Muddyford Lane. The footpath will pass around a little pond and enter some woods, St Gabriel’s Wood, where you could spot bluebells in April/ May and smell wild garlic!

After exiting the wood, you will reach Filcombe Farm, which is the National Trust office on the Golden Cap estate. Following the track going through the farm and the meadows behind it will lead you to the bottom of the Golden Cap.

Climbing to the top of the Golden Cap

This is likely to be the most difficult part of the walk.
The trail is clear but the walk up Golden Cap is very steep with a grade of about 25%, so take your time and do as many stops as required. Stopping and turning around during the climb will also give you good views. You’ll pass through a gate and arrive at the back of the hill at a signpost where the South West Coast Path meets the track from Langdon Hill. Follow the coast path sign through another gate and climb up some steps which will curve around to reach the top of the hill.
At the top, you will find a stone marker, but it is not really the peak. Continue forwards on one of the 2 paths (one being closer to the coast and the other more inland) until you reach the Earl of Antrim Memorial. Bravo! You are now about 190m above sea level, on the highest point of the coast! The memorial is dedicated to Randal McDonnell, 8th Earl of Antrim, who was chairman of the National Trust from 1965 up to his death in 1977. One of his main actions was to purchase an unspoiled coastline before developers had the chance.

From the top, dramatic views await. On the East, you can see Seatown and towards the West Charmouth and Lyme Regis. On a clear day, it is possible to see Portland Bill about 35km (22 mi) in the East and Dartmoor towards the West about 60km (37 mi) away.
The weather is interesting there, as on sunny days, some fog may form at sea before migrating inland. The fog/clouds will wrap around the Golden Cap, giving an impression of being on a high altitude mountain top!

Descend the Golden Cap and head to St Gabriel’s Chapel

Once rested and ready for the next section of the walk, head towards a small stone marker indicating the South West Coast Path.
A long and steep staircase zig-zagging on the side of the hill will lead you to a wooden gate. Following the signpost, follow the path crossing diagonally the field towards St Gabriel’s. The South West Coast Path will continue straight towards Charmouth. It is a steep descent across the field, so be careful, especially if the grass is humid!
At the bottom of the field and following another signpost pointing to your left, you will arrive at the ruins of St Gabriel’s Chapel.

The ruins are some remains of Stanton St Gabriel’s, a hamlet abandoned nearly two centuries ago. In addition to the chapel, the remains of a farmhouse and a cottage are the few shreds of evidence of the settlement. Originally, Saxons settled here and the Doomsday Book mentions the hamlet. The village was abandoned when a new road was built inland to replace the old coastal coach road, due to the constant erosion of the cliff. The new road is known today as the A35.
Smugglers used the derelict chapel to hide away contraband and landed on the beach below.

Following the South West Coast Path towards Charmouth and finishing the walk

After the chapel, you will quickly pass a red brick farmhouse on your left. The National Trust has acquired this historic property (Ash Cottage) and has converted it into holiday cottages. Pass the wooden gate in front of you and continue along the pass for a short time, up to reaching another wooden door and two paths going either left or right. Taking the left leads back to the South West Coast Path, which we need to follow towards Charmouth (West).

Enjoy the walk along the coast, with great views of the sea and the rolling hills inland. After about 1.5km (nearly a mile) you will be in view of a lovely farmhouse nicely tucked in the hills. This is Westhay Farm, the first land given to the National Trust in 1961 in what’s now known as the Golden Cap estate. The path will fork, one direction continuing along the coast and the other heading towards the farm. Follow the path to the farm. Turning around will again give you stunning views of the Golden Cap Estate and the sea.
After the farm, you will reach a single-lane track (Stonebarrow Lane). After a few minutes, you will be back to the car park, pleasantly ending this Golden Cap circular walk.

Golden Cap in Dorset, map of the walk

FAQ about the Golden Cap walk:

Are there any facilities (toilets, shop)?

There are toilets and a small barista coffee trailer offering hot drinks, homemade cakes, cream teas and ice creams at Stonebarrow within the Old Radar Station Compound. As there are no shops on the Golden Cap estate, we recommend you pack your lunch and snacks and have plenty of water and hot drinks with you depending on the weather. There are many amazing picnic spots along the trail. Please be responsible and make sure you take your litter home with you. Enjoy nature but Leave No Trace!

Are there any pubs near Golden Cap?

There are no pubs on the Golden Cap estate. The closest possibilities are:

• The Anchor Inn in Seatown (East of the Golden Cap, on the coast),
• The Clockhouse Inn and The George Inn in Chideock (North-East of the Golden Cap, inland),
• The George and The Royal Oak Inn in Charmouth (West of the Golden Cap, on the coast).

Is there any possibility of accommodation at the Golden Cap?

There are some possibilities in Seatown, Chideock and Charmouth, of course, such as hotels, bed & breakfasts, etc. Closer to the Golden Cap, there are other options:

• St Gabriel’s Campsite Golden Cap, Shedbush Ln, Morcombelake, Bridport DT6 6DR
• Newlands Holiday Park, Stonebarrow Ln, Charmouth, Bridport DT6 6RB

How important is the Leave No Trace policy?

Many people enjoy the outdoors and nature. Our planet is home to such incredible beauty and spectacular wildlife and should be protected and cherished by everyone and for everyone. This is why it is vital for you to leave no trace behind when you are exploring the outdoors.

Final words on the Golden Cap in Dorset and the circular walk

We have done this walk in mid-April and had wonderful weather. Combined with the beauty of the Golden Estate and its variety of landscapes (valleys, hills, woodlands, sheer cliffs) this gave us breathtaking views of the south coast and delightful memories.
This walk can be done at any time of the year,  each season giving a different experience.

Have you ever visited Golden Cap or this part of the Jurassic Coast?
If so, which locations impressed you the most?

Let us know in the comments below.