A circular route with stunning coastal views and plenty of shade, the Langdon Hill walk is a hidden gem on the Dorset coastline. Situated between Lyme Regis and Bridport, just outside of Morcombelake, you’ll find a flat, relatively even path that takes you around the woods, with an option to add an extra ‘leg’ out to climb golden cap for even better coastal views. Great for dogs, small children and even off-road pushchairs, this route is car free and perfect for sheltering from the sun on hot days.
Langdon Hill Circular Route
The hardest part of this walk is finding it for the first time as the turning for the car park is a little hidden. The postcode for this is DT6 6EP and you’re looking for a small turning off of the A35. If you’re heading from Lyme Regis, you’ll find the turning on your right not long after Felicity’s Farm Shop just outside of Morcombelake. From Bridport direction, you’ll find it once you’ve climbed the hill out of Chideock and are coming down the hill again. Once you’ve turned off of the A35, follow the signs for the National Trust car parking. Parking is free for NT members and a small charge otherwise. Parking is relatively safe but do remember not to leave valuables in your car because it’s still remote and there have been previous instances of bag thefts from cars.
Once you’re ready to begin, access the loop from the gates to the left of the ticket machine. You should find a fairly wide, flat path that rarely gets muddy even on wet days. Along the path you may find a couple of benches and look out spots that give you views out over the countryside or toward the sea as you start to loop around toward the coast. the path is mostly flat but there are some small inclines and declines as you make your way around.
Just before the halfway point you’ll find a bench and a stone with a golden piece in it symbolising Golden Cap – the name given to the part of the coast line directly in front of you due to its ‘golden’ colouring at the top of its formation. If you’d like to add in the Golden Cap leg (recommended but this part isn’t pushchair friendly or flat) please see the section below. This element kicks out like a dog leg to the main loop so also rejoins here.
Continue on the path around the woods, you’ll see views over toward Lyme Regis before bringing you back round into more countryside views as you make your way back to the car park. There are some small branches off of the path through the woods, sticking to the main path will ensure you make it back to the car park using the easiest route.
Leg Out To Golden Cap
For stunning views along the coastline in both directions, this additional leg is recommended. You’ll find a clearly signposted route that splits off moments before the Golden Cap stone (you can’t miss this, it’s a big cream rock with a large golden piece inset and is placed to the left of the main path). The path splits off to the left of the main path, take this and start to go down the hill, the path splits slightly – one turning right to follow a lower path around Langdon Woods, the other to the left to keep you going down the hill. Take this left route, keeping trees to your left and fields to your right. At the bottom is a wooden ‘kissing’ gate to pass through – if you’re taking a buggy then you’ll need to lift it over. After this gate you’ll want to turn right into a large open field following the sign for Coast Path – Golden Cap.
Follow the clear path through the field heading toward a large wooden gate and style directly in front of you as you enter the field. There is a small incline in the first field. After this gate is a great place to stop just slightly off of the main path for a breather (or to stop if you have small children) with incredible views out to the left hand side. If you fancy a walk up to the top, head directly up on through the field, passing through another gate and onto the top climb. This path weaves up the hill before depositing you at the top where you can see far along the coastline in both directions.
To return, simply retrace your steps down the hill, up the small uneven path back into the woods and return to the Golden Cap stone.
Is It Pushchair Friendly?
The Langdon Hill loop is suitable for pushchairs that can handle slightly uneven terrain but a stroller style would struggle as the path is not a laid path as such. The same can be said for wheelchairs. The additional leg out to Golden Cap is not suitable for pushchairs due to the terrain and the number of styles/swing gates.
How Long Is The Walk?
The main Langdon Hill loop is just over 2.1km long on its own. The additional Golden Cap element is a further 1.2km however this part does include a fairly steep incline and steps. Total walk including Golden Cap is just under 3.4km.
What Else Is There To Do?
A picnic stop at one of the viewpoints is thoroughly recommended. Unfortunately the small picnic/play area that was there has now disappeared into the forest itself. A trip to Felicity’s Farm Shop and their cafe is a great choice or indeed, a drive to either of the neighbouring beaches of Seatown or Charmouth for an ice-cream. In Chideock you can find The George Inn which is dog friendly and has a great outdoor seating area during the summer months.
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