Golden Cap Circular Walk via Langdon Hill, Jurassic Coast, England

If you’d like to explore Golden Cap, the highest point along the breathtaking Jurassic Coast in England, then you’re in the right place.

This post will take you on a relatively easy circular path that lets you explore the beautiful Langdon Hill, the stunning Seatown Beach, and will lead you to the top of Golden Cap for stunning 360 degree views. Also, along the way, discover the medieval ruins of St Gabriel’s Church and the enchanting St Gabriel’s Wood.

If you’d like to see our Golden Cap walk then make sure to watch our YouTube video by clicking here. You can also watch our full Jurassic Coast series by clicking here.

This is a sponsored blog post in collaboration with Unique hideaways who offer lots of quirky and one-of-a-kind places to stay across England and Wales. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

All you need to know about the Jurassic Coast

The stunning Jurassic Coast stretches from Orcombe Point, Exmouth in East Devon all the way to Old Harry Rocks, Swanage in East Dorset. The 154 km (96 miles) long coast was the first totally natural World Heritage Site to be designated in the UK.

The Jurassic Coast has 185 million years of geological history with rock formations from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. As a result, the coastline is filled with some of the most amazing natural features. These include arches like Durdle Door, pinnacles and rock stacks like Old Harry Rocks, coves and limestone foldings like Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole and even a tide island called the Isle of Portland connected to the mainland only by a barrier beach.

Erosion is still taking place today, forming the landscape daily. The coast is being managed through a fine balance of protecting people but also allowing the natural process of erosion to continue to shape the landscape. This basically means that there are coastal defences put in place where houses are at higher risk, whilst no action is taken elsewhere. Here is a list of notable landslides that have altered the Jurassic Coast just in the past 20 years:

• A 400 m (1,300 ft) section of the coastline was reshaped after what is considered the worst landslide in 100 years in May 2008.
• In 2012 about 400 tonnes of rock fell onto the beach at Burton Bradstock causing a fatality.
• In 2016, another cliff fall happened at West Bay.
• After heavy rainfall further cliff collapse occurred at Hive Beach in Burton Bradstock in August 2020.
• The most recent collapse happened in April 2021 near Weymouth. This latest one was described as the biggest rockfall in the UK in 60 years.

What’s amazing about the Jurassic Coast is that you can walk the entire length of it via the South West Coast Path. The 1,014 km (630 miles) long path is considered England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath running from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. 

About Golden Cap and Langdon Hill

Located in Dorset, between Bridport and Charmouth, is a beautiful peak called Golden Cap. With a height of 191 m (627 ft) it is the highest point on the Jurassic Coast, and on the south coast of Great Britain. It is also owned by the National Trust as it’s part of the National Trust Golden Cap Estate. 

Did you know? Golden Cap is comprised of two ages of rock with the base being dark grey mudrock. The top, however, is a golden coloured sandstone called Upper Greensand. It was formed in the Cretaceous Period millions of years ago. What’s interesting about this sandstone is that due to the glauconite it looks green when fresh. Only when it’s exposed to daylight and becomes weathered does the glauconite turn golden, hence the name ‘Golden Cap’.

The top is easily accessible via the South West Coast Path. On the top you’ll see a memorial to the Earl of Antrim. He was a chairman of the National Trust and led the ‘Enterprise Neptune’ campaign in 1965. The aim of this campaign was to purchase unspoiled coastline before developers had the chance. 

Langdon Hill or Wood, located behind Golden Cap, is also part of the Golden Cap Estate. It offers a great 1.6 km (1 mile) easy circular walk. Other than being easy and offering shade during the hot months, it’s also stunning in every season. In spring/summer you can enjoy the Corsican Pine forest carpeted with bluebells everywhere. In autumn you can explore the unusual varieties of fungi.

How to get to Golden Cap and Langdon Hill

By Car

If you arrive by car, there are two options for parking. You can park at Langdon Hill, located just off the A35. The postcode DT6 6EP will not necessarily take you straight to the car park as it covers a big area so try grid reference SY412930 to find it. If you’re coming from Chideock, you’ll need to drive along the A35 and turn left onto a narrow road that’s called Muddyford Lane on Google. From there turn left again at your first chance to an even narrower tarmac road. This will lead you to the car park which is marked along here. From Morecombelake direction, approximately 300m after passing Felicity’s Farm shop, you’ll have to turn right and again left onto the narrow tarmac road. 

Langdon Hill Car Park is owned by the National Trust. This means that National Trust members can park here for free all day. If you’re a non member than you have to pay £4 to park there all day. 

In addition, you can also park at Seatown Car Park (S W Coast Path, Bridport DT6 6JU). This car park costs £5 for all day. 

If you don’t have your own car but would like to enjoy the freedom of a private vehicle, then you can always hire a car to Golden Cap and Langdon Hill.

By Public Transport

If you arrive by public transport you can take either Bus X51 or X53 running between Axminster and Weymouth. I recommend getting off at the Chideock Bridge stop in Chideock. From there, you can take the Mill-Lane path that will lead you to Seatown Beach.

If you’re coming from further afield, the closest train station is in Axminster, running services to destinations such as London and Exeter. From there you can take Buses X51 or X53 to reach Chideock. Make sure to plan your journey with Trainline which also provides information on bus fares.

By Bike: If you enjoy cycling then  National Cycle Network Route 2 runs just to the north of Golden Cap.

Where to Stay in Dorset

Are you planning a romantic getaway, or just wishing for a peaceful break from the city noise? If so, then rather than staying in a small hotel room, you can consider booking a glamping retreat in Dorset instead.

Glamping will give you the opportunity to fully disconnect and recharge on your holiday along the stunning Jurassic Coast in Dorset.

The below accommodations are designed to be quirky but also cosy and comfortable. They’re equipped with everything you’d need and more during your stay including kitchen facilities, bathrooms, indoor and outdoor dining areas and sometimes even a hot tub.

The best part is that you can bring your furry family member along to some of these dog friendly glamping accommodations in Dorset. They’ll have plenty of room to run around and enjoy the outdoors with you.

We’ll bet that one of the following cosy hideaways will be the perfect choice for your holiday.

Toby’s Hut

This cosy shepherd’s hut just outside of Lyme Regis is a great one to book if you’re after a romantic or solo getaway in Dorset. It’s equipped with everything you’d need and even has a hot tub you can relax in after a full day exploring.

The interior of this hut is painted in bright colours, which instantly puts you in a better mood; even if the weather is being typically British outside. For chilly nights, you can use the wood-burner and settle down with a good book and a hot drink.

Your dog will have plenty of space to run around, and you can even enjoy the owner’s own sculpture garden.

The Chalet on the Beach

If you’re visiting Dorset for a beach holiday, then you can check out this beautiful Chalet in Lyme Regis. You literally couldn’t get any closer to the beach if you tried.

Equipped with everything you’d need for a glamping retreat; you can fall asleep to the sound of the sea and wake up to beautiful sunrises during your stay here.

You could go for a refreshing morning swim or a run along the beach before putting on your hiking boots to complete the Golden Cap hike. In the evenings, you could take a long walk along the beach or just enjoy the sunset from the cosy deck.

La Cabine Francaise

Located to the north-west of Dorchester, La Cabine Francaise is a cosy, luxurious getaway option in Dorset.

Inside the main hut you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay, from a huge sitting area to a wood-burner stove. If you want to snuggle up with a good book and a drink, you can do that in the second, smaller hut next to the main one.

You’ll also have access to the outside sitting area, where you can enjoy the warmth of the open fire and some drinks whilst watching the starry night sky (if the British weather allows it).

It’s also a dog-friendly accommodation, so make sure not to leave your furry friend at home.

Are you heading somewhere else in the UK? Then don’t forget to check out other glamping retreats across England and Wales.

Good to Know Before You Go

Length of the Golden Cap and Langdon Hill Circular Walk

The Golden Cap and Langdon Wood circular walking trail we chose to complete was just over 7 km (4.3 miles) long. Depending on the weather, your speed or how long you’re spending at the beach or on top of Golden Cap, this route could take approximately 3 to 4 hours. 

For reference, we had a nice and sunny morning but rain was coming later in the afternoon, so we tried to enjoy the scenery and the sunshine as long as possible. We actually spent a good hour just walking along Seatown Beach, taking photos and enjoying the views. 

If you’re adventurous, you can of course extend the walk. From Seatown Beach you can carry on over towards West Bay. (Blue route on the map.) This would add an additional 10 km (6.2 miles) onto your route. (One of the reasons we decided to actually drive over to West Bay!)

Of course, you can also shorten your walk by parking at Langdon Hill Car Park and just walking up to Golden Cap and back. This would only be an approximately 1 hour roundtrip. 

Top Tip – I recommend you start your walk a bit earlier if you come on a weekend. Alternatively, I suggest coming on a weekday if you can. Golden Cap is one of many popular spots along the Jurassic Coast. 

Level of Difficulty

I would rate the route we did as easy to moderate as you can complete it with a basic level of fitness. If you’ve not been walking and hiking a lot you might find the ascent onto Golden Cap a bit steep. Therefore, I recommend wearing comfortable footwear like trainers or boots. 

Please Note! –  I don’t recommend you stand too close to the edge along Golden Cap. Erosion occurs along the whole of the Jurassic Coast and landslides can happen at any time. Again, if the weather conditions aren’t suitable, please make sure you’re safe and don’t risk standing too close to the edges!

You’ll only have shelter along the Langdon Wood section at the start and at the end of the walk. You’ll be exposed the rest of the way, especially along Seatown Beach and Golden Cap. Therefore, wear appropriate clothing. I think this walk could be a great activity even on a slightly windy and rainy day but I wouldn’t suggest doing it in really bad weather conditions or when visibility is too low. After all the views are the best part of this walk!

Facilities Around the Golden Cap and Langdon Hill Circular Walk

Cafés and picnic spots: I highly recommend packing your own lunch as there are many amazing picnic spots along this trail.  Whether you’re stopping at Seatown Beach or somewhere on top of Golden Cap you’ll have some stunning views. 

If you’d like to grab a coffee or tea and a bite to eat, you can do that in Seatown. If you’re visiting West Bay too, there will be plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from.

Toilet facilities: There are public toilets available at Seatown Beach Car Park. Please note there won’t be any public toilets available along the rest of this trail. If you’re also heading to West Bay, there will be public toilets in the town and around the beach.

What to Wear and Bring with You?

You are in the south of England so the weather tends to be slightly better compared to the north. However, it can still change quickly, especially during the winter months.

At the time of our visit it was a dry and sunny day but it was still very windy. Therefore, I recommend weather appropriate clothing when going on the Golden Cap walking trail. You’ll be exposed along the beach and along the top of Golden Cap. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you set off and have a few layers with you. You’ll feel warm climbing uphill but along the top it can be a bit chilly. You’ll only be fully covered in Langdon Wood. 

The trail can be very uneven with rocks and tree roots as potential tripping hazards. Rain can also make parts of the trail muddy and slippery. Therefore, I suggest wearing supportive walking shoes or boots. 

I suggest packing your own lunch and snacks and having plenty of water and hot drinks with you depending on the weather. There are plenty of places to stop for a picnic or a quick water break to stay hydrated. This Golden Cap circular walk will also lead you to the beach. So if you’d like to have a dip in the ocean then pack some swimsuits and towels with you.

Please Note! – Whatever you bring with you, make sure you either take it home with you or dispose of it responsibly. Enjoy your time in nature but Leave No Trace!

Golden Cap and Langdon Hill Circular Walk

The trail isn’t too complicated to follow as it is clearly signposted, but as usual I divided the route into 4 main sections. 

1. Langdon Hill to Seatown Beach

From Langdon Hill car park take the path on your left (or the side that’s leading towards the coast). This first section you’ll be walking through Langdon Wood. I highly recommend coming here in May time when the bluebells are out. The bluebells fully covered the woodland and walking through Langdon Wood felt like you’re in a little fairyland. 

This section of the route is very easy and relaxing. You’ll get to a crossroads, so just take the path on your left. Once you get out of the woodland, turn left again and follow the path called Pettycrate Lane to Seatown. You’ll be treated with a great view of the area and you’ll also be able to see the lower path that runs parallel to yours. That’s the path you’ll be taking up to Golden Cap. 

Stay on this path until it leads you to Sea Hill Lane road. Follow this road all the way to Seatown Beach. Please be careful here as there is no designated footpath along this section and this road can be busy with cars. 

You’ll see Seatown Beach pretty soon. It’s actually a privately owned rocky beach and stretches about a mile. It’s still considered a hidden gem and favoured by fisherman, fossil hunters and dog walkers. I highly recommend spending some time on the beach to enjoy the stunning views of the sheer cliffs in each direction. If you’d like to have a dip in the ocean, just be careful as the beach drops steeply and there’s also a strong under-tow. Also don’t go too close to the cliff to avoid any potential rockfalls. 

2. Seatown Beach to Golden Cap

Once you’re ready to leave Seatown Beach, head back along Sea Hill Lane. You’ll need to take the first footpath on your left. This is the South West Coast Path, so it will be clearly signposted but the entry might be a bit overgrown by trees in the summer months. You’ll basically need to follow this path all the way up to Golden Cap. It takes a good 40 minutes to get there. The path will be going through a mixture of fields and wooded areas. As you slowly climb higher and higher don’t forget to look back and enjoy the coastline views. 

Once you get out of the last wooded area, you’ll have a very (I mean very!) steep climb just before you reach the top. I recommend taking your time here and looking back at the view. After this climb you’ve reached Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast. Again, take your time here and enjoy the views in all four directions. 

Please Note! – Make sure that you’re careful and don’t go too close to the edge. As I mentioned before the coast is constantly eroding so landslides could happen at any time. The wind can also be pretty strong here.

3. Golden Cap to St Gabriel’s Chapel

Once you’ve taken enough photos of the views in every possible direction, you can start descending Golden Cap. Again, this part of the descent is pretty steep and can be a bit hard on the knees. You’ll actually have the chance to make the walk a bit shorter by cutting through the field on your right. That route will just take you straight to St Gabriel’s Chapel. We carried on along the SW Coast Path as our plan was to go down to the beach. Unfortunately that path is now permanently closed due to erosion. 

So instead, we took the path on our right and headed towards St Gabriel’s Chapel. The path will lead you close to a row of thatched cottages which have been refurbished to holiday cottages. Just behind them is the ruins of St Gabriel’s Chapel. These cottages are actually the remains of the fishing village of Stanton St Gabriel. The medieval chapel served the little village, however it fell into disrepair. The village was abandoned when the coast road was rerouted inland in 1824.

Did you know? – In the 1800s, St Gabriel’s Chapel was used for storing smugglers’ contraband. 

4. St. Gabriel’s Chapel to Langdon Hill

After leaving St Gabriel’s Chapel, head back onto the path and follow it into St Gabriel’s Wood.

As soon as you set foot into the woodland, you’ll feel like you stepped into an enchanted forest. Especially if you visit this area in April / May time. You’ll pass a little pond on your left at the start and then you’ll just follow the path leading through the wild woodland. If you come in the right season you’ll be welcomed with the unmistakable smell of wild garlic or ramsons mixed with bluebells as far as you can see.

Once you leave St Gabriel’s Wood, you’ll have a little ascent through a few fields. These might have livestock like cows, so proceed with caution especially in the calving season. After the ascent you’ll find yourself back in the northern part of Langdon Wood. From here, just follow the wide path that circles around and leads you back to the car. You should reach Langdon Hill National Trust Car Park from the opposite direction that you left from at the start of your walk.

Introducing West Bay

Located to the south of Bridport, with Seatown to the west and Burton Bradstock to the east, is the stunning West Bay. As you probably know by now, it’s part of the Jurassic Coast but it’s also part of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

There’s a harbour at West Bay, which is a manmade feature not a natural landscape. This harbour was actually moved twice before settling on its final location you see today. The harbour was essential to Bridport in order to export products such as ropes and nets. However, it was hard work to keep the harbour open due to it being silted up, blocked by shingle from Chesil Beach and damaged by storms. 

Due to these problems, in 1388, another harbour was built. This again wasn’t sufficient as the problems still existed and couldn’t be solved. So in 1740 another new harbour was built which is the one you see today. Although efforts were made to improve the harbour the trade declined in the 19th century. The railway was extended from Bridport to the harbour in 1884, so an effort was then made to rebrand it as a resort. As a result, today West Bay has a mixture of a fishing and tourism focused economy.

West Bay has cliffs and beaches on either side. East Beach actually forms one end of Chesil Beach which connects the Isle of Portland to the mainland. The cliffs on East Beach are composed of Bridport Sand Formation and Inferior Oolite. The cliffs to the west, however, are Frome Clay  and Forest Marble. The colour is a result of the oxidisation of fine pyrite grains.

Additional hikes along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset

The Dorset section of the Jurassic Coast is definitely packed with some of the most amazing landscapes. Therefore, it also offers some of the greatest walking routes. Whilst you can walk the entire length of the coast by following the South West Coast Path, you can also break it up and explore it section by section. The latter is what we did and here is a list of great walks you can complete too:

Old Harry Rocks Circular Walk – A 10 km circular trail that takes in the stunning Old Harry Rocks. Click here to read it.

Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove Walk – A 5 km point to point walk exploring the iconic Durdle Door and the stunning Lulworth Cove. Click here to read it.

Isle of Portland Circular Walk – A 16 km route circling around the entire Isle of Portland, visiting many features such as a lighthouse, cool rock formations, stunning viewpoints, a sculpture park and many ruins. Click here to read it.

You can also browse for more hiking trails in the UK and around the world in my Hiking Adventures Series.

Final Thoughts on the Golden Cap and Langdon Hill Circular Walk

The variety of landscapes, from woodlands to beaches and sheer cliffs, definitely made this walk a unique one. Although I think this walk would be beautiful at any time of the year, if you’d like an extra special experience I highly recommend visiting during spring time (April/May). The weather is warmer and you’ll have the chance to enjoy the thousands of bluebells spread across the woodland and the smell of wild garlic.

Even if you’re coming in a different season, Seatown Beach will provide you with some stunning views of the sheer cliffs and Golden Cap with some breathtaking 360 degree views of the south coast. 

Have you ever visited Golden Cap or Langdon Hill before? If so, how much of the area did you manage to explore? Let me know in the comments below. 

Now, let your adventure begin,

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