Enjoy both the spectacular Dorset Jurassic coast and the beautiful downland inland on this fairly strenuous circle from Eype. It's about 6.4 miles, about three hours walking. Use the map OS Explorer 116 Lyme Regis & Bridport, grid ref: 451 922. Park at the small services and picnic area just off the A35, about 2.5 miles west of Bridport, at the start of the turning to Eype. There is a refreshment hut here and toilets.

T his is a sensational summer walk along the Jurassic coast from Eype to Seatown, taking in high Thorncombe Beacon (optional) and calling in at two pubs en route – one of them right by Seatown beach.

Then explore the downland at the back of the coast and go over Eype Down and past a renowned organic Dorset farm cafe. Take your swimming gear for a dip at Seatown.

The going is quite hilly (both up and down), particularly if you choose the high route up to the beacon, but there is an easier route behind.

Naturally, the coastal views will take your breath away – as may the winds as you walk along the cliff top! Your dog will appreciate the walk, and perhaps a swim, too.

START

From the parking area, turn left along the Eype road and shortly at the junction go left a yard or two towards Bridport and then right up steps and over a stile. Follow the right-hand edge of the field straight on. Already you can see the sea ahead. Leave over a stile in the corner and join the lane.

Turn left and just past the church, cross left on to a footpath towards Lower Eype and continue on to go over a stile and walk down a short path to a lane.

1. LOWER EYPE

This is Lower Eype. Turn right and at the village notice board turn left on the marked path. Go right and keep straight on and then take the path between a wall and house gardens. This is a quieter route keeping you off the lane for a bit. You could have turned left down through Eype when you joined the lane and this takes you past the New Inn. The quieter footpath route leads back to the lane.

Turn right and continue down the lane, which leads you to Eype Mouth.

2. EYPE MOUTH

The beach is a short step straight on.

Facing the sea, follow the coastal path right, and the climbing starts! Enter National Trust land for Downhouse Farm. Just maintain direction, getting wonderful views ahead along the coast towards Lyme Regis and beyond and also across Eype. Cross a stile and carry on climbing and then further on the route flattens out.

3. CHOICE OF ROUTE

Keep on until you reach a stile and a choice of paths.

Steeper Route: Take the coastal path straight on, making the steep climb up to Thorncombe Beacon. It is a stiff climb but there's a great feeling of satisfaction when you reach the top and look along the coast. In recent times the beacon formed part of a chain across Dorset to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Carry on past the Beacon and simply continue along the coast.

You can make one or two extra sorties out on to stretches of headland as you wish, but eventually come back to the coast path and follow it steeply down to Seatown, which you soon see ahead down below, nestling below Golden Cap.

Easier Route: Bear right and take the footpath which goes around the back and joins up with the coastal path further on. Ignore any side turns. Just continue on the main route which is, in fact, the Monarch's Way long-distance path. Once you have rejoined the coastal path continue on down to Seatown.

4. SEATOWN

At Seatown is a fine beach for swimming. Here, the Wynreford stream meanders out through the shingle, and the cliffs springs up high to east and west. Golden Cap, to the west, is the highest sea-cliff on the south coast (619ft).

About 150 years ago there were 30-40 fishermen here: most, at least, were fishermen by day, by night they were smugglers, and many a contraband cargo was run in here.

Fossils such as ammonites can often be found on the beach and indeed at other beaches along this stretch of coast.

Also here is the Anchor Inn, with a garden on the cliff edge.

To continue, turn up the lane past the Anchor and shortly fork right at the entrance to a caravan site. Follow this quiet track which serves a few homes and caravan and camping sites.

5. FOOTPATH

Go straight on along a stony footpath signed to "campsite and Chideock". A wooden footbridge leads into a field. Then go ahead down to the far end with caravans over on your left. Come on to a concrete track at the end and turn right.

Shortly, fork left to East Chideock on a path going by a sewage farm. Follow it around to a metal kissing gate into a field. Go along the left edge and at the end reach a track serving Doghouse Farm.

6. FARM TRACK

Go straight over and across a marked stile and take the footpath ahead, which bears slightly left. In the corner, go over a footbridge and follow the path straight on along the left edge of the field. In the corner go out left over a stile and a short path leads you to the busy main road on the edge of East Chideock.

7. EAST CHIDEOCK

Along the road left a very short distance is the George Inn. For our circle, turn right along the pavement for about 100 metres and then cross and go up a concrete farm track which rises.

When I came here the bank at the side was a mass of ox-eyed daises and common spotted orchids.

Turn right. Continue to a stile next to a gate. Cross and reach farm buildings. Go past the farm barns keeping them on your left and then bend end left on the track round the side of the barns. This leads to a stile into a field.

8. VALLEY

Go straight up the shallow grassy valley, climbing gently at first and then more steadily. Ahead of you on the right is Quarry Hill (don't worry, you don't climb it!). At the top of the valley, cross a stile ahead on to a grassy crossing track.

Turn right enjoying good views over Eype and the coast. Come into a field and continue on following the fence on your right. Cross another stile into a field and maintain direction. climbing a little and following the left fence. You are now walking around Quarry Hill. Go over a stile and continue on. When the fence on the left reaches a corner, continue on across the field heading for three power poles close together on the far side.

9. STILE

Cross a stile about 50 yards to the left of the poles. Come on to a narrow lane and turn right, soon reaching the main road. Cross over and follow the track which bears right passing a cottage. Reach a footpath marker and fork up left towards Eype Down. Follow this uphill and reach a broad crossing track. Bear left and follow this main track, ignoring all side turns.

10. EYPE DOWN

Eype Down offers wonderful inland and coastal views and in spring is a bluebell paradise. Reach trees and continue on the main track still heading towards the coast.

Reach a bridleway sign and turn left on the broad track (don't take a smaller path) and reach a T-junction with a fingerpost ahead. Go left towards Eype Down Road. Soon leave the open downland and continue on under trees, beginning to drop down hill. Reach a T-Junction and turn left on the lane/track.

11. CAFE

Reach Downhouse Farm's Garden Cafe, a great favourite with walkers and holidaymakers.

Now, to finish our circle, carry on past the cafe on the lane, which should be quiet. You get good views over Eype Mouth and the coast again.

Reach a T-junction with a road and turn right. Follow this back to the junction near the start. Turn left and cross the road back to the parking and services.

If you want to visit a pub, a short stretch away in Lower Eype is the New Inn, which you bypassed when walking around the back of the village.

The Anchor Inn, Seatown, Chideock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6JU. Tel: 01297 489215. The George Inn, Main Street, Chideock, Dorset DT6 6JD. Tel: 01297 489419. Downhouse Farm, Garden Café, Downhouse Lane, Higher Eype, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6AH. Tel: 01308 421232. The New Inn, Mount Lane, Eype, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6AP. Tel: 01308 423254. Please call before setting out to confirm opening times.