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The Dorset coastline shot from the summit of Golden Cap, with sea to the right and cliffs to the right. The sun is rising above a grassy mound and heather grows on the clifftop
The Dorset coastline from the summit of Golden Cap, at dawn | © National Trust Images/David Noton
Dorset

Stonebarrow walk on the Golden Cap Estate

The Golden Cap Estate is made up of rolling hills, pastoral fields, sunken lanes, ancient hedgerows and dramatic coastline, and lies within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This walk includes a section of the South West Coast Path along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Total steps: 6

Total steps: 6

Start point

Stonebarrow car park, grid ref: SY382933

Step 1

The Stonebarrow information centre is housed within an old radar station.

Step 2

Turn right before the trees and follow the fingerposts for Westhay Farm. Don’t follow the vehicle track but instead step over the logs and stay left so you follow the line of the hedge. Another fingerpost sign will signal Westhay Farm and you will soon pass by Monument Copse.

A grassy field, with small green-winged orchids growing, with large shrubs to the left, and in the distance, with a blue sky above
Traditional farming methods allow wild flowers, including green-winged orchids, to thrive | © National Trust

Step 3

From here you can take a short detour into Monument Copse which marks the spot where local squire Robert Hilliard died in 1876. Continue through the hay meadows to Westhay Farm, given to the National Trust in 1961. This was the first land obtained by the Trust in the area now known as the Golden Cap Estate.

Step 4

Turn right and head uphill to the next set of fingerposts, then turn left along the smugglers' path. The next fingerpost should be signed Charmouth. Turn right and go up a few steps, then turn left and go up some more steps.

An ancient trackway passes the ruins of St Gabriel's Chapel, comprising a stone archway and walls
Ancient trackways criss-cross the Golden Cap Estate | © National Trust

Step 5

At the top of the steps, turn left for Charmouth and walk to Cains Folly.

Step 6

Continue up the hill and turn right before the kissing gate, through the squeeze and follow the marker back to the Stonebarrow car park.

End point

Stonebarrow car park, grid ref: SY382933

Trail map

Stonebarrow walk, Golden Cap, Dorset map
Stonebarrow walk, Golden Cap, Dorset map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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