West Bullen is surrounded by a wealth of stunning landscapes; beaches, rolling hills, sunken Holloway’s, ancients woodlands and iconic landmarks, you will find them all within walking distance or a short drive away.

There is a wealth of visually stunning walks along the South West coast path directly from West Bullen allowing you to leave the car behind.  Our favourite and a must for those on a two or three night break is the walk to Seatown and our much loved and award winning ‘The Anchor Inn’ via Golden Cap, and then Langdon woods on the way back. During low tide a walk to Charmouth via Stonebarrow and then along the beach to Lyme Regis, is a truly wonderful experience. 

If you are looking for other activities then we why not take a course at River Cottage a mere 15 minutes drive away or try your hand at fishing, wild swimming, Seaside Saunahaus at Seatown, kayaking, SUP, fossil hunting, foraging and much more. 

 hardown hill

Situated behind West Bullen is Hardown Hill. A National Trust park with outstanding views on all sides. From the South West Lyme Regis and Charmouth, the North The Marshwood Vale, Bridport’s iconic hilltop Colmers Hill from the East and from the South East Portland Bill, Chesil Beach, Langdon Woods and Golden Cap. It is a wonderful spot for an early morning or late afternoon walk with or without a four legged friend.

Colmers Hill

One of the most recognisable scenes in the West Dorset landscape, often referred to as the ‘Watchman of West Dorset, this iconic conical-shaped hill rises 417 feet above the village of Symondsbury on the edge of Bridport. Viewed as you drive along the A35, walk down South Street in Bridport or simply walk onto Hardown Hill from West Bullen and you can view Colmers Hill from the East side of the hill.

langdon woods 

A 15 minute walk or a few minutes drive from West Bullen, Langdon Woods is stunning on its own or can be part of a walk to Golden Cap or Seatown. A circular woodland trail through Scots pine and larch with spectacular views and year-round wildlife highlights. In spring and summer, Langdon Hill is awash with flowers including bluebells and foxgloves. In autumn, take a look at the weird and wonderful fungi that pop up around the woods. Keep an eagle eye out for buzzards and ravens soaring overhead as well.

lyme regis

Lyme Regis known as the 'Pearl of Dorset', is situated at the heart of the famous Jurassic Coast. Lyme Regis is a historic seaside resort and fishing port. Also famous for his stunning Cobb harbour Lyme has a lot on offer; watersports, independant shop’s and restaurants, fishing trips, galleries and museum’s. There are also a wealth of festivals throughout the year. During low tides what better than a walk from Lyme regis to Charmouth along the beach where you are able to see the stunning rock formations.

charmouth

Charmouth is a delightful unspoilt seaside village that sits at the mouth of the River Char and is best known for it’s wide sandy beach and its wealth of fossils. For those that would like to learn more about the fossils, and perhaps search for their own, the Charmouth Heritage Centre provide help, advice, displays and even guided fossil hunting on the beach. The beach between Charmouth and Lyme Regis was the only UK entry in National Geographic's '21 Best Beaches In The World 2017'. It is stunning to walk during a low tide when all the rock formations are in plain view. Charmouth retains an old world charm, with traditional amenities such as pubs, cafés, convenience stores, newsagents, gifts, holiday goods, pharmacy, hairdressers, and a baker.

seatown 

Seatowon is a leisurely 45 minute walk form West Bullen via Langdon woods or 1.5 hours if you take in Golden Cap and St Gabriel’s along the way. It has a wonderful shingle beach, ideal for a winters walk or a day at the beach in summer. Unlike Lyme it never gets over crowded and makes for the perfect spot for a beach BBQ, a spot of fishing or alternatively head to the award winning The Anchor Inn for dinner whilst watching the sun set over Lyme.

hell lane

Hell Lane is perhaps one of the most impressive and interesting examples of a Hollowayand with Shutes Lane it connects Symondsbury with North Chideock, climbing up over the ridge near Quarry Hill. ‘The Dorset Rambler’ describes it as interesting because the eastern part is much more gorge like than the western half – to walk from the ridge down to North Chideock is a bit like walking a shallow river bed! The reason for this difference might well be the fact that the church and other buildings at Symondsbury were built with stone from the quarry. You can just imagine how the constant traffic of heavy laden carts running between quarry and village would have considerably deepened that part of the track to the gorge it now is.

You can walk to Hell Lane via Hardown Hill and North Chideock and it is a spectacular walk. Why not also take in a closer look at Colmer’s Hill whilst you are there. If you prefer to drive then head to the Symondsbury estate and walk from there.

Golden Cap

Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast at 188m, can be easily seen from here. If you’re lucky, on a clear day the view stretches straight across to Portland and the eagle-eyed of you may even see its lighthouse!

Stonebarrow national park

Stonebarrow is part of the Golden Cap Estate, made up of rolling hills, pastoral fields, sunken lanes, ancient hedgerows and dramatic coastline. Take time strolling around the top of Stonebarrow, or head down the hill following the signs. Remember though, going downhill can be easy, but what goes down has to come back up and it can get pretty steep here!

There is a small National Trust shop and café here selling refreshments, but it’s best to check that it’s open first before relying on it for your lunch! Check here.

lewesdon hill

National Trust's Lewesdon Hill is the highest point in Dorset with views between the trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea. It is stunning all year round and well worth a visit. Ancient moss covered Oak and Beech trees ooze history and create the perfect canopy for a leisurely stroll. A perfect afternoon out.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lewesdon-hill