Jurassic Coast Challenge - walk 50km from Swanage to Weymouth
The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO world heritage site covering three geological time periods (Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous), stretches from Swanage in the East to Exmouth in the West. Its history not only flows through the rugged coastal scenery but in the villages, harbours and castles along the route. Your challenge is to walk the 50km stretch from the easternmost point of Swanage to the seaside town of Weymouth.
You'll begin the challenge along the Swanage shoreline, before walking through Durlston Country Park to pass by the historic Durlston Castle. From here, you'll take in the breathtaking views of the English channel as you travel around St Alban’s Head and then traverse the rugged terrain of the Lulworth Fossil Forest, before ascending to the sparkling blue waters of Lulworth Cove. On day 2, your challenge continues west, passing around White Nothe and Ringstead Bay (well known for fossils) before rounding out at picturesque Weymouth.
During these 2 days of walking there is a surprising amount of elevation, much of it over uneven ground, so a good level of fitness and determination is essential as the challenge will physically and mentally stretch you – but the panoramic coastal views make your hard work totally worthwhile.
We specialise in running our walking challenges as small group events to ensure a strong camaraderie within the challenge team. Our small instructor to client ratios guarantee you a highly personal experience – our expert guides will know you by name and support you on every step of the journey!
This epic coastal adventure is not to be underestimated, but the sense of achievement and satisfaction you’ll gain completing this challenge is undeniable.
Jurassic CoASt 50km Challenge Stats
- Total Distance: 50km (31 miles)
- Estimated Time: 2 days
- Difficulty Level: 2/5 – a moderately hard challenge
What's Included?
- Experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
- Low Instructor to client ratio (1:12)
- Transport from Brighton and various South East & South Coast locations
- Bunkhouse accommodation
- Catering throughout the challenge
- Pre-challenge information pack (includes 12-week fitness plan and equipment guidance)
- An eco-friendly adventure (we're a carbon neutral company)
- Certificate of achievement
If you're short on time, why not try the Jurassic Coast Challenge (30km) instead? Alternatively, take on a tough mountain adventure with our UK 3 Peaks Challenge!
Information
Season
April to October (the Jurassic Coast Challenge is not a single event that runs on one particular date – you can complete it whenever you decide to take the plunge!)
Duration
1.5 day trip, 2 day challenge
Group Size
8-12 (for larger group bookings, visit the ‘Groups’ section below)
Restrictions
Minimum age: 18 Fitness level: A good level of fitness is required to complete this challenge
hatt adventures team
Mountain Leaders – You’ll be guided by an expert instructor who holds a Mountain Leader qualification and has experience of the Jurassic Coast Challenge or other endurance walking challenges. All Hatt Adventures group leaders are wilderness first aid trained and maintain radio communication with the support team during the challenge.
Support Team – Your support instructor's job is to meet you periodically along the route at various safety checkpoints, as well as provide moral support (not to be underestimated!) and vehicle support throughout the challenge.
Training for the Jurassic Coast Challenge
We provide a full training package to ensure you are well-prepared for your challenge. This includes a fitness training program put together by our fitness endurance specialists, plus important information on walking boots, clothing, equipment, and the best places to buy them from.
We also run regular Mountain Training Days in various beautiful locations across the UK, which will give you the opportunity to try out your equipment, break in your boots and test your fitness.
Fundraising for Charity
If you are completing the Jurassic Coast Challenge to raise money for charity, you’ll need to book your space and pay the standard event fee. With all challenge logistics – including transport from the South East – included, you’ll have more time to focus on raising money for your worthy cause!
Organising a Jurassic Coast Challenge fundraising event for a larger group? Check out the ‘Groups’ section below for extra info!
Conservation and the Jurassic Coast
Every year, thousands of people attempt this challenge in small unsupported groups or as large organised events. At Hatt Adventures we are very aware of the environmental impact this is having, which is why we run our challenges in a responsible way. We plan our timings to ensure that we are not disturbing the local residents at unsocial hours of the night and we ensure that all our clients are fully briefed on the environmental impact the events can have on the routes and how to minimise them. We also only run small events, thus reducing our impact on the coastal trails.
Groups
Group Price
£4380 for up to 12 people.
We can cater for larger private groups and can arrange various, transport, catering and accommodation options – contact us to discover more.
Challenge Teams
Depending on the size of the event, we may transport your group in multiple minibuses. If this is the case, we will divide you into smaller groups for the duration of the challenge. You will be able to choose your group (depending on your fitness level and mountain walking experience) but once in your group, you will not be able to change as the groups and minibuses won’t always be together.
Itinerary
Day 1
On Friday afternoon we will travel up from Brighton and London collecting challengers as we go. This a great chance to get to know the people you'll be completing the challenge with. In the evening over dinner we will run through any questions, check kit and give a mountain safety briefing, and then off to bed early for a good night's rest!
Day 2
The day starts early and after breakfast, the challenge begins! We will travel by minibus to Swanage and walk the section of coast to Lulworth Cove, before travelling to the bunkhouse to eat, rest and sleep.
Day 3
From Lulworth Cove we pick up the trail again, heading West along the coast to Weymouth. Once the challenge has been completed, we'll hop in the minibus and return you to your pick up points.
Locations
Jurassic Coast Challenge - Swanage to Weymouth
Equipment
Equipment supplied
All hill walking safety equipment supplied.
Equipment needed
Walking boots / approach shoes, small rucksack (25 litres), waterproof top and trousers, fleece or warm top, hat and gloves, whistle, head torch, water bottles (min of 1.5lts). We will provide you with a full kit list upon booking.
Equipment shop
Take a look at our online shop for any equipment you might want for your outdoor adventures. We stock a variety of equipment and can give expert advice if you have any queries. Choose to collect your order on a course (free of charge) and your instructor will have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
Transport
Day 1
Pick up points: Brighton (Train Station), Leatherhead (Train Station), Guildford (Train Station), Basingstoke (Train Station), Southampton (Train Station), Bournemouth (Train Station).
Day 2
Minibus support throughout challenge.
Day 3
Minibus support throughout challenge.
Drop off points: Bournemouth (Train Station), Southampton (Train Station), Basingstoke (Train Station), Guildford (Train Station), Leatherhead (Train Station), Brighton (Train Station).
Accommodation
Day 1
Bunkhouse accommodation.
Day 2
Bunkhouse accommodation.
Catering
Day 1
Dinner - (Included) at the accommodation.
Day 2
Breakfast - (Included) buffet-style breakfast.
Lunch - (Included) packed lunch.
Dinner - (Included) at the accommodation.
Day 3
Breakfast - (Included) buffet-style breakfast.
Lunch - (Included) packed lunch.
