The Golden Cap walk from Langdon Hill is one of the most rewarding routes on the Jurassic Coast, combining woodland paths, open countryside, and far-fetching sea views. At 191 metres, Golden Cap is the highest point on the south coast of England. The route offers a great mix of scenery, from sheltered forest paths to wide coastal views, without being overly long.
We did the Golden Cap walk while spending an Easter break in Dorset, and it worked well as a family-friendly option at that time of year. The paths were quiet, the spring weather was comfortable and the landscape was just coming into bloom. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for short walks or free things to do in Dorset with the family.
*may contain affiliate links
- Distance: 7 km (4.5 miles)
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (some steep hills, uneven paths, stiles)
- Facilities: None
- Parking: Langdon Hill NT Car Park (DT6 6EP)
Contents: click to jump to a section
What is Golden Cap?
Golden Cap is the tallest cliff on the south coast of England, standing at 191 metres above sea level and is part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 96 miles from East Devon to Dorset. The cliffs offer panoramic coastal views in all directions, with westward views over Charmouth and Lyme Regis and eastwards toward Seatown and Bridport Bay.
Golden Cap is one of five Bronze Age burial mounds dating back 4,000 years. The name “Golden Cap” comes from the golden-coloured rocks and soil near the summit, which catch the sunlight beautifully. It’s famous for its diverse wildlife and unique geology, with chalk sandstone, and clay layers forming dramatic cliffs. It’s a key landmark for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
Start: Langdon Hill National Trust car park
Our Golden Cap walk begins at the Langdon Hill National Trust car park, just off the A35 between Bridport and Charmouth. It’s fairly easy to find using the postcode DT6 6EP.
Parking is free for National Trust members, or you can pay by the hour. There’s a machine at the top end of the car park, or you can ring. You will need about two hours parking for the circular walk to Golden Cap.
You’ll see a map by the pay machine, so you can take a photo of the different routes. From the car park, the trail up towards Golden Cap is well-signposted and easy to follow.
Langdon Hill to Golden Cap summit
At the top end of the car park, head through the gate signposted for Golden Cap and follow the woodland path.
The route is initially fairly flat, with trees either side. As you continue along the path, you’ll find several gaps in the trees, where you can stop and admire the views.
The path soon opens into a grassy field at the base of Golden Cap. The climb to the summit is short, but steep with steps helping walkers reach the top.
At the very top of Golden Cap, you’ll find a trig point and a memorial to the Earl of Antrim, who helped preserve this stretch of coast from developers.
Once there, take a well-deserved rest and enjoy the incredible views of the coastline. In one direction you can look out over the English Channel towards Seatown and West Bay and to the West, you’ll see Charmouth and Lyme Regis. If you look inland, you can see for miles over the rolling Dorset countryside.
Don’t go too close to the edge. The cliffs are eroding and it could be very dangerous.
Golden Cap to St Gabriel's Chapel
From the summit of Golden Cap turn right and continue down the other side using the waymarked path.
At the sign post you’ll leave the South West Coast Path and go down the hill towards St Gabriel’s Chapel. You’ll be able to see the chapel from the signpost, so just head towards it.
If you want to extend our walk, you could continue here on the South West Coast Path to Stonebarrow Hill and Charmouth.
The South West Coast Path is a long-distance trail that follows the coast for 630 miles from Somerset to Poole in Dorset.
St Gabriel's Chapel
St Gabriel’s Chapel is all that remains of the medieval hamlet of Stanton St Gabriel, which lay on western slope of Golden Cap. It was abandoned several centuries ago when the inhabitants moved to work in the new mills in nearby Bridport.
Folklore claims that the chapel was built after two newlyweds came ashore here in a storm. The husband prayed to St Gabriel, promising he’d build a chapel if the couple were saved. Unfortunately, his wife died in his arms, but he kept his promise and still built the chapel.
Later a new chapel was built further inland, but the original was used by smugglers for hiding contraband.
Today, just the ruins of St Gabriel’s Chapel remain, though occasionally services are still held there.
St Gabriel's Church to Langdon Woods
After visiting the chapel, continue to the bottom of the hill, with the house in front of you. Turn right and then turn immediately right again at the signpost. Go through a large gate and follow the path along the edge of St Gabriel’s Wood.
This is one of the most peaceful sections of the walk, which takes you through wild woodland. A small stream flows either side of the path and bluebells and wild garlic carpeted the woodland floor. I would love to have come back a few weeks later, when it was all in bloom.
The trail eventually opens onto fields before a short climb back up Langdon Hill, offering one last burst of countryside before returning to the car park. You’ll get some good views of Golden Cap from this field.
Return to car park
At the top of the field turn left and follow the gravel path back to the car park.
Golden Cap walk - alternative linear option
If you prefer a shorter or simpler route to Golden Cap, you can take the linear option and return the way you came when you get to the trig point.
This option is slightly easier for families with younger children, as it is quicker than the circular route.
Why this walk is perfect for families
- Varied scenery: woodland, open fields, stunning coastal views
- Good length: short but rewarding
- Accessible start: Langdon Hill car park is convenient for parking
- Educational and fun: history at St Gabriel’s chapel, wildlife and nature (rabbits, birds, flowers)
Why we loved this walk
We loved this walk because it combines history, nature and incredible views in a relatively short route that’s manageable for families. The countryside looked amazing in spring and the paths were not too busy.
Further Dorset walks
We discovered plenty of other amazing walks along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. For a shorter coastal option, you could stroll Studland Bay to Old Harry Rocks, or head inland for the Cerne Abbas Giant walk.
Another of the most popular Jurassic Coast walks is the linear walk from the iconic Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove, offering stunning cliffs and coastal views. For wildlife enthusiasts, RSPB Arne also has several excellent nature trails.
Other posts to help you plan your visit to Dorset:
Pin for later: A short, circular walk to Golden Cap, Dorset
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. (Read our full Disclosure Policy)
All rights reserved © Chimptrips. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, links, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
