Trails & Inspiration

Inspirational Trails 9: The Jurassic Coast

Here, in part nine of a series featuring inspirational trails, trail runner and photographer, David Miller, describes the uniquely beautiful trails of the Jurassic Coast, UK.

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Hailing on the South Coast of Britain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting 185 million years of history. Stretching 95 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset; this is the Jurassic Coast!

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Epic right? It runs as good as it sounds so let me tell you about my local stomping ground and a place I call home.

The Jurassic Coast covers 95 miles of the 630 mile South West Coast Path National Trail. The landscape is a feast for the senses as it captures our imagination and invites us to find a sense of belonging, to return again and again to experience all it has to offer.

Here are a couple of my highlights and must-visit locations if you ever decide to take the trip down south!

How about the perfectly formed Lulworth Cove and the iconic natural rock archway Durdle Door? You can see both of these landmarks in all their glory whilst blazing past in your running shoes on the South West Coastal Path. But be warned, as you’ll have to earn the right to see these sights and take on what us locals call the rollercoaster...

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This is clifftop running at its absolute finest, with multiple climbs and descents to test even the most experienced of trail runners. The views are worth the effort and guaranteed to make the final cut on your instagram grid. On a clear day you’ll witness Dorset at its most beautiful, with layers of glorious headlands as far as the eye can see. And if you’re into local folklore, maybe you can find the secret Smugglers Path, as featured in the Moonfleet novel, zig-zagging down to the shoreline from the top of the White Nothe.

Then there’s Golden Cap. This is the highest point on the south coast of Britain. Who says you need to travel up north for some elevation? Standing tall at 627ft, Golden Cap is a must-visit! A cliff to bring out your inner mountain goat! I won’t spoil the view for you, go and see it for yourself and remember to take the camera for the all-important trail running selfie. Snap!

Be sure to give the South Coast Sharks a holla if you’re visiting the area. A running group residing in Weymouth, who’ll be happy to show you Dorset’s best kept secrets and why the Jurassic Coast is a trail runners paradise.

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Want to explore part of the Jurassic Coast? Then check out David Miller’s 8 mile trail run, which takes in some of the most scenic parts of this stunning UK coastline.

Photos: Credit to David Miller / Trail Focus Photography

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