Walk · Dorset

Thorncombe Beacon and Eype from West Bay

West Bay
Eype A35 River Brit N 880 YD © OpenStreetMap contributors
4.6MILES
2h 30mON FOOT
260mCLIMB
CircularSHAPE
The route A-road B-road Lane Track Path Water Woodland
Off-road 82% 18% shares tarmac with cars
Field & moor path 60%Lane & track 22%Road with traffic 18%

Our drawing of the route, over road and path data from OpenStreetMap. It shows where the walk goes and what it goes through. It is not a survey and not a navigation aid — carry OS Explorer on the hill. Off-lead information here is what walkers reported or what signage allows — never our advice. Whether and when a dog is off the lead is the owner’s decision and legal responsibility; keep dogs under control near livestock and follow signs on the day.

Starts at
West Bay harbour pay and display, beside the Salt House
Parking
Pay and display, several hundred spaces across two car parks, still full by 11am in the school holidays
Directions to the start →

A 4.6-mile circuit west from the harbour over Eype Mouth to the beacon at 157 metres, roughly two and a half hours with 260 metres of sharp up and down on turf. The return is by field paths and a quiet lane through Eype village rather than retracing the cliff. Park in the main West Bay pay and display beside the harbour, which is large but the busiest car park in west Dorset on a hot day; the clifftop is entirely unfenced with vertical sandstone drops, sheep graze the Eype Down fields, and dogs can only get to the sea at West Bay east beach outside the summer restriction.

THE SMALL PRINTUnfenced clifftop the whole coastal section, with sheep grazing above Eype: leads through stock fields. West Bay beach dog restrictions run 1 May to 30 September under the Dorset Council order, with dogs allowed in the port area on a lead.

House rules, decoded

Off-lead allowed
Livestock — leads on
REGION · DORSET
GRID · 50.7110, -2.7620
SOURCE · HTTPS://WWW.KOMOOT.COM/GUIDE/673611/HIKING-IN-WEST-DORSET
Also in West Bay
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Bridport Arms Hotel

DT6 4ER
No reviews yet

Thatched Palmers inn sitting right on West Bay beach, the oldest building on the harbour and the one used as the Broadchurch hotel. Dog friendly according to the brewery, with outside dining, sea views and bedrooms. You can walk out of the door onto the shingle.

In the bar
VERIFIED 29 JUL 2026 VIEW ›
Knights Pightle
Stay NOT CHECKED YET

Knights Pightle

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Located in a small village in West Dorset this property boasts great access to a diverse range of scenes. Head 5 miles away to West Bay and stroll along the beach. Once you ve walked all you can walk drive a couple of miles further down the coast and treat yourself to a hot chocolate at a beachside cafe. For an insight into local history and unmissable views visit Eggardon Hill 3.5 miles away the site of an Iron Age hill fort. Closer to home a popular dog-friendly pub is only 400 metres away from your front door. A little pathway through a private garden takes you to the front of the cottage. Step into the porch and shake off your coats and boots before heading into the lounge. A spacious welcoming room the lounge is kitted out with two comfortable arm chairs and a sofa so you can find your perfect spot. In winter a wood burner provides extra atmosphere and warmth as you unwind with your favourite book. The lounge is also equipped with a TV and DVD player so you can catch up on your favourite soap or watch a film. Passing through the lounge a step up will take you into the kitchen. With a dining table for two and plenty of space for cooking or chatting with a glass of wine you will immediately make yourself at home. Well-provisioned with everything you could need for your stay there is an oven with a hob microwave fridge toaster and kettle for you to use and in the adjoining utility room a dishwasher washing machine and freezer. Heading back to the lounge the bathroom can also be found on the ground floor. Separated into two rooms the first has a bath with a shower over the bath and the second has a WC. Steep cottage style stairs lead upstairs you will find the bedroom. Here neutral tones are complemented with open beams and pretty details to create a relaxing space. Featuring slightly reduced head height set in the eaves the bedroom has a double bed for you to sink into for a cosy night s sleep. Walking out through the utility room you will reach the property s rear garden. Sit back with a cup of tea around the outside table and listen to the gentle gurgle of the stream running through the garden. Need to know: 1 double bed. 1 bath with overhead shower and WC. Electric oven and induction hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine and dishwasher. TV/DVD. Wi Fi available. Steep cottage style stairs. Enclosed garden with seating. Outdoor steps in garden. Unfenced stream. On street parking nearby. Pub within 20 yards. Shop within 1 mile. Regret no children.

NOT CHECKED YET · IS THIS YOURS? VIEW ›
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Pub DOGS WELCOME

The George Hotel

DT6 4EY
No reviews yet

Harbourside Palmers pub on George Street, a few yards from the fishing boats and the fish stalls. The brewery lists it as dog friendly with a beer garden, sea views and accommodation. Handy for the harbour, where dogs are allowed on a lead through the summer even when the beaches close.

In the bar
VERIFIED 29 JUL 2026 VIEW ›

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