Golden Cap Summit

Part of the phenomenal Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Golden Cap isn’t just the southern coast’s highest point, it’s also an impressive, dramatic cliff. Rising to 627 feet (191 m), hikes up Golden Cap offer fantastic views across Lyme Bay, over to Lyme Regis’ pretty nook and, on clear days, right across to Portland Bill. 

Golden Cap very literally has a golden cap, a section of gold-coloured sandstone in its highest layer which can be seen from the beach below. Under the dominion of the National Trust, you’ll find a low stone memorial to the Earl of Antrim at Golden Cap’s summit, a former chairman of the Trust. 

Glorious views from countryside to coastline 

A great hike for people of all ages, reaching the summit of Golden Cap offers 360 degree views. To the north, undulating, patchwork farmland spreads out like a green and yellow blanket, hiding all manner of villages and hamlets within its folds. 

To the west, admire the golden beach of Charmouth and if your eyes and the weather are both good, you can see all the way around Lyme Bay. To the east, the Jurassic Coast flows around to Portland Bill, jutting out into the English Channel.

Golden Cap is extremely well served by local towns and you’ll find cafés, restaurants and accommodation in Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Morcombelake and Chideock. Toilets can be found at Stonebarrow car park and Seatown as well.

The National Trust has made off-road mobility scooters available for hire on the Golden Cap estate, from May to September. Hire depends on ground conditions so always check in advance.