WALK THE COAST 2025
Open to all, our flagship UK walk
About the event
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT!
Our most popular walking event is back for it’s fifth year as we continue our journey around the breath-taking South West Coast Path.
We'll set off from Burton Bradstock along the world-famous Jurassic south coast of Dorset, where we'll reach the end of the South West Coast path at Sandbanks nine days later!
Walk The Coast has become our main community event as part of our Together Outdoors initiative. The walk is free and open to anyone who would like to explore the coast path and experience the M2M charm (you don't have to be a beneficiary!)
It’s a chance for the whole M2M family and beyond to come together outdoors to celebrate connection, well-being and all the wonders that the natural world has to offer. It’s an opportunity to walk with like-minded people, meet amazing beneficiaries and quite simply just have a great time for a good cause.
Itinerary
Join us for a day, a few, or all ten!
Use the drop down menu below to check the full details for each day, with meet times, locations and what to expect. Please note: Registration is essential for each day you plan to join. Sign up closes at midnight on Sunday 25th May.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 11 km
Komoot Rating: Intermediate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users
Shuttle Pick Up (available to M2M Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients only): Abbotsbury Carpark, 8.45am
*Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients who reserve a seat on the minibus – you will be picked up here the morning of the walk (at the finish) and shuttled back to the walk start.
WALK START: 9.30am at Hive Beach Cafe, Burton Bradstock. Parking at Hive Beach National Trust Carpark
Lunch: We recommended bringing a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water to last the day. The Club House at West Bexington Beach also serves food.
Stops & swims: West Bexington Beach (5km in)
Facilities: Toilets are located at cafes/pubs at the start (Hive Beach Cafe), halfway point (The Club House at West Bexington) and finish (Ilchester Arms).
Walk finish & drinks: Ilchester Arms, Abbotsbury
Parking at the finish: Abbotsbury Carpark
Accommodation note: The M2M team will be staying in Weymouth. The Ilchester Arms also has rooms available.
What to expect: Views across a spectacularly dramatic section of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site are in store, as we set off from the pretty village of Burton Bradstock. We'll ease ourselves into Day 1 with a flat section for the first 5k, along the striking coastline of Hive beach, Codgen beach and West Bexington beach. From there, the route will ascend to take in magnificent seaside views from Burton Cliff, across the long pebbly sweep of Chesil Beach - a truly breathtaking place and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The hundreds of mute swans of Abbotsbury Swannery make for an extraordinary sight at the end of Day 1, finishing at the Ilchester Arms in the historic village of Abbotsbury.
What to bring: A packing list will be emailed to all registered attendees in advance.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 18.5 km
Komoot Rating: Expert
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users
Shuttle Pick Up (available to M2M Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients only): Chesil Car Park, 8.45am
*Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients who reserve a seat on the minibus – you will be picked up here the morning of the walk (at the finish) and shuttled back to the walk start.
WALK START: 9.30am at The Swannery Cafe, Abbotsbury. Parking at the Swannery Cafe Parking or Abbotsbury Car Park
Lunch: We recommended bringing a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water to last the day.
Stops & Swims: Gore Cove (7.5km in) / Moonfleet Manor & Fleet Lagoon (8km in), Pirates Cove - possibly now closed due to landslides (16.5km in)
Facilities: There are public toilets near the walk start in Abbotsbury, and at the walk finish, at Dorset Wildlife Trust. Along the route there are facilities at Moonfleet Manor (8km in) and Littlesea Holiday Park (14km in).
Finish: Dorset Wildlife Trust Wild Chesil Centre
Parking at the finish (if you plan to shuttle back to walk start): Chesil Car Park
Accommodation note: The M2M team are staying on Buxton Road, Weymouth.
What to expect: This section of the Jurassic Coast is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the views of Chesil Beach and the Fleet are truly unique. Stories of a past of smuggling and wrecking add another level to the rich history of the area, and references to this are seen in the Moonfleet Manor Hotel (a good spot for refreshments). We'll continue on a peaceful walk along the edge of the Fleet, passing a couple of areas of MOD land, until finally reaching urban landscapes on the edge of Weymouth and Ferry Bridge, which marks the beginning of the route across to the rugged Isle of Portland.
What to bring: A packing list will be emailed to all registered attendees in advance.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 17 km
Komoot Rating: Expert
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users
WALK START: 9.30am at Portland Bill Car Park
Finish: Portland Bill Car Park
Accommodation note: The M2M team are staying on Buxton Road, Weymouth.
What to expect: This is a circular walk of dramatic, rugged cliffs, nationally rare plants, hidden coves and stunning views. The Isle of Portland is a large mass of limestone which is linked to the mainland by the shingle ridge of Chesil Beach. Centuries of quarrying and military presence have altered the natural landscape, leaving visible records of the history of this important part of Dorset. The Isle’s white limestone has been used for construction since Roman times. Nature has reclaimed some of the disused quarries, which become a stunning mass of grasses and wildflowers in the spring and summer months.
What to bring: A packing list will be emailed to all registered attendees in advance.
The crew at MV Freedom have kindly agreed to host an additional voyage, especially for us! Their catamaran is designed especially for wheelchair users and those living with disability, and will take us out to explore the Jurassic Coastline by sea, towards either Chesil Beach or Lulworth Cove.
What to expect: Accessible boat trip with MV Freedom
Meet: 9.45 am (sharp) at MV Freedom, North Quay Pontoons, Weymouth Marina, DT4 8TB. Please note: prompt arrival is essential to allow the trip to run due to tide times, so please give yourself plenty of time to get there.
*A minibus shuttle from Weymouth Marina to the start of the afternoon walk will be available to anyone who took part in the Boat Trip.
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchair users
Parking: North Quay Car Park directly across the road (accessible spaces). There is also a dropping-off bay at this Marina entrance.
Lunch: Refreshments won't be available onboard so please bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water.
Finish: 1pm at MV Freedom, North Quay Pontoons, Weymouth Marina
Who can join? There are up to 12 spaces (with room for up to 6 wheelchairs), available to anyone living with a disability and a +1. This trip is free to join, and funded by M2M.
What to bring: As well as bringing a packed lunch, we recommend packing warm layers, suncream, sunglasses and a hat.
Contact on the day: Rosie - 07957 113 108
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 5 km
Komoot rating: Easy
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchair users
WALK START: 1.30pm, RSPB Radipole Lake, Weymouth (accessible facilities and large car park with disabled bays at Swannery Car Park, Weymouth).
*M2M Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients only: Those of you who reserved a seat on the minibus, please meet at the walk start with the rest of the group. A shuttle service back to the walk start will be available after the walk finishes.
Rest stop: Sandsfoot Gardens & Cafe (halfway point, accessible facilities and garden)
Finish: 4pm (approx), Dorset Wildlife Trust Wild Chesil Centre, Portland (accessible facilities). Parking: Chesil Car Park (accessible spaces).
Travel for non-beneficiaries: After the walk, the 1 Portland Link bus travels directly from Ferrybridge to Weymouth Bus Garage (right next to the walk start at RSPB Radipole Lake, and Weymouth train station), every 30 minutes.
Accommodation note: The M2M team are staying on Buxton Road, Weymouth
What to expect: From Weymouth to Portland, the Rodwell Trail follows a disused passenger railway line, which is now a wonderfully accessible wildlife corridor. The Trail is a fully surfaced linear route suitable for walkers, wheelchair users and mobility scooters. It takes you past old station platforms and Sandsfoot Castle, with lovely views out across Portland Harbour towards Portland. It is part of National Cycle Route 26 which extends southward to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, the country’s premier sailing venue and host venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events. The Trail is great for wildlife with many birds, plants, butterflies and other insects making an appearance and along the way.
Physio support: Today we will be joined by our fantastic Volunteer Physio, Amie, who will be on hand to offer any mobility advice and support along the way.
What to bring: A packing list will be emailed to all registered attendees in advance.
Location: Rest Day will be spent in Weymouth this year, with the M2M Team based on Buxton Road, close to Castle Cove Beach and Sandsfoot Beach.
What to expect: After slow morning to accommodate for some well-deserved lie ins, we will come together for some relaxing group activities.
Meet: 10.30am at Sìdà Yoga Studio, Units 3-5 The, Victoria Building, Lerret Rd, Portland DT5 1GB
// Yoga: The wonderful Victoria from Sìdà Yoga has kindly gifted us a Mindful Yoga Class. Victoria will guide us through a calming guided meditation and a sound bath, designed to help you feel nourished and revitalised, with seated postures accessible to all.
// BBQ: We will then gather at M2M's Weymouth base on Buxton Road (5-10 mins drive from the yoga studio) for an afternoon barbecue, with food provided. Please BYO drinks!
Travel: Public transport is available between Weymouth and Sìdà yoga studio and back, stopping at M2M's base on Buxton Road (search for the 1 Portland Link bus).
Travel for M2M Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients: a minibus shuttle will be available after the yoga class, from the studio to M2M's Buxton Road base.
// Free time: The rest of the day will be yours to relax and recharge. There is plenty to keep you occupied in the surrounding area if you prefer to stay active – watersports hire, BYO beach games, sea swims, and cafes. Feel free to take a lead on organising the afternoon/evening using the Walk the Coast WhatsApp group chat, or just relax in the garden!
// Physio support: Today we will also be joined by our fantastic Volunteer Physio, Amie, who will be on hand to offer any mobility advice and support for tired limbs.
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchair users
Accommodation note: The M2M team are staying on Buxton Road, Weymouth.
What to bring: Yoga clothes, beach games, swimming costumes and snacks.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 7.5 km
Komoot rating: Intermediate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users
Shuttle Pick Up (available to M2M Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients only): Smugglers Inn, Osmington Mills, 9.15am. (Parking is available at the pub with some additional on-road spaces for cars along Mills Road).
*Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients who reserve a seat on the minibus – you will be picked up here the morning of the walk (at the finish) and shuttled back to the walk start.
WALK START:
10am at Sand Bar Cafe, Weymouth Esplanade. Parking is available at Swannery Car Park, Weymouth (allow a 10 minute walk).
Swim stop: Overcombe Corner – quiet shingle beach, an ideal spot to cool off for a swim before gaining some height over the cliffs
Facilities: Weymouth: Swannery Car Park public toilets, Pier Band Stand public toilets, Overcombe Corner public toilets, Osmington Mills public toilets (walk finish)
Lunch: We recommended bringing a packed lunch with you. Alternatively, Smugglers Inn at the end of the walk serves food all day. Please bring snacks and plenty of water to keep you going.
Finish: Smugglers Inn, Osmington Mills.
Accommodation note: The M2M team are staying in Osmington Mills.
What to expect: This section of the SWCP will take us along the bustling Weymouth seafront and out over the cliffs past Bowleaze Cove, in an area rich with fossils, local legends, and a dark smuggling history. One of our shorter walk days, we will finish at a fantastic pub with a huge beer garden and a beach next door. Crossing Red Cliff, Eweleaze Beach and Black Head, the walk from Bowleaze Cove to the Smugglers Inn provides stunning views of Weymouth and the Isle of Portland, as well as the the nose-like form of White Nothe, beyond Ringstead Bay.
What to bring: A packing list will be emailed to all registered attendees in advance.
Kindly supported by Dawsongroup Open Hands
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 10.5 km
Komoot rating: Intermediate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users
Shuttle Pick Up (available to M2M Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients only): Lulworth Cove Car Park, 8.45am.
*Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients who reserve a seat on the minibus – you will be picked up here the morning of the walk (at the finish) and shuttled back to the walk start.
WALK START: 9.30am, Smugglers Inn, Osmington Mills
Swims & Stops: Durdle Door viewpoint and Man O War Beach (close to the finish).
Lunch: This section of the coast path is particularly sparse for food facilities. Please bring a packed lunch with you, with plenty of water to keep you going. We can stop at Reef Cafe in Ringstead Bay for coffees and snacks (2km in), which will be the last cafe until the finish.
Walk Finish: Lulworth Cove. Parking available at Lulworth Cove Car Park.
Accommodation note: The M2M team are staying in Lulworth
Facilities: Osmington Mills Public Toilets (walk start), The Reef Cafe, Durdle Door Holiday Park and Lulworth Cove Public Toilets (walk finish)
What to expect: A spectacular but demanding walk, with huge undulating cliffs presenting challenges to overcome but delivering the goods when it comes to scenery. One of the most iconic sections of the whole south West Coast Path culminating in the familiar landmarks of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
M2M Guest Physio: Today we will be joined by our fantastic Volunteer Physio, Beccy, who will be on hand to offer any mobility advice and support for tired limbs.
M2M Guest Coach: Simon Lamb, our resident Coach will be with rejoining the coast path with us today to facilitate some Qi Gong, guided breathing and gentle introspection at natural breaks during our walk.
What to bring: A packing list will be emailed to all registered attendees in advance.
Please note: the original start point of Lulworth Cove has been updated to Kimmeridge Bay, to avoid the Lulworth Firing Ranges closure.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 13.5 km
Komoot rating: Intermediate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users
Shuttle Pick Up (available to M2M Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients only): Worth Matravers Car Park, 8.45am.
*Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients who reserve a seat on the minibus – you will be picked up here the morning of the walk (at the finish) and shuttled back to the walk start.
WALK START: 9.30am, Kimmeridge Bay Car Park (closes at 6pm)
Lunch: We recommended bringing a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water to last the day.
Swims & Stops: Chapman's Pool
Finish: The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers. Serves pies, pasties and pints (no reservations). Parking: Worth Matravers Car Park (next to the pub, free or £2). Additional parking can be found at Renscombe Car Park for free, 19 minutes walk from the pub.
Accommodation note: The M2M team are staying in Kingston.
M2M Guest Physio: Today we will be joined by our fantastic Volunteer Physio, Beccy, who will be on hand to offer any mobility advice and support for tired limbs.
What to bring: A packing list will be emailed to all registered attendees in advance.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 11.5 km
Komoot rating: Intermediate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users
Shuttle Pick Up (available to M2M Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients only): Broad Road Car Park, Swanage, 9.30am.
*Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients who reserve a seat on the minibus – you will be picked up here the morning of the walk (at the finish) and shuttled back to the walk start.
WALK START: 10am, Worth Matravers Tea & Coffee Rooms. Parking at Worth Matravers Car Park (5 min walk from start, free or £2). If full, Parking Renscombe is free, 15 mins walk from the start.
Lunch: We recommended bringing a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water to last the day.
Swims & Stops: Dancing Ledge Tidal Pool (around halfway)
Finish: Ship Inn, Swanage (parking at Broad Road Car Park).
Accommodation note: The M2M team are staying in Swanage.
M2M Guest Physio: Today we will be joined by our fantastic Volunteer Physio, Beccy Wilson, who will be on hand to offer any mobility advice and support for tired limbs.
What to bring: A packing list will be emailed to all registered attendees in advance.
Kindly supported by Boston Consulting Group
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 12 km
Komoot rating: Intermediate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users
Shuttle Pick Up (available to M2M Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients only): Shell Bay National Trust Car Park, 8.45 am.
*Beneficiaries & Grant Recipients who reserve a seat on the minibus – you will be picked up here the morning of the walk (at the finish) and shuttled back to the walk start.
WALK START: 9.30am, YHA Swanage (parking available in Broad Road Car Park, 10 min walk)
Swim Stop: Sandy Beach
Lunch: We recommend bringing enough snacks and water to keep you going. We will likely stop at The Sandy Salt Pig cafe on Sandy Beach, which serves takeaway lunches and coffees.
Finish: The end of the South West Coast Path, Studland! We expect to finish around 3.30pm. Parking is available at Shell Bay National Trust Car Park.
Make sure you register for the Sundown Celebration as well as the walk, if you'd like to join us for one last drink on the coast together once we finish!
Accommodation note: The M2M team are staying in Studland.
M2M Guest Physio: Today we will be joined by our fantastic Volunteer Physio, Beccy Wilson, who will be on hand to offer any mobility advice and support for tired limbs.
M2M Photographer: The talented Dave Zaple will be walking with us today to capture our final day on the coast path.
What to bring: A packing list will be emailed to all registered attendees in advance.
Join us after our final walk on Saturday 7th June at The Pig on the Beach, to celebrate reaching the end of the South West Coast Path!
We'll be driving straight from the walk finish at the South Coast Path End Marker back to The Pig for around 4pm, to gather in their stunning hotel garden on Studland Bay, with views of Old Harry Rocks.
Venue: The Pig on the Beach, Studland
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Food & Drink: Flatbreads, drinks and nibbles will be available to purchase individually on the day.
Wet weather contingency: If the rain comes in, we'll take the Sandbanks Ferry straight from the walk finish across to Lazy Jacks, instead, for pizzas and drinks under cover. (The ferry is £1 for pedestrians, £5.40 for cars/vans - cards or cash accepted).
Updates: Once you've registered, please join the Walk the Coast WhatsApp Group and check for any timing/venue updates on the day.
Who can join? Open to all walkers, non-walkers and friends of the charity!
Booking: Registration is essential so we can provide the venue with numbers.
FAQs
Do I have to join for the entire walk?
You can walk as many or as few days as you’d like - just one, a few or the entire journey - the choice is yours. There are good transport links along the route, so you can plan your own itinerary to join or leave as you like.
How challenging is the walk and what do the difficulty ratings mean?
The terrain varies day-by-day, with some steep and strenuous sections, but there are also shorter, flatter days to accommodate different fitness levels. You can find the exact elevation profile, photos and descriptions for each day on the "Route Details" Komoot link for each day.
Is there a cost involved?
Participation is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to help cover event costs and support our charitable work! You can donate here.
Can I fundraise?
Absolutely! Walk the Coast is a great opportunity to raise funds for M2M if you would like to. You can set yourself up with a fundraising page on GivenGain, our preferred platform, and spread the word amongst your friends and family. Take a look at our Fundraising Tips, share why M2M resonates with you and you'll be good to go! If you need any help, please email [email protected].
Who is responsible for travel and accommodation?
Any travel and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of participants unless they are beneficiaries of M2M. We have noted our own accommodation plans to help guide you, but please ensure you make your own arrangements well in advance.
Can I come on my own?
Yes! Many participants join solo, and this is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people while supporting a worthwhile cause.
If my family, friends or carer would like to come, do they also need to register?
Yes, everyone who joins our walks needs to register on our website so that we can ensure we have adequate support available.
Where does the walk start and end?
The route follows a stunning coastal path, with each day broken into individual sections. The final day includes a celebratory gathering—friends and family are welcome to join. More details can be found on our website.
Can I bring my dog?
While well-behaved dogs (and particularly Guide & Assistance dogs) are welcome on our walks, they *must* be trained and kept on a lead at all times. Mischievous pooches can cause distraction during quieter moments of guided coaching, mindfulness and conversation, and pose a problem for individuals who struggle in their company. There may also be restrictions on taking dogs onto some of the beaches along our route, so please use the Dorset Council Website to plan accordingly. Thank you for your understanding.
How accessible is the walk?
While the coast path is notoriously limited when it comes to accessibility for wheelchair users, we aim to include accessible options wherever possible. One option could be to come along for Access Day (Day 4) and join us for a well deserved break on Rest Day (Day 5). If you are a non-wheelchair user, Day 6 offers a shorter walk the following day.
Who leads the walks and how supported will I be?
Each walk is led by a designated team leader for navigation and safety, along with a qualified life coach to provide emotional support. The M2M team and volunteers will also be on hand to help the group. If you require continuous 1:1 support, for example a sighted guide or someone to help you with physical assistance each step of the way, we recommend bringing a friend who will be happy to look out for you.
How will I get back to my starting point if I plan to come by car?
Each walk day is an A-B route (with the exception of Day 3 and Rest Day), so if you are coming by car you will need to organise your own travel to and from each start and finish point. We recommend planning in advance and checking public transport options. If you need any assistance, please reach out to our team at [email protected].
Do I need to be struggling with my mental health to join?
Not necessarily! Walk the Coast is open to everyone. Whether you want to connect with the charity, meet new people, or simply enjoy time outdoors, we’d love to have you with us. We're all in it together and you never know what you might get out of it.
When will registration close?
Registrations will close at midnight on Sunday 25th May.
Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch at [email protected]