The best walks and hikes around Stanton St. Gabriel
4.5
(1280)
9,909
hikers
30
hikes
Hikes near Stanton St. Gabriel explore a section of the Jurassic Coast within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The landscape is defined by coastal paths, rolling hills, and sections of woodland. Key features include Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast of England at 191 meters, and the ruins of the 13th-century St. Gabriel's Chapel.
Best hiking trails around Stanton St. Gabriel
- The most popular hiking route is Golden Cap Trust 10, a 6.6 mile…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.7
(67)
237
hikers
10.6km
03:07
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(59)
196
hikers
9.26km
02:46
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.2
(6)
17
hikers
6.31km
01:57
240m
230m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(7)
23
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.0
(3)
21
hikers
4.30km
01:18
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
On the right day the views across to Lyme Regis and towards Portland are spectacular.
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Dating back to 1086, this small hamlet first started off as a farming and fishing community, unfortunately dying off in the 1700s with residents finding work in the mills and rope-walks in neighbouring Bridport. The Chapel which is just up the track was abandoned in the 13th century, and locals tried in the 16th century to have it restored. To no success. During the 18th century it became known as a smugglers hideout for their the contraband.
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The highest point on the south coast of England. quite the lung opener and leg burner to reach. well worth it with the views though. Just be careful near the cliff edge. Constantly eroding away.
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Situated on the Dorset/Devon border and just two miles from Lyme Regis, Charmouth is a quiet, unspoilt village, with lots of amenities. The village has a rich history going back hundreds of years, and was once on the main road from London to Exeter. As a consequence of this historical strategic location the village has seen many important visitors over the years with King Charles II staying in the village during his escape to France, and Jane Austen who, as a regular visitor, once wrote that Charmouth was “a nice place for sitting in unwearied contemplation”. Fortunately these days the busy roads bypass the village, and Charmouth retains the charm and tranquility it has enjoyed for hundreds of years. Charmouth is best known for its beach. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the local coastline provides an unique insight into millions of years of evolution, and of course is best known as the Jurassic Coast due to the large number of fossils that can be found on the beaches. However, the beach is not just for fossil hunters, having large areas of sand and gently shelving waters that make it an ideal family day out when the sun shines. The local cafés, shops and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre provide food, drink, beach goods and information about the geology and fossils. Within the village Charmouth has a wide range of shops to ensure that visitors do not need to venture further afield during their stay. Everything from daily essentials, household and holiday goods, gifts, and beauty salons all available right in the village centre. A range of pubs, restaurants and cafés give a fantastic choice of refreshments from breakfast to dinner. As part of both the Jurassic Coast and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it is possible to lose yourself in sights, countryside and wildlife.
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Stunning views of Lyme Regis from the top of Stonebarrow hill
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Opening1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 * March to October: 7 days a week from 10:30am until 4:30pm. (Closed Tuesdays in March) November to February: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10:30am until 4.00pm. Ticket Type Ticket Tariff Beach Clean / Nurdle Hunt Free Centre Admission Free Fossil Hunting Walk (Adult) £14.00 per ticket Fossil Hunting Walk (Child) £8.00 per ticket Seashore Safari (Adult) £10.00 per ticket Seashore Safari (Child) £5.00 per ticket Visit Raffle, a rare 3D plesiosaur skeleton. Named after Raffle the dog, who found the fossil whilst walking the beach with owner Tracey Barclay, this unique Jurassic marine reptile is one of the few 3D Lower Jurassic plesiosaurs in the world. Free to enter, it has an incredible array of fossils on display from the world-famous Jurassic Coast. Meet their newest and biggest residents: Raffle, a 3D plesiosaur skeleton, and David Attenborough’s Sea Dragon (as seen on TV). All the fossils are kindly on temporary loan from local fossil collectors, and so with more fossils found every day, the displays are frequently changing to showcase the newest fossils. Going out fossil hunting? they'll get you geared up to help you hunt! Whether that’s joining a guided fossil hunting walk with their expert wardens (run all year round) or getting free hints and tips from the knowledgeable volunteers in the Centre, they are there to help. Being right on the seafront of the world-class fossil hunting beach of Charmouth, they are well placed to identify your fossil finds too. The gift shop and online shop are well stocked to help you too, including fossil hunting kits, fossil ID guides and books. Right at the heart of the Lyme Bay Marine Conservation Area, they also celebrate the life under the waves. Between April – October they fill their catch and release fish tank with creatures from Charmouth’s rockpools. Why not join them on a Seashore Safari where they discover the fascinating local rockpool creatures. they are passionate about keeping the seas clean, and run regular free beach cleans and nurdle hunts. Public walks can be booked via their website: www.charmouth.org/chcc/events-calendar/.
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Beach huts are available to hire for the summer or winter seasons. They can also be hired on a daily or weekly basis between May-September. Full time residents of Charmouth Parish may enter an annual lottery for a number of huts that are made available for the summer season at 50% of the full price. These are normally located on the grass area. The lottery also includes blue huts on the beach which are restricted initially to residents with children aged under 18. The lottery takes place at the beginning of April each year. ** PLEASE NOTE THAT SEASONAL HUTS ARE FULLY BOOKED FOR THIS YEAR AND THE SUBSTANTIAL WAITING LIST IS CURRENTLY CLOSED**
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails around Stanton St. Gabriel suitable for dogs?
Yes, the area is generally dog-friendly. Many trails, like those around the Stonebarrow National Trust area, are popular with dog walkers. However, you'll be walking through farmland with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead, especially near sheep. Always be prepared to clean up after your pet.
Where can I find an easy, family-friendly walk?
For a less strenuous outing, the woodlands of Langdon Hill offer some easier, accessible paths suitable for families. The Charmouth loop via the South West Coast Path — Dorset is a relatively short and easy option that still provides a great taste of the coastal scenery.
What is the history of the ruined chapel in the area?
The ruins are of the 13th-century Chapel of St. Gabriel. They are the most prominent remains of a deserted medieval village, also called Stanton St. Gabriel, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The settlement was largely abandoned by the 18th century, and today the romantic chapel ruins are preserved by the National Trust.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, there are several circular routes that allow you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. A good moderate option is the 6k, starting at Stonebarrow car park – National Trust Walks in North and West Dorset, which provides a satisfying loop with varied scenery.
Where is the best place to park for these hikes?
The main car parks for accessing the trails are managed by the National Trust. The Langdon Hill car park is ideal for routes exploring the woodlands and Golden Cap. Alternatively, the Stonebarrow Hill car park is a great starting point for many coastal path loops. Both are pay-and-display, though free for National Trust members.
Which hike offers the best views?
For the most expansive panoramic views, any trail that includes the summit of Golden Cap is your best choice. At 191 meters, it's the highest point on England's south coast, offering breathtaking vistas over Lyme Bay and the rolling Dorset countryside on a clear day.
How many hiking trails are there around Stanton St. Gabriel?
You can explore over 35 different hiking routes in the region. The trails range from easy woodland strolls to more challenging coastal climbs, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The trails around Stanton St. Gabriel are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the well-maintained paths through National Trust land, and the unique blend of history and nature.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced walkers?
While there are no officially graded 'difficult' routes, you can find a good challenge by combining ascents and sections of the South West Coast Path. The climbs up to Golden Cap and Stonebarrow Hill are steep and will test your legs, especially on longer loops that link multiple peaks.
Can I get to the trailheads using public transport?
Accessing the main trailheads directly by public transport can be difficult as they are in rural locations. The nearest towns with bus services are Charmouth and Bridport. From there, you would likely need to walk a considerable distance to reach the primary car parks like Langdon Hill or Stonebarrow.
Are there any pubs or cafes on the walking routes?
The routes themselves are primarily through natural landscapes and farmland, so you won't find pubs directly on the trails. However, the nearby village of Charmouth has several options for refreshments before or after your hike. Some reviews also mention a café near Stonebarrow Hill for a convenient stop.
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