Golden Cap

Golden Cap

Golden Cap stands 191 m above the Dorset coast between Seatown and Charmouth. A trig point marks the summit area; the recorded highest ground is 3 m to its north. Views follow the coast towards Lyme Regis and Chesil Beach, with Portland and Dartmoor visible in favourable conditions.

Current access warning

On 16 October 2026 the South West Coast Path Association was still displaying a February 2026 landslip closure at Stonebarrow, east of Charmouth. This affects approaches from Charmouth, rather than closing Golden Cap itself. Follow the current signed diversion and check the official notice before setting out. Do not follow old cliff-edge instructions or assume an old route distance still applies.

Choosing a walk

• Langdon Hill: follow the summit signs from the National Trust car park at SY412930, leave the woodland circuit and climb Golden Cap's eastern side. Return along the same approach. The Trust suggests 1–2 hours for the climb outing. The easy 2.24 km woodland loop is a different walk, with views of Golden Cap rather than an ascent of it.
• Seatown circuit: the South West Coast Path Association publishes a 7.2 km circuit over Golden Cap, past St Gabriel's Chapel and around Langdon Hill, returning on inland lanes. Its challenging grade reflects the steep climbing and descending. A direct return from the summit is a shorter alternative.
• Stonebarrow: Walking Britain's 8.1 km, 3.5-hour circuit starts at the eastern parking area, SY389935, and uses Upcot, St Gabriel's and Langdon Hill. The main National Trust visitor hub at SY382933 is a different start, so its distance and time cannot simply be substituted.
• Charmouth and Eype: longer coastal approaches are possible. The Charmouth-to-Seatown route is linear and needs return transport plus the current Stonebarrow diversion. An Eype Mouth out-and-back adds the climbs over Thorncombe Beacon and Doghouse Hill before Seatown and Golden Cap. Plan these using current mapping and allow for every climb on the return.

Landscape and history

The golden top is weathered Cretaceous Upper Greensand, above older Jurassic marine sediments. The rock sequence records a substantial break in geological time. Erosion and landsliding expose the geology but make the cliffs hazardous.

Four prehistoric bowl barrows on Golden Cap are scheduled; a fifth, eroding barrow is outside the protected group. Farther west, St Gabriel's Chapel and the surviving buildings mark a former medieval settlement. Keep to the paths and leave archaeological remains undisturbed.

Practicalities

Langdon Hill and Stonebarrow have National Trust parking, while Seatown's car park is independently operated. Check charges, access and opening on arrival. First Bus X51/X53 serve Chideock Bridge and Morcombelake Ship Knapp; allow time to walk between the bus stop and your chosen trailhead.

Take food and water. Seatown has toilets and refreshments, while Stonebarrow has seasonal facilities. The gentler woodland paths at Langdon are separate from the steep summit ascent. Spring flowers and autumn fungi provide interest on the estate, even when distant views are hidden.

Coastal safety

Stay far from cliff edges and bases: falls can happen suddenly in any season. Follow warning signs and diversions, avoid fresh slips, and keep dogs on leads. Mud, steps and gusts add to the difficulty. Check tides before a separate beach visit and never scramble up a cliff to escape the sea. In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.