The Rinsgstead Bay to Osmington Mills walk is 2.3 miles in distance. The walk covers a variety of different terrains and altitudes, but most of all provides amazing views. I recommend starting the walk from Ringstead Bay rather than Osmington Mills, and you’ll discover why as you read on.
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Parking At Ringstead Bay
There are a couple of choices for parking at Ringstead Bay. If you’re a National Trust member, and don’t mind a hill at the beginning and end of your walk, then you can park for free.
You’ll also be treated to spectacular views from the cliffs before you begin your walk. This area is popular with kite surfers.
The Ringstead Bay National Trust car park (DT2 8NQ) is located approximately 450ft elevation in relation to the bay below. If you choose to park here and aren’t a National Trust members, then a small fee will apply.
The roads to Ringstead are quite narrow and twisty. The car parks are accessed via the A353 near the village of Poxwell.
The alternative car parking option is at Ringstead beach in a private car park. This does start you closer to the beach, and removes the hill option. There is a charge for the car park which is currently around £5 for all day parking.
Ringstead Bay To Osmington Mills Walk
If you’re parking in the National Trust carpark, your walk begins as you start the descent down the hill.
It is quite steep in places, but easier walking down than up. You will walk past farm houses, and join the path to the side of the farm land.
If you’re visiting in Spring, you may even spot some of the lambs on your walk down. Near the bottom, you’ll join the Southwest Coastal Path towards Ringstead beach.
At this point you can choose to walk along a small stretch of the shingle beach, or stay on the path near the top.
There are public toilets here, and this is the point you will meet the alternative car park. There is also a kiosk selling refreshments.
Passing some pretty cottages, follow the path until it veers to the left. This is the only way to go that isn’t on private land, and takes you through some woodland. There are steps to go both up and down, and a small stream to cross.
Venturing back up, the path opens up and you will be treated to the views across the sea once again. Parts of the path take you quite close to the cliff edge so take care when walking.
Walking poles are a great idea for coastal paths and uneven ground
You can choose to access Osmington beach as you near, but actually the path is a lot more accessible and arrives directly into the beer garden of the Smugglers Inn at Osmington.
It’ll take just over an hour to walk the 2.3 miles from Ringstead Bay to Osmington Mills. The pace will potentially be slow due to the inclines, hills, descents, and lots of stopping to take photos or admire the view.
As you arrive in the beer garden of a pub, it’s the prime opportunity to stay for a drink or meal if you time it right.
The Smugglers Inn at Osmington is one of the dog friendly pubs in Dorset, and has a large beer garden, perfect for a sunny day.
Refreshed, it’s time to walk back the way you came to Ringstead Bay. If you chose to park at the top of the hill, save some of that energy for your final climb!
This walk is a small portion of the longer distance Weymouth to Durdle Door walk you may like to achieve.
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