The South Dorset has a massive variety of coastal scenery, and is probably the most photographed part of the path. From the flat sands at Studland, past the famous old Harry Rocks and to probably the best part of this section of the coast, Lulworth Cove and Durdle door. This section of the path goes through the popular resorts of Swanage, Weymouth and Lyme Regis, and has been designated a World heritage site. This area of coast is known as the Jurassic Coast due to the large number of fossils which can be found in the cliffs and rocks here.

This walk starts in the pretty village of Beer in Devon, with the White Cliffs, unusual for Devon. The walk then passes through the resort of Seaton before entering the Dowlands Landslip. This area is now a wood, but was the sight of a massive landslip. This part of the path is remote, with very limited views out to sea. The path comes out of the landslip a little to the west of Lyme Regis, crossing the Devon and Dorset border into Lyme Regis.

This walk starts from the popular resort of Lyme Regis. Passing the famous fossil cliffs into the village of Charmouth, before climbing Golden Cap, the highest point of the coast path, and the highest cliff in southern England. From here the path descends to the pretty town of Seatown before arriving in West Bay, to the south of Bridport.

This walk starts from the beautiful village of Abbotsbury. From Abbotsbury the coast path descends to Chesil Beach and follows a track at the back of the beach until West Bexington. After West Bexington, the path climbs onto the cliffs, which are especially spectacular at Burton Bradstock beach. After Burton Bradstock there is some good cliff walking, with some excellent views, all the way into West Bay.

This walk starts from the beautiful village of Abbotsbury, behind Chesil Beach. The walk goes past the famous Swannery, then climbs onto a high path, inland for a while before dropping down back to sea-level behind The Fleet. The path continues behind the Fleet all the way to Ferry Bridge near Weymouth. After Ferry Bridge, the coast path continues along the coast, with good views of Portland, past Nothe Point and into the centre of Weymouth.

The official route of the South West Coast path follows the fleet behind Chesil Beach. This walk provides an alternative by following the shingle bank of Chesil Beach along the coast. This is a remote but beautiful walk along this remote and unique beach. Note that this walk is very tough, being almost all on the shingle bank and once on Chesil Beach there is no option to cut the walk short. Also the beach is not accessible to the public between 1st May and 31st August. In addition there is a military firing range at Chickerell. When this is in use no access is possible along the beach (there are huts on the beach which should be manned when firing is taking place). It is therefore advised to check first as you don't want to be turned back part way.

This walk, which is not officially part of the South West Coast Path, starts from the well-known Portland Bill Lighthouse on the Isle of Portland and follows the Portland Coast Path round the west side of the island. From Portland there are stunning views over Chesil Beach and The Fleet. The path then follows the edge of Chesil Beach, round the west side of Portland harbour, over ferry bridge, then follows the coast into the centre of Weymouth.

This walk, which is not officially part of the South West Coast Path, starts from the well-known Portland Bill Lighthouse on the Isle of Portland and follows the Portland Coast Path round the East side of the island. From Portland there are stunning views over the bay towards Lulworth and you'll also pass working quarries extracting the famous Portland stone.

This walk is perhaps the most beautiful on the whole of the coast path. Starting at the beautiful Lulworth Cove, it passes the famous and much photographed St Oswalds Bay and Durdle Door. After Durdle Door, there are some steep climbs, but you're rewarded with stunning views around the coast. After White Nothe cliff, the path becomes less severe passing through the village of Osmington Mills and into the popular resort of Weymouth.

This walk is one of the most spectacular and demanding on the coast path, but the effort is worth it for the fantastic scenery. The path begins at beautiful Lulworth Cove and after rounding the cove enters the Lulworth Ranges, a military firing range. The coast through the range is some of the most spectacular and unspoilt on the path, although there are some steep climbs. Once through the range you come into the village of Kimmeridge, then pass Clavell Tower. There is a steep climb up Houns-tout Cliff but you're rewarded with spectacular views of St Aldhelm's Head and Chapman's Pool.

This walk begins in the popular resort of Swanage, with it's excellent beach and wonderful scenery. The coast path climbs out of Swanage and through Durlston Country Park, where there is a giant globe, lighthouse and Tilly Whim Caves (now closed). From Durlston Country Park the path passes several disused quarries, a reminder of the popularity of the Purbeck stone. After passing the largest of the old quarries at Winspit the path ascends St Aldhelm's Head, where there is a small chapel, then onto the spectacular Chapman's Pool, the end of this walk.

This walk marks the end (or the beginning) of the coast path, starting from South Haven Point, at the entrance to Poole Harbour (just across from Sandbanks), the walk goes along the beautiful beach at Shell Bay. Rounding the corner, the path continues along Studland beach, with heath land behind and the little sea further inland. After Studland, the path climbs onto The Foreland to the beautiful Old Harry rocks. There is then a climb to Ballard Point from where there are stunning views over to Swanage, before the path descends to the blue flag beach at Swanage.

The following walks continue along the coast beyond the end of the South West Coast so although the coast path ends at Shell Bay your walk doesn't have to.

Just because the South West Coast path ends at Shell Bay, it doesn't mean your coastal walk has to. This walk follows the coast from Christchurch to Sandbanks, the opposite side of the Sandbanks ferry. For the most part the walk follows the flat and level promenade beside the beach although you could also walk along the beach if you prefer.

• Getting to South Dorset