ONE of Dorset’s most iconic natural landmarks is finally back on the tourist map, following the complete collapse of an access pathway last year.

Durdle Door, arguably the Jurassic Coast’s most recognisable feature, had only been available to the most sure-footed visitors since a number of the steps leading to the beach crumbled away during the summer of 2012.

See more pictures of Durdle Door in a gallery here

That partial collapse sparked a row between Natural England and the landowner, the Lulworth Estate, as to who was responsible for the pathway’s upkeep.

Then at the beginning of last year the steps down to the beach completely collapsed making it even harder to access the natural limestone arch.

This week, following funding from the Lulworth Estate, the steps have been fully reopened – enabling access to the popular bathing beaches below.

James Weld, of the Lulworth Estate, said: “We have been acutely aware of the inconvenience and loss of a much-loved rural beach to locals and holidaymakers, especially those staying at nearby Durdle Door Holiday Park.

“In the end, regardless of who was officially responsible for the steps or the cost, we felt the situation could not continue and we are delighted to have been able to put Durdle Door back on the map for walkers, holiday-makers and anyone fascinated by this extraordinary feature.”

A Lulworth Estate spokesman confirmed they’d been in talks with national and regional agencies responsible for coastal access at Durdle Door since 2013.

The spokesman added: “Following a meeting held in January between the Lulworth Estate, Natural England, Dorset Countryside and the World Heritage Team the estate took the decision to reinstate access to the beach by funding and rebuilding the steps to Durdle Door.

“The cost of the project has been met by revenue generated by the car parks at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.”