All of the Dorset sections of Coast Path were completed as day walks, using car and/or bus to get to and from each end of linear walks. Some parts were completed as circular (or 'panhandle') walks. We did the final section of the South West Coast Path on a gloriously sunny - but cold December day (Tuesday 30 December 2014)!
Osmington Mills to Burning Cliff (Holworth House)
Sunday 16 November 2008
| This section is part of a circular walk in the book Pub Walks along the Dorset Coast Path, by Anne-Marie Edwards, published by Countryside Books (walk 13). |
There is convenient car parking at the hill-top car park and viewpoint at the end of the lane above South Down Farm (SY757824). An alternative might be to use the car park of The Smugglers Inn at Osmington Mills, which might provide a welcome refreshment stop en-route!
South West Coast Path distance from Osmington Mills to Holworth House: 3.2km (2 miles);
Total distance walked: 7.2km (4.5 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead: 960km (586 miles)
To South Haven Point: 56km (35 miles)From Minehead: 960km (586 miles)
Burning Cliff (Holworth House) to Lulworth Cove
Saturday 14 January 2012
This stretch of the Coast path was easily completed as a linear walk, using the bus from West Lulworth to Owermoigne which was just about two miles to the path above Ringstead Bay. The section is strenuous in parts!
There is a limited year-round bus service from West Lulworth to Owermoigne, so careful timing may be necessary. We parked the car near to West Lulworth church and caught the 09:26 Damory service 103 from the War Memorial to Owermoigne.
From Owermoigne we followed Gallows Hill in a southerly direction, passing North Holworth and Holworth, eventually reaching the South West Coast Path near Holworth House.
This section of the path passes by the iconic natural rock arch of Durdle Door, before descending to the Cove.
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| Durdle Door and the Isle of Portland |
SWCP distance: approximately 7.3km (4.5 miles);
Total walked distance: about 12km (7.5 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Lulworth Cove: 969km (602 miles);
To South Haven Point: 45km (28 miles)
Total walked distance: about 12km (7.5 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Lulworth Cove: 969km (602 miles);
To South Haven Point: 45km (28 miles)
SWCP-050.3
Lulworth Cove to Kimmeridge
Lulworth Cove
We walked this section in three short day walks: Lulworth Cove to Arish Mell (a linear walk), Arish Mel to Wagon Rock and finally Wagon Rock to Kimmeridge Bay. These latter two were both what might best be described as 'panhandle' walks: look at a map if you want to see what I mean!
Note: these walks pass through the Lulworth Army Firing Range. The Ranges are open most week-ends and holiday periods, but not usually during the week. Check opening times online: http://www.dorsetforyou.com/lulworth-range-walks or by telephoning for information (01929 404819 or 01929 404712 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday).
Lulworth Cove to Arish Mell
Sunday 21 July 2013
For this linear walk (approximately 5 miles) we parked our car at the roadside in East Lulworth (please be considerate and do not cause any obstruction). From there we caught the bus to Lulworth Cove. The Coast Path leaves from behind the cafe, close by the large car park (Pay and Display) and the bus stop. There is plenty of accommodation near Lulworth Cove, including the YHA International Hostel (www.yha.org.uk/hostel/lulworth-cove) and plenty of places for refreshments. If you need to stock up with supplies there is a shop near the church.
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| Lulworth Cove |
We followed the Path above Stair Hole, then down to the Cove before climbing to skirt around it high on the cliffs and entering the Lulworth Army Firing Ranges. Leaving the Cove behind us and shortly after entering the Ranges, we descended the steps to take a look at the Fossil Forest, before continuing on the Path. The climb above Mupe Bay up Bindon Hill justifies the South West Coast Path Association's description of this section as 'severe'!
At Arish Mell we left the Coast Path and headed north - away from the sea, following the Range Walk, back to East Lulworth.
SWCP distance: approximately 6.4km (4 miles);
Total walked distance: about 8.1km (5 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Arish Mell: 975km (606 miles);
To South Haven Point: 39km (24 miles)
Total walked distance: about 8.1km (5 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Arish Mell: 975km (606 miles);
To South Haven Point: 39km (24 miles)
SWCP-051.011
Arish Mell to Wagon Rock, Tyneham
Tuesday 01 January 2013
This is a 'panhandle' walk which can be started from the Tyneham car park ('Trust the Motorist' collecting boxes).
The route we took, however, started from the Whiteway car park and picnic area (SY888811) above Tyneham - making it a 'two-panhandle' walk. The total walk was just over 6 miles. There were no places for refreshment on this New Year's Day walk.
From the picnic area we followed the Lulworth Range Walk, west to Flower's Barrow Hill Fort and continued on down the steep hill to Arish Mell, where we had turned inland from the Coast Path on the previous walk (see above). That meant returning - up the steep hill - to Flower's Barrow and a welcome picnic lunch break!
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| Worbarrow Bay from Flower's Barrow |
From Flower's Barrow it is a steep - very steep - down-hill to Worbarrow Bay. We were slow going down the hill and very glad of our hiking poles; even so, having to be careful where we put our feet. Most of the hikers coming up to the Barrow were equally slow, many resting part-way up. Not to be tackled - either way: up or down - by the feint-hearted or the unfit!
From Worbarrow Bay, where there are remains of the deserted fishing village, it was another climb to Gad Cliff, before turning inland towards the deserted Tyneham village, which was requisitioned in December 1943 for the war effort.
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| From Gad Cliff looking East |
We left the Coast Path above Gad Cliff (SY884796), where the Range Walk passes down to the village. We then carried on, past the church and up the trackway to the picnic area and car park.
SWCP-051.2
SWCP distance: approximately 3.7km (2.3 miles);
Total walked distance: about 10.2km (6 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Wagon Rock: 979km (608 miles);
To South Haven Point: 36km (22 miles)
Total walked distance: about 10.2km (6 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Wagon Rock: 979km (608 miles);
To South Haven Point: 36km (22 miles)
SWCP-051.2
Wagon Rock to Kimmeridge Bay
Sunday 13 January 2013
Another 'panhandle' walk, starting from the Tyneham car park ('Trust the Motorist' collecting boxes); the total distance of the walk was about 6 miles.
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| Muddy in places! |
From Tyneham village we retraced our steps to the Coast Path above Gad Cliff (SY884796) along the Lulworth Range Walk, passing the bays of Brandy and Hobarrow - where it was very muddy in places after a long period of rain.
We left the Ranges at the oil well with its 'Nodding Donkey' pumping oil from below ground and stopped for our picnic lunch overlooking Kimmeridge Bay.
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| Kimmeridge Bay and Clavell Tower |
We had originally intended to return to Tyneham by going north along the Range Walk, past Shepherd's Cottage, just inside the Firing Range. Instead, we decided to continue to the large car park at Kimmeridge Bay and took the footpath from near the car park (SY908792) at Gaulter Gap, across the fields to the bridleway leading to the Range Walks (SY909801). Be warned: if you follow this route, the section leading to the stone marker is very steep - and, when we did it, was very slippery: as I found out - the hard way: front down flat on the ground!
We then returned to Tyneham along the ridgeway Range Walk, rejoining the Coast Path above Brandy Bay, leaving it, once again, above Gad Cliff.
South West Coast Path distance from Wagon Rock to Kimmeridge Bay: 2.7km (1.7 miles);
Total distance walked: 9.5km (5.9 miles).
Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 981km (609 miles)
From Minehead: 981km (609 miles)
To South Haven Point: 34km (21 miles)
SWCP-051.3
Rope Lake Head to Chapman's Pool
Dancing Ledge to Swanage
Swanage to South Haven Point
What next? Vaughan's response was to simply carry on in an easterly direction - to Dover and South Foreland at St Margaret's at Cliffe, where, it could be argued, the South Coast of England becomes the East Coast.
That is a whole other story, but we reached the lighthouse at South Foreland on Friday 07 April 2017.
Now where next?
SWCP-051.3
Kimmeridge Bay to Rope Lake Head
Tuesday 24 August 2010
(From 'Pub Walks in Dorset' (walk 15): 'The Restaurant at Kimmeridge')
A circular walk, parking in the Quarry Car Park (SY918800) above Kimmeridge.
Commence by taking the footpaths across the fields to Kimmeridge Bay, where the South West Coast Path is joined for a couple of miles (3km), as far as Rope Lake Head, passing Clavell Tower on the way. From Rope Lake Head, cross the stile and climb the 'unofficial' footpath up to the viewpoint on Swyre Head before heading north-west and back to the car park.
Commence by taking the footpaths across the fields to Kimmeridge Bay, where the South West Coast Path is joined for a couple of miles (3km), as far as Rope Lake Head, passing Clavell Tower on the way. From Rope Lake Head, cross the stile and climb the 'unofficial' footpath up to the viewpoint on Swyre Head before heading north-west and back to the car park.
South West Coast Path distance from Kimmeridge Bay to Rope Lake Head:
3.1km (1.9 miles);
Total distance walked: 8.3km (5.2 miles).
3.1km (1.9 miles);
Total distance walked: 8.3km (5.2 miles).
Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 984km (609 miles)
From Minehead: 984km (609 miles)
To South Haven Point: 31km (19 miles)
Rope Lake Head to Chapman's Pool
Tuesday 28 October 2014
Another circular walk: this time from the Forestry Commission car park at the Kingston Plantation (SY943792), from where our route took us past Polar Wood to Swyre Head with its spectacular views, before the descent via the permissive path to Rope Lake Head.
From Rope Lake Head it was a simple matter of following the South West Coast Path for two and a half miles or so before heading to Hill Bottom. The problem was, that we must have missed a way-mark and, instead of following the 'official' path, more or less following the contours to the head of the valley, we headed down to cross the stream close to its mouth. This was no great hardship, but it did entail a bit of a scramble!
We then followed the bridleway on the eastern side of the valley, to Hill Bottom and then headed across the fields and along the lane back to Kingston and the car park.
South West Coast Path distance from Rope Lake Head to Chapman's Pool:
4.1km (2.5 miles);
Total distance walked: 10.6km (6.6 miles).
Total distance walked: 10.6km (6.6 miles).
Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 988km (614 miles)
From Minehead: 988km (614 miles)
To South Haven Point: 27km (17 miles)
Chapman's Pool to Dancing Ledge
Wednesday 05 November 2014
South West Coast Path from Chapman's Pool to Dancing Ledge (8.4km/5miles). This is a linear walk from Kingston (car parking in Forestry Commission car park) to Chapman's Pool, St Aldhelm's Head and Dancing Ledge, where we turned inland to Langton Matravers via Spyway Barn and Durnford Drove.
There are regular bus links* between Langton Matravers and Kingston, making this an easy bus walk. Check bus times first!
The walk total is approximately 12km (7.5 miles), although we seemed to add a little exploring Worth Matravers while waiting for the bus to Kingston.
*Hourly week-day service: More bus 40 (Swanage to Poole via Langton Matravers and Kingston).
- A fine sunny day
- Crow, Peregrine Falcon; Dark Bush Cricket
- 219 steps (up) to St Aldhelm's Point
South West Coast Path distance from Chapman's Pool to Dancing Ledge:
8.4km (5.2 miles);
Total distance walked: 13.1km (8.1 miles).
8.4km (5.2 miles);
Total distance walked: 13.1km (8.1 miles).
Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 996km (619 miles)
From Minehead: 996km (619 miles)
To South Haven Point: 19km (12 miles)
Dancing Ledge to Swanage
14 November 2014
Another bus linear walk: this time from Langton Matravers (Durnford Drove Car Park), passing Spyway Barn to Dancing Ledge and then on the Coast Path to Swanage to catch the bus* back to Langton Matravers.
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| Dancing Ledge |
This section of the Path is graded as moderate, but after a period of heavy rain in places the going was quite slippery and care was needed to avoid slipping and sliding. Elizabeth wondered which of us would slip over first! Fortunately neither of did! Somehow we missed the way above Blackers Hole, even though the SWCPA Handbook warned us about the poor signing in the Durlston Country Park. Instead of following the lower path, we found ourselves on the upper one: a very muddy one with springs which needed to be negotiated.
There was a distinct lack of seats or benches, so we made ourselves as comfortable as we could on the plinth of one of the Mile Indicator Posts for our mid-day picnic stop.
After our lunch break, we headed onwards towards Anvil Point with its lighthouse, passing Tilly Whim Caves and rounding Durlston Head to view the globe were glad to be able to pause for refreshments at Durlston Castle.
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| The globe at Durlston Head |
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| Durlston Castle |
From Durlston Castle we followed the signed 'permanent diversion' as noted in the SWCPA handbook. At a gate on Belle Vue Road, however, we spotted the familiar acorn long distance footpath sign and duly went through the gate, down the steps to a wooded area. We felt sure that we were heading back in the direction from whence we had come; fortunately, some local people confirmed that we were heading back on the path which had just recently been re-opened! We therefore returned - up the steps - and continued on to Peveril Point and Swanage.
In Swanage we headed for the bus station adjacent to the Swanage Railway Station. Our number 40 bus was on the stand and pulling away as we rounded the corner. The kind driver stopped to let us on, saving us an hour's wait.
*Hourly week-day service: More bus 40 (Swanage to Poole via Langton Matravers and Kingston).
- Another fine sunny day after a very wet spell of weather. Paths were very muddy in places!
- Coffee and tea at Durlston Castle.
South West Coast Path distance from Dancing Ledge to Swanage:
7.9km (5 miles);
Total distance walked: 9.5km (5.9 miles).
7.9km (5 miles);
Total distance walked: 9.5km (5.9 miles).
Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 1002km (623 miles)
From Minehead: 1002km (623 miles)
To South Haven Point: 13km (7 miles)
Swanage to South Haven Point
30 December 2014
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| Old Harry Rocks |
The final section of the 630 mile path and we were joined on it by our son, Jonathan.
We completed the Path with a linear walk, using the bus (Service 50 More Bus) from the end of the walk at South Haven Point to Swanage Bus Station, where we started our walk.
It was a glorious, sunny December day, bringing out the crowds on what was for many people a holiday. Once again there was something of lack of seats or benches on this stretch. So when we reached Old Harry Rocks we perched ourselves beside the path at the top of the cliffs and made ourselves as comfortable as we could for our mid-day picnic stop, surrounded by the day trippers, some of whom eyed us as if we were behaving rather oddly! Perhaps they thought that the idea of people picnicking in December was rather strange.
After our lunch break, we headed on and towards South Haven Point: along the sands of Studland Bay before turning the corner into Shell Bay for the short final stretch to the South West Coast Path marker adjacent to the Sandbanks Ferry.
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| Almost there...... |
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| Ice Sculpture in Shell Bay |
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| Final crossing.... |
- Another fine sunny day
- Picnic at Old Harry Rocks.
What next? Vaughan's response was to simply carry on in an easterly direction - to Dover and South Foreland at St Margaret's at Cliffe, where, it could be argued, the South Coast of England becomes the East Coast.
That is a whole other story, but we reached the lighthouse at South Foreland on Friday 07 April 2017.
Now where next?
South West Coast Path distance from Swanage to South Haven Point: 12.5km (7.8 miles);
Total distance walked: 13.5km (8.4 miles).
Total distance walked: 13.5km (8.4 miles).
Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 1015km (630 miles)
From Minehead: 1015km (630 miles)
To South Haven Point: 0km (0 miles)
