Door to the Castle
11 people attending
4 places left
A demanding hike from Durdle Door to Corfe Castle along the South West Coast path.
We will take in some of the best bits of the Dorset Jurassic coastline including:
- Durdle Door
- Lulworth Cove
- Fossil Forest
- Worbarrow Bay
- Tyneham Village
- Kimmeridge Bay
- Chapmans Pool
- Square & Compass
- Corfe Castle
This is a linear hike: Start Durdle Door, End Corfe Castle
You will need take responsibility for making your own way to/from the start/end points
This is a demanding hike: There are few options to shorten or bale out once started, you should ensure a high level of fitness before embarking.
The Purbeck Breezer route 30 runs a service from Swanage to Dorchester (via Woodyhyde, Corfe Castle & Durdle Door). The 09:30 from Swanage (09:46 Corfe Castle) arrives at Durdle Door (B3700) at 10:36. Group 'all day roam' tickets are available, if staying at Woodyhyde see event leader who will organise groups tickets to Durdle Door.
Make a weekend of it? There are two events this weekend, why not sign up for both!
- Saturday: Door to the Castle
- Sunday: Studland and Harry's
If doing both events you might like to stay at a campsite, hostel or B&B nearby, options include:
Dogs: Are very welcome to join us on this event but we do ask that owners adhere to the Countryside Code at all times - see (Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control)
© Copyright N Chadwick and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
What to bring
For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the terrain of the walk - keep in mind the following:
Boots: Hiking boots that are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support, are important as soon as you encounter any mud. Cross trainers may suffice in good weather and flat routes.
Socks: Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.
Walking Trousers: (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than Jeans which are heavy and cold when wet. From April to October shorts are usually a better bet.
Waterproof Over-Trousers: essential in any significant rainfall. Breathable ones are best.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. E.g. a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, and in cooler weather an outer layer consisting of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece.
Waterproof Jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather. You get what you pay for with these. Breathable fabrics are advisable.
Hat: essential both in mid winter to preserve heat and in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Gloves: essential in frosty weather.
Small Rucksack: One that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.
Sunglassses: April- Sept: comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye
Water: even in winter one can loose a litre or more of fluid by perspiration. If you fail to make this up you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water, but higher maintenance.
Food: a packed lunch will be required unless otherwise stated. In addition carry energy bars or similar to counter 'sugar lows'.
Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these!
Food & drink
Bring plenty of food, snacks and water....it'll be a long day with no shops or cafe's on the route.
There should be opportunity to top-up water cannisters at Lulworth and Kimmeridge. Bring capacity for carrying a minimum of 2 litres.