Two Days exploring the Isle of Purbeck
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A two day circuit of the Isle of Purbeck . The coastal section is part of the dramatic landscape of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The route starts and finishes at the picturesque Dorset village of Corfe Castle.
The route follows the chalk escarpment eastwards to Ballard Down, then turns southward along the coast to Swanage. There are refreshments here, including an excellent fish & chip shop, which is great for a lunch stop. Beyond Swanage, the route passes above impressive limestone cliffs, where there are numerous caves created by quarrying in the area from the 18th century to the early 1930s. If the tide is out, we can scramble down to Dancing Ledge. Here there's a shallow tidal rock pool created at the start of the 20th century to provide a place for local school children to paddle. West of Dancing Ledge there are further caves below the coast path, created by quarrying, specifically at Hedbury, Seacombe and Winspit quarries. The caves are not very deep, but are extensive and fascinating to explore. The caves provide shelter, even in heavy rain. The relaxing sound of waves crashing on the rocks below will mesmerise you. Dolphins have been spotted swimming off this stretch of coast.
The route continues west along the coast. The next section around St Aldhelm's Head, around Chapman's Pool and over Houns-tout Cliff is a challenging rollercoaster with repeated ascents and descents. St Aldhelm's Chapel dates from the Norman period, we can stop for a break here. Beyond Houns-tout Cliff, the coast path undulates more gently before descending to Kimmeridge Bay, where there's a tap to refill water. From here the route cuts inland, skirting around the perimeter of the Lulworth MoD Ranges, then picks up the chalk escarpment that leads east back to Corfe Castle. There are some good pubs in Corfe Castle for a celebratory drink at the end.
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(All photos used by kind permission of Morgan Commins)
What to bring
Please do contact me with any questions.
The coast path includes some steep ascents and descents, so trekking poles are recommended to reduce knee strain.
Bring your walking rear gear, at this time of year being prepared for all weathers. It's quite a long walk, so we will be taking rest breaks from t time to time, so it makes sense to have additional clothes and a survival bag and torch.
There may be an opportunity for a paddle in the tidal pool at Dancing Ledge, so bring a towel and swimming trunks if you wish to partake.
Food & drink
On the first day we will stop for lunch in Swanage. There are plenty of shops here to buy lunch, including an excellent fish & chip shop. Beyond Swanage there are no further places to buy food on the route, so it's necessary to carry enough for an evening meal, plus breakfast and lunch the following day.
Drinking water is available from taps at the beach in Swanage, lunchtime on the first day. It will be necessary to carry enough water for the remainder of the first day and for the morning of the second day. There are public toilets with an outside tap in Kimmeridge, which we'll reach lunchtime on the second day. Two or three litres of water should be sufficient. Refilling water bottles from streams in this area is not recommended, even with purification, due to the agricultural nature of the area.