SW800 Corfe Castle to Studland
7 people attending
3 places left
This stunning route takes in the Purbeck Way and Jurassic Coast Path. It has 800m+ ascent. You can see last year’s route and photos here: https://strava.app.link/bg2THP3cv2b
To enjoy this challenge you should be ready and have:
- Completed a 500m ascent walk or mountain walk or equivalent, and feel confident about another
- Readied you muscles in the 2 weeks before the walk, such as inclined treadmill or walking slopes
- Have good footwear, worn in and able to take the rough paths in places
- Wear appropriate layers and checked the kit list
- Plenty of water and snacks to keep you going - expect to burn 3000 calories!
We will meet at one of the agreed meeting points - first is for 8.45pm
We will travel from the meeting point together to Corfe Castle, arriving at last light.
From here we will head south-east on the Purbeck Way walking trail, which will take us to Swanage.
From Swanage, we will take the coastal paths to reach Studland. In total the walk will be approximately 19 miles.
At some point during our night walking, we will stop to rest and get some sleep for as long as the majority of the group needs, starting from about 2.30 to 3.30am. Depending on cloud cover, it will start to get light from about 4-4.30am, with sunrise due for 5.03am.
From Studland Village it is a couple of miles walking along the beach to reach Studland Naturist Beach.
Swimming
This walk does not include swimming. If you choose to swim, you do so at your own risk as it is not covered by OutdoorLads's insurance.
From Studland Naturist Beach we will take the early morning route 50 bus, which will go across the ferry to Sandbanks and drop us in Bournemouth, where we will find a café to breakfast together.
Breakfast
Bournemouth Breakfast suggestion: FIFTY-TWO
Depending on our pace and sleep time, we will aim to reach the breakfast cafe in Bournemouth by 10am and to finish by around 11 am.
Parking and Logistics
For those arriving by car - it is suggested to park overnight in Wareham - I will message you with the best street close to our meeting point.
Images:
All images taken by ODL event leader.
What to bring
What to Bring:
Pack a well-stocked first aid kit, a reliable headlamp, 2 to 3 litres water, ample food and water, comfortable footwear, a suitable sleeping bag and bivvy bage, and appropriate clothing layers, including rain gear.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of essential items:
Essentials:
Backpack:
Choose a comfortable and appropriately sized pack (40-70L).
Sleeping:
Bivouet (bivvy) bag - For optimum comfort you will want a lightweight, waterproof and compact bag, as we will only sleep for about 2 hours, the bivvy bag.
Sleeping Bag - ideally a bag that is light but alos gives warmth.
Pillow - bring a lightweight and compact camping pillow or you can even use a mound or the slope of the ground to rest the head on.
Yoga mat - is useful to lessen damp on the body.- Safety:
- First Aid Supplies: Include essentials like antiseptic wipes, blister treatments, and any personal medications.
Headlamp: Essential for navigating in the dark.
Emergency Blanket: For warmth in case of unexpected situations.
Whistle: For signaling in emergencies - many good walking backpacks, have a whistle integrated on the front strap.
- First Aid Supplies: Include essentials like antiseptic wipes, blister treatments, and any personal medications.
- Footwear:
- Hiking Boots or Trail Runners: Ensure they are broken in and comfortable.
- Gaiters:
Hiking Socks: Choose moisture-wicking wool socks.
- Clothing:
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you dry.
Insulating Layers: Fleece or down jackets to give warmth - especially necessary for when we sleep: being in contact with the ground, in combination with not moving can lower the body temperature.
Outer Layer: Rain jacket and pants to protect from the elements.
Hat and Gloves: For extra warmth.
Beanie: for head
Buff: helps to create additional warmth e.g. neck and head.
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you dry.
- Other:
- Toiletries: For the morning you may like to have a travel-sized essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper can be useful.
- Sunscreen, Hat, and Insect Repellent: For protection from the sun and insects.
Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from the sun.
Camera: To capture memories.
Cash: In case you need it for emergencies or unexpected expenses.
Food & drink
A 31 km night walk requires a strategic nutrition plan that focuses on sustained energy, consistent fueling to avoid "hitting the wall" (glycogen depletion), and maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance throughout the night. The goal is to consume roughly 250–300 calories per hour, focusing on carbohydrates, a few weeks before the walk - I will share more detailed nutrition advice in a chat group.
Last year I burnt around 3,000 calories during this walk: the distance and prolonged time walking, sleep deprivation and potential for cold overnight temperatures - means that a good nutrition plan will help you to complete the challenge with more comfort.
NB - As this is a night walk, eateries and supermarkets along the way will be closed- it means that you will need to plan what you will eat. are no shops through the course of this walk.
It is better to have too much food rather than not enough.
You can expect to feel very hungry during the hours between sunrise (5.03am) and arrival at Studland Beach (approximately 8.00am). This is especially so, as it won’t be until around 10am that we will arrive in Bournemouth to the breakfast cafe destination.
- Water:
- Water Bottles or Bladder: Carry enough water for the duration of the hike, 2-3 L recommended.
- Water Filter or Purification Tablets: To treat water from natural sources.
- There is a toilet block at Studland Village, where we can top up our water from the tap.
- Food:
- Snacks and Meals: Pack calorie-rich, lightweight, and non-perishable foods.
A little extra food: In case of delays or emergencies.
- Snacks and Meals: Pack calorie-rich, lightweight, and non-perishable foods.