Two Days exploring the Isle of Purbeck

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Lowland and Hill Walks
Apr 15
2023

6 people attending

2 places left

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26 miles (42 km) and 4450 ft (1355 m) of ascent over two days with a night wild camping

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)

Corfe Castle
Chalk escarpment
Cave camp moonlight over the sea
Sunrise from cave camp
Inside cave
Caves formed by quarrying
Caves formed by quarrying
Cave on the coast
Approaching Chapman's Pool
Chapman's Pool
Returning to Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle
Chalk escarpment
Cave camp moonlight over the sea
Sunrise from cave camp
Inside cave
Caves formed by quarrying
Caves formed by quarrying
Cave on the coast
Approaching Chapman's Pool
Chapman's Pool
Returning to Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle